/// Press Releases \\\

Condemnation of Attack on Human Rights Defenders and Red Cross Personnel in Pathibhara Mukumulung

We strongly condemn the attack by the “No Cable Car” group on February 20 against INSEC representatives and Red Cross personnel engaged in rescue efforts in the Pathibhara Mukumulung area. INSEC representative Elina Diyali, Nepal Red Cross Society Taplejung District Chairperson Indra Gurung, and Taplejung Chamber of Commerce and Industry General Secretary and lifelong Red Cross member Kamal Limbu were en route to the incident site to rescue injured security personnel and protesters during the clash between the “No Cable Car” group and police in Kaflepati, Pungling Municipality-9 and 10. During the incident, their vehicle (Me 1 Ja 2579) was vandalized, and the driver, Rajkumar Paudel (35) of Pungling Municipality-9, sustained serious injuries, including a deep head wound. As treatment was not possible at the district hospital, he was transferred to B&C Hospital in Birtamod, Jhapa, for further medical care.

Despite challenging circumstances, human rights defenders in Nepal have consistently carried out their work without obstruction. Nepal’s Constitution and laws guarantee the right to free movement and the ability of human rights defenders to monitor events without interference. However, in this case, a vehicle transporting rights defenders—who had provided prior notification to both the protesting parties and the administration about their rescue mission—was deliberately attacked. Those responsible must be held accountable. We call on the leadership of the “No Cable Car” group to ensure that such incidents do not recur, guarantee the free and unhindered movement of human rights defenders, and take legal action against those involved in the attack.

Bijay Raj Gautam

Executive Director