Kathmandu, July 5

Truth and Reconciliation Commission member Madhabi Bhatta has demanded formulation of an ad hoc provision to address  issues relating to the use of children during the Maoist insurgency.

Writing a three point note to TRC Chairman Surya Kiran Gurung today, Bhatta said the TRC Act and its regulations didn’t define the use of children in conflict as a serious human rights violation. “If we refrain from making our perspective clear regarding the use of children in conflict, it would give a wrong message,” read her note. “TRC has to come up with a clear view on such issues before it finishes receiving complaints.”

Likewise, Bhatta said the TRC regulations were not victim-centric, but was rather formulated with the motive of giving amnesty to perpetrators and demanded immediate correction.

Talking to The Himalayan Times, Bhatta said she submitted a note to Chairman Gurung with the view to making the TRC a  truly a victim-centric body.