Kathmandu, March 26:

Demanding punishment against those found guilty of the Gaur killings, rights activists and members of the civil society staged a sit-in at Ratna Park.

Speaking at a gathering organised by the Human Rights and Peace Society, rights activist Sushil Pyakurel said the government should nab those involved in the Gaur killings and bring them to justice.

“If need be, the government should seek help from India to get hold of the offenders,” he said, adding, “They are criminals no matter where they go,” he said.

Terming the killings a barbaric act, Kapil Shrestha said, “The killings show that there is no governance. People can never be free when criminals go scoot-free,” he said.

Bishnu Nisthuri, president of the Federation of Nepalese Journalists, said the massacre also “murdered” the Nepali civilisation.

“The peace process should not be derailed,” he said, adding, “Another Gaur-like incident may occur if the government delays action against those indicted by the Rayamajhi Commission.”

A human rights activist, Krishna Pahadi, said it was time the government ratified the International Criminal Justice convention to end the culture of impunity.

“Crime against humanity is not only condemnable but also punishable. Impunity and lawlessness will thrive in the country if the government does not ratify the convention,” he said.