/// Press Releases \\\

Press Statement

We condemn the arson of vehicle of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and mistreatment of NHRC staffs by cadres of Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha (SLMM) in Jutpani, Sarlahi on December 3.

A team from the NHRC had reached Nawalpur of Sarlahi to monitor the possible incidents of human rights violations in the programs organized by SLMM and Chure Bhawar Party when they came under assault of agitators. Morcha cadres vandalized and burned down the vehicle with registration number Ba7Cha 7476, according to the monitoring team of NHRC.

Morcha cadres carrying domestic weapons vandalized and torched the vehicle saying, “We do not know human rights”. Camera and documents have been destroyed in the incident. Mandira Shrestha, Bhiwa Dhungana, and other members of the monitoring team have sustained injuries in the assault by the Madhesi Morcha cadres.

Even in difficult time of armed conflict, activities of human rights defenders used to be held without any hurdles. However, journalists and human rights defenders have been the targets of protestors in the agitation ongoing in Tarai-Madhes since last three months. We conclude that the agitating sides are intolerant towards human rights defenders. Incidents where agitators have attacked and torched ambulances, medicine carrying vehicles and vehicles offering essential services have taken place in large numbers.

We urge the agitating parties to stop such misdeed targeting human rights defenders and activities of human rights organization, and ensure an environment for respect to human rights. Similarly, we call on the Nepal Government to bring the culprits to book.

Subodh Raj Pyakurel

Chairperson