Kathmandu, December 4

The National Human Rights Commission issued a press release saying its serious attention was drawn to the increased incidents of bomb explosion across the country. It urged the government to tighten poll security.

The rights body said failure to identify attackers in the face of increased incidents of bomb attacks had increased challenges to poll security. The NHRC has deployed its team to take stock of the condition of those who were injured in bomb attacks.

The NHRC said that the series of attacks against candidates were indicative of weak poll security.

The rights body said directives issued by the Election Commission and provisions of   national and international laws relating to holding of elections in peaceful and fear-free manner were not being implemented effectively. The attacks had shown this.

“The NHRC condemns the attacks that have injured candidates and ordinary citizens,” the NHRC said in its release.  The rights body urged the government to bring the guilty to book. It also warned the government against arresting innocent citizens on any pretext.

Stating that some arrests were being made on the basis of people’s past political association or mere suspicion, the NHRC urged the government to carry out its duty in a responsible manner.

“The NHRC urges all to ensure environment conducive for holding elections in independent, impartial and fear-free manner,” the rights body said in its release.

The NHRC said that bombs were exploded in various districts including Terhathum, Syangja, Sarlahi, Palpa, Dadeldhura, Kailali and the Capital targeting the candidates and political parties’ programmes.