THT 10 YEARS AGO: Amnesty International flays attacks on civilians

KATHMANDU: Amnesty International (AI) today condemned mounting attacks on civilians by the Maoists and called on the rebels to respect human rights and abide by the international humanitarian standards. The AI has received reports of at least 14 civilians killed by the Maoists since the beginning of May. This figure includes seven passengers who were killed on May 9 — along with seven Royal Nepal Army (RNA) soldiers and one Armed Police Force official. The Maoists had opened fire at a public bus in Dolakha. “There has also been an increase in the bombing and ambushing of civilian targets by the CPN (Maoists)”, a statement issued from London said. The latest attacks, among others, include the bombing of the Sinkitar Land Integration Project in Bhaktapur on May 3, the Agriculture Development Bank office, the main market in Dhulabari on May 8 and 9, the Bhaktapur Survey Office and the Moondrops Overseas Services in Kathmandu on May 10. The Maoists also reportedly ambushed an ambulance in Charaudi, Dhading. At least eight civilians were injured in these attacks. The AI is also seriously concerned over the recent alleged mass abductions by the Maoists of teachers and students for forced ‘education’ sessions.

New statute alone can solve Dalit problems: Ex-speaker

KATHMANDU: Former Speaker of the House of Representatives Daman Nath Dhungana said today that more than four million Dalits would get a dignified status in society provided that a new constitution is drafted through an election to a constituent assembly. “But you (Dalits) have to come up with a concrete proposal to incorporate your problems in the new constitution, which will be drafted by the people themselves,” Dhungana said, addressing a talk programme organised by the Janamorcha Nepal aligned Nepal National Dalit Liberation Organisation on “the question of Dalits’ liberation in the context of ongoing anti-regression movement”. He said that the country lagged behind in development because of discrimination against Dalits. Dhungana, who has been campaigning for the constituent assembly, said, “Socio-economic and political condition of the downtrodden communities will remain unchanged unless their problems are addressed properly in the new constitution.” Leelamani Pokharel, Vice-President of the Janamorcha Nepal, said the ongoing movement launched by the five parties has tried to address multi-dimensional issues of society emanated from economic disparities for decades. “Restructuring the political system can help resolve the issues raised by the Dalits,” he said. Political Science professor Krishna Khanal claimed monarchy was the obstacle to Nepal’s overall development.

HIMALAYAN NEWS SERVICE
KATHMANDU: Amnesty International (AI) today condemned mounting attacks on civilians by the Maoists and called on the rebels to respect human rights and abide by the international humanitarian standards. The AI has received reports of at least 14 civilians killed by the Maoists since the beginning of May. This figure includes seven passengers who were killed on May 9 — along with seven Royal Nepal Army (RNA) soldiers and one Armed Police Force official. The Maoists had opened fire at a public bus in Dolakha. “There has also been an increase in the bombing and ambushing of civilian targets by the CPN (Maoists)”, a statement issued from London said. The latest attacks, among others, include the bombing of the Sinkitar Land Integration Project in Bhaktapur on May 3, the Agriculture Development Bank office, the main market in Dhulabari on May 8 and 9, the Bhaktapur Survey Office and the Moondrops Overseas Services in Kathmandu on May 10. The Maoists also reportedly ambushed an ambulance in Charaudi, Dhading. At least eight civilians were injured in these attacks. The AI is also seriously concerned over the recent alleged mass abductions by the Maoists of teachers and students for forced ‘education’ sessions.

New statute alone can solve Dalit problems: Ex-speaker

KATHMANDU: Former Speaker of the House of Representatives Daman Nath Dhungana said today that more than four million Dalits would get a dignified status in society provided that a new constitution is drafted through an election to a constituent assembly. “But you (Dalits) have to come up with a concrete proposal to incorporate your problems in the new constitution, which will be drafted by the people themselves,” Dhungana said, addressing a talk programme organised by the Janamorcha Nepal aligned Nepal National Dalit Liberation Organisation on “the question of Dalits’ liberation in the context of ongoing anti-regression movement”. He said that the country lagged behind in development because of discrimination against Dalits. Dhungana, who has been campaigning for the constituent assembly, said, “Socio-economic and political condition of the downtrodden communities will remain unchanged unless their problems are addressed properly in the new constitution.” Leelamani Pokharel, Vice-President of the Janamorcha Nepal, said the ongoing movement launched by the five parties has tried to address multi-dimensional issues of society emanated from economic disparities for decades. “Restructuring the political system can help resolve the issues raised by the Dalits,” he said. Political Science professor Krishna Khanal claimed monarchy was the obstacle to Nepal’s overall development.
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