Kathmandu, October 2

Former commissioners and members of the National Human Rights Commission have expressed serious concern about the ongoing agitation in the Tarai-Madhes region, which, according to them, has created social and economic crisis in the country.

They said the blockade imposed by the agitating parties and groups at border checkpoints has severely affected supply of essential goods and threatened the livelihoods of tens of thousands of people.

“We, former commissioners of the National Human Rights Commission, state unequivocally that this is totally unacceptable from the standpoint of human rights and human dignity,” read a press statement issued by former NHRC officials.

The statement has been jointly issued by former NHRC chairperson Kedar Nath Upadhyay and members Gauri Shanker Lal Das, Sushil Pyakurel, Kapil Shrestha, Gauri Pradhan, KB Rokaya, Ram Nagina Singh and Ram Dayal Rakesh.

“The border points linking the country with the southern neighbour are vital for various reasons. They serve as a lifeline for the national economy. In social terms, the blockade has affected people from all walks of life, especially the educational institutions and health centres.

Hospitals everywhere are facing shortage of medicinal supplies and oxygen. Ambulance services have been halted due to shortage of fuel,” read the statement.

With the crisis deepening every passing day, the former NHRC commissioner and members have also appealed to the United Nations and international human rights organisations and NHRC to address the humanitarian crisis.

“We demand those involved in the ongoing Tarai agitation to lift the blockade at border checkpoints, which has been affecting the education, health and livelihoods of the general public. We also urge the government to take urgent steps to address the genuine demands of agitating parties and groups,” said the statement.