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Over
100% increase of killings during emergency in Nepal
Call for establishment of a Commission of Inquiry
New Delhi:
Asian Centre for Human Rights in a press release stated that the
number of persons killed during the emergency in Nepal increased
by over 100% with the killing of 655 persons i.e. 7.55 persons per
day from 1 February to 30 April 2005. While the Royal Nepal Army
personnel have killed 530 persons, the Maoists have killed 125 persons
including those killed in land mine explosions. The number of persons
killed prior to the imposition of emergency was 3.44 persons per
day with 11,358 persons killed from 13 February 1996 to 28 February
2005. Majority of the persons killed during the emergency are innocent
civilians who were deliberately executed both by the RNA and the
Maoists.
Over 3,000 political activists have been arrested during the
emergency and thousands including those who have been charged under
Public Safety Act or put under house arrest like leader of the CPN
(UML), Madhav Nepal continue to remain under detention. About a
dozen journalists also have not been released.
“The
emergency has failed to make any dent on the Maoists. Rather, it
has increased mistrust between the King and democratic forces to
the advantage of the Maoists” – stated Suhas Chakma,
Director Asian Centre for Human Rights.
“While
lifting of emergency is a step in the right direction, unless all
those detained during the emergency including those who are being
detained under the Public Safety Act as well as under the Royal
Commission Against Corruption Control Ordinance are unconditionally
released, human rights defenders have free access across the country
and journalists can enjoy freedom of expression, it will not improve
the repressive situation” – stated Mr Suhas Chakma, Director
of Asian Centre for Human Rights.
Asian Centre for Human Rights
called for establishment of a Commission of Inquiry to investigate
excesses committed during emergency and repeal of all the ordinances
imposed during the emergency including the Local Administration
Fifth Amendment Ordinance to bring back Panchayat rule and the Royal
Commission Against Corruption Control Ordinance. It also urged the
international community not to lift arms embargo on Nepal until
a multi-party government is established.
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