/// Press Releases \\\

Today marks 20 years since the Bandarmudhe blast, one of the most devastating events of Nepal’s armed conflict. On June 6, 2005, cadres of the then CPN Maoist detonated an improvised explosive device targeting a public bus at Bandarmudhe Khola, located on the border of Wards 1 and 4 of the former Kalyanpur Village Development Committee in Chitwan district. The explosion killed 38 people on board, including 35 civilians and three unarmed security personnel. Among the 72 injured, four later died from their injuries, bringing the total number of deaths to 42. As we observe the 20th anniversary of this tragic event, it is important to recognize that over the past two decades, there has been little visible progress in delivering justice and providing reparation for the victims and their families. This day serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for accountability, truth, and healing.

Since the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Accord, many governments have come and gone, and numerous political agreements have been reached. However, issues of justice and reparation related to serious human rights violations, including the Bandarmudhe explosion and other armed conflict cases, continue to be neglected. There has been little concrete progress in addressing justice for the victims of these grave crimes, while the victims’ hope for justice remains unchanged. The ongoing tendency to overlook the rights of victims to justice and reparation is concerning. Moreover, the transitional justice mechanisms established in the past failed to conduct timely and thorough investigations into this incident.

Immediately following the Bandarmudhe incident on June 6, 2005, a statement was issued by Pushpa Kamal Dahal, the chairperson of the CPN (Maoist), acknowledging the mistake and pledging to investigate the incident thoroughly and disclose the truth. Over time, Chairperson Dahal has reiterated his commitment to justice on multiple occasions. However, we have observed a gradual decline in the political leadership’s stance on this issue. We call on the Government of Nepal to prioritize their commitments, agreements, and issues of transitional justice, and to initiate effective efforts toward addressing this matter.

Dr. Kundan Aryal

Chairperson