KATHMANDU: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) today drew the attention of the authorities, including the Home Ministry, on the growing trend of criminal activities and extra-judicial killings as well as custodial deaths.

A press statement issued by the NHRC said the rights body has been recording an increasing number of criminal activities at a time when people are living with insecurity.

The statement quoted chairperson of the NHRC, Kedar Nath Upadhyay, as saying that the state could very well use its power over the people and could arrest them for investigation as per the existing laws, but people in custody cannot be killed.

This (killing) is against

human rights, the state-ment said.

Today, secretary of the Home Ministry Dr Govinda Kusum, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ramesh Chandra Thakuri and other high-ranking security officials discussed the overall security situation of the country.

The NHRC has collected facts and figures of extra-judicial killings in around four dozen cases and has recommended a “way out” in around 13 cases, said

Gauri Pradhan, commissioner of the NHRC. Pradhan urged the security forces to ensure peace and security in the country.

The state should be concerned about ending impunity in the country and ensuring human rights of every citizen, the statement further said.

At the discussions today, the home secretary said around 117 armed outfits are active in the country and this has turned out to be a “challenge for the country.”

IGP of Nepal Police Thakuri said the country recorded less number of incidents of highway blockades and extortion after a special security programme was introduced.