Kathmandu, March 31:

The Human Rights Treaty Monitoring Coordination Committee today came down heavily on the security forces for their aerial attack in Thokarpa, Sindhupalchowk district.

A civilian and two Maoists were killed in the attack.

It criticised both the government and the Maoists for violating human rights and international humanitarian laws during the incident.

The committee, following its on-the-spot investigation of the March 27 attack, said a 63-year-old civilian, Bam Bahadur Khatri, resident of Thokarpa VDC-4, was killed in the aerial attack by the Royal Nepalese Army aimed at foiling Maoists’ programme.

The attack had targeted the Bhagbhairab Higher Secondary School, where 500 Maoists and civilians had gathered.

A large number of Maoists were present in and around the school area and villages to participate in the gathering, the committee said while releasing its report.

The attack also damaged the school walls, windows, computers, furniture and library books. Socket bombs and bullets were lying scattered near the school and houses after the attack.

The report further criticised the Maoists for using civilians’ houses and property as a shield during the attack by ignoring the safety of the non-combatant people. It also condemned the Maoists for forcing the civilians to participate in their programme despite being aware of the dangers involved.

The committee demanded that the government provide immediate compensation to the victims’ families and urged both the government and the Maoists to abide by international humanitarian laws and human rights principles.

The team demanded further investigation and evaluation of loss of the school property, Ayurvedic Health Post and private property. The committee’s team comprising representatives of the Informal Sector Service Centre, HimRights Lifeline and Advocacy Forum went to the incident site from March 28-29 for investigation. They also interviewed the locals, Maoists and security forces during their investigation.