President Ram Baran Yadav inaugurated a human rights conference with a very fancy name - Human Rights National Magna Meet 2009 – on Tuesday, where more than 150 civil society organsations met to discuss human rights situation, peace process and civic security issues. Republica reports:
“Human rights will be limited to ideal if people’s right to food, shelter and clothing are not ensured,” the president said while referring to the need for translating human rights commitments into practice.
Maina Sunuwar’s mother must definitely agree that human rights commitments are limited in practice. She is begging the government to arrest Major Niranjan Basnet, who is accused of involvement in the murder her 15-year-old daughter five years ago. The Kathmandu Post writes:
Four days after the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations decided to repatriate Maj. Niranjan Basnet for his involvement in serious human rights violations in connection with the murder of 15-year-old Maina Sunuwar, the victim’s family has written to Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal to take initiatives for Basnet’s arrest. It’s unclear whether Maj. Basnet, who had been serving on the UN peace mission in Chad, has arrived here.
Among other things unclear are also the identities of men who brutally attacked the Rukum-based reporter of Rajdhani newspaper, Tika Bista, yesterday. Rajdhani writes:
Bista was found unconscious in a jungle near her apartment. Her body was found dumped 20 metres below from the road.
Earlier, she had reported threats from local Maoist cadres because of a report published in a local paper.
Bista was unconscious for seven hours due to the beatings. She has sustained serious injuries on her head.
The tales of mistreatment are not over. Students of Padma Kanya Campus have claimed that senior officials of Birendra Police Hospital misbehaved with them while they were returning for a rally in support of Suntali Dhami. Dhami was allegedly raped by six of her colleagues at a police station in Achham. The Himalayan Times quotes one of the students:
“Even DSP Ram Chandra Rai and inspectors pulled our college dress, sari,” she said. “They also used abusive language during the scuffle.”
Now for some good news: The Maoists called off the transport strike that was planned for today. The Himalayan Times reports why:
United National People’s Movement today told the All Nepal Trade Union Federation to call of the transport strike, citing pressure from public, as December 9 was an auspicious day for marriage ceremonies.
However, strikes in industries and factors were not withdrawn. We guess it’s because the workers need to attend those marriage ceremonies.
The Maoists have also postponed Tharuwan banda which was scheduled to continue until 18 December. The banda was called in protest of the Kailali incident, but was postponed because of the Sudurpaschim Mahotsav (far-western festival).
(Posted by Indu Nepal)