KATHMANDU: Richard Bennett, OHCHR-Nepal Representative, today demanded an independent probe into the cases of disappearance, torture and arbitrary detention by the Maoist fighters and the Nepali Army.

Bennett said human rights were abused in the violence under the political garb while impunity had not ended even after signing the peace agreement. He called on both the conflicting sides to live up to their commitment to tackle impunity.

Talking to mediapersons at Reporters’ Club, he said the victims and their families had the right

to know the truth and were entitled to relief. He expressed dissatisfaction over the promotion of NA officers convicted in human rights violation cases. He urged peace seekers to fight impunity by assisting in the independent investigation.

Bennett said he met UCPN-Maoist chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal and asked him to support the adoption of a Disappearance Bill in line with the international human rights standards in the current parliamentary sessions. He also talked to the peace minister regarding the issue.