Kathmandu, May 27:

Leaders of civil society today condemned the activities of the Maoist-affiliated Young Communist League (YCL), while also urging the government to stop impunity.

“Impunity has been institutionalised in the country due to the weak stand of the government,” said human rights activists Krishna Pahadi. He was speaking at a programme organised here to mark the 46th anniversary of Amnesty International, Nepal.

He urged the government to ratify the International Criminal Court statute in order to stop impunity. Pahadi also criticised the Maoists for not allowing the displaced people to return home and not returning seized property. He expressed concern about YCL activities and the threats on the media and lawyers.

Chairman of Human Rights Home, Subodh Raj Pyakurel, said the country may be called a failed state as the politicians are not treading the right path.

Chairman of Civil Society for Peace and Development Dr Sundar Mani Dixit said people are ready to abolish monarchy, but Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala wants to retain it.

“The prime minister wants (king) Gyanendra’s grandson Hridayendra to become the king, but there is no guarantee that he will not repeat his grandfather’s mistakes,” Dixit said. “Retaining monarchy in any form will pose a danger to the country,” he added.

Former vice-president of Nepal Bar Association, Sher Bahadur KC, called upon the government to respect human rights and the rule of law.