Counselling Drivers
Summary
Two drivers set themselves on fire in separate incidents at Tripureshwar in Kathmandu after disputes with traffic police, raising concerns about road governance and driver mental health. Calls are growing for psychological counselling, better traffic management, and an impartial investigation into the deaths.
Key Points
- Arjun Dong of Makwanpur died after setting himself on fire inside a bus at Tripureshwar in Kathmandu, two months after a similar self-immolation by Ganesh Nepali at the same location.
- Both incidents followed heated arguments with traffic and security police, prompting questions about traffic governance and police conduct.
- Probe committees have been formed, and one previous report recommended a single-handling traffic system and counselling centres for transport workers.
- Rastriya Swatantra Party lawmaker Ashish Gajurel urged psychological training for drivers and greater use of technology in traffic management.
