KATHMANDU, March 19: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has urged the government to safeguard the lives of individuals participating in hunger strikes, particularly those affected by the unresolved issues in cooperatives.

Kushlav KC, president of the Cooperative Savers Protection National Campaign, who sustained injuries during an altercation with the police, has been on a hunger strike since March 14. The NHRC has expressed concern over KC's deteriorating health.

Being sensitive to KC's critical health condition, the NHRC has called upon the government to address the grievances of the victims through constructive dialogue.

The use of force by the police during a demonstration organized by cooperative victims in Kathmandu on March 14 has been condemned. Victims have lodged complaints with the NHRC alleging police brutality against the demonstrators.

The NHRC has also requested the government to protect the civil rights of individuals to peacefully assemble and demonstrate.