Violence and Safety Concerns at Nepali Cultural Events in San Francisco

By Madhav Marasini

California: Recent musical events in San Francisco have devolved into violent scenes, raising serious concerns about safety and community cohesion among the Nepali diaspora. What should be a celebration of culture and entertainment has instead become a platform for personal grievances and altercations. The latest incident involved Narayan Khanal, Acting Chairman of the Nepali Jan Samparka Samiti.

Reports indicate that during a musical event on Saturday, Khanal, who was allegedly intoxicated, became involved in a fight with a group of young people. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with injuries occurring during the altercation. Many attendees chose to stand by and watch, rather than intervene, highlighting a worrying trend of bystander apathy.

The response from the organisers has raised further concerns. Following the incident, they shifted the blame onto the victim, rather than addressing the more serious issues of safety and responsibility. It is becoming apparent to the general public that profit is being prioritised over the well-being of attendees.

These incidents are not isolated. Many members of the Nepali community have reported similar experiences at events, prompting calls for action. There is a growing need for dedicated venues for cultural programmes to mitigate these problems and foster a safer, more supportive environment.

As the Nepali diaspora continues to face these challenges, one pressing question remains: what will it take for organisers and leaders to prioritise safety and inclusivity over profit? In a country where the rule of law, accountability, and justice are supposed to be paramount, the reality seems starkly different. The Nepali community in America deserves better in terms of safety at events and the preservation of its cultural identity.

Community members are expressing frustration and attributing the rise in violence to the negligence of event organisers. They point out that security measures are inadequate and event arrangements are poorly managed, leaving attendees vulnerable. “These events are meant for entertainment, but they’ve turned into battlegrounds,” said one attendee, who wished to remain anonymous. “It’s disheartening to see our community being torn apart like this.”

The situation is exacerbated by the silence of some within the Nepali community, who claim to understand its cultural dynamics. Rather than supporting the victims, many appear to defend Khanal, leaving those affected by the violence feeling isolated and helpless. Victims often hesitate to speak out, fearing retaliation or judgement.