Kathmandu, May 19

The main opposition CPN-UML today condemned the government’s decision to withdraw cases filed against those who were allegedly involved in criminal offences during the Madhes and Tharuhat movements.

Issuing a strongly worded statement, UML Secretary Pradip Gyawali stated that the decision was against the rule of law, and the orders and the directives of the Supreme Court and the National Human Rights Commission as well as the universal principle of the human rights.

“It is clear the decision only institutionalises impunity and encourages criminal tendency,” Gyawali said in the statement.

The government yesterday had decided to acknowledge that the Tharuhat and Madhes movements were ‘political in nature’ and to withdraw cases filed against those who were allegedly involved in criminal offences during the movements.

Eight security personnel, including Senior Superintendent of Police Laxman Neupane, and one child were killed during a violent protest organised by the Madhes-Tharuhat parties in Tikapur of Kailali district on 24 August 2015.

Gyawali also stated that the government’s decision had lowered the morale of the security forces and encouraged them who supported violence. “With this decision, the government has rubbed salt into the wounds of victims who were awaiting justice,” the statement further read.

The UML has asked the government to withdraw its decision and conduct a fair and independent investigation into the cases  and bring the perpetrators to book.

Cabinet sources said the government took the decision in an effort to persuade the agitating Madhesi forces to participate in the second phase of local level elections.