Home Minister Shakti Basnet on Monday defended government record on human rights, particularly in dealing with protests in the Tarai, saying that the government has done no wrong when it came to rights issues.

He argued that keeping the supply line open and protecting life and public and private property are government priorities.

The National Human Rights Commission had sought information from Minister Basnet and Home Secretary Narayan Gopal Malego on government response to Tarai protests and earthquake victims.

The call from the national rights watchdog on Monday came two days after Sadbhawana Party Chairman Rajendra Mahato was injured in a clash between protesters and police on Biratnagar-Jogbani border on Saturday.

At least 53 people, including nine security personnel, have died in protests in the Tarai, which have continued for the last five months.

While briefing the NHRC, Minister Basnet claimed that security forces “have been acting responsibly while dealing with protesters”.

Stating that the government is committed to protecting and promoting human rights, Minister Basnet told the national rights body that it was also working to end the crises through dialogue.

An NHRC report published last month after field monitoring has concluded that police used excessive force against protesters.  During Monday’s meeting,

NHRC Chairperson Anup Raj Sharma told Minster Basnet that the government must act as the guardian of the people. He also urged the government to honour the rights of people guaranteed by the constitution. “We hope the government will take our suggestions and live up to its promises of addressing the needs of the general public,” said Mohna Ansari, Spokesperson for the NHRC.

On government response to earthquake victims who have been living in temporary shelters in different parts of the country, Minister Basnet told the commission that the government has started distributing warm clothes.

Eight months after the devastating earthquake, which killed nearly 9,000 people and injured thousand others, the government on Friday appointed Sushil Gyawali as the Chief Executive Officer of the National Reconstitution Authority, which will oversee the reconstruction and rehabilitation works. Reports have surfaced that at least a dozen people living in temporary shelters have died of cold in various districts.