NHRC laments human rights abuses during Terai agitations
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has expressed serious concern over the media reports about human rights violations during the agitations in Terai.
Issuing a press statement on Sunday, NHRC said serious human rights abuses were committed by the two factions of Janatantrik Terai Mukti Morcha (JTMM), the Chure Bhawar Ekta Samaj (CBES) and Madhesi Tigers during their bandhs (general strikes) in recent days. The rights watchdog noted that one person died in a clash that took place following a dispute over alleged mistreatment of Madhesi people during the ongoing bandh called by CBES in Terai districts while a CBES member was killed in police firing on Friday. Likewise, two persons were killed by the JTMM-Goit and JTMM-Jwala Singh each last week.
Ambulances and vehicles used by human rights monitors also obstructed by bandh organisers, NHRC said.
Describing these activities as acts of serious human rights violation, the NHRC asked the agitating groups to stop attacks, abductions and forced bandhs. The rights body also urged the government to respect civic rights and use minimum force while maintaining security.