Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, February 28:

Human rights activists, teachers and professors today called for the restoration of fundamental rights of the people, peace and democracy in the country. “We don’t believe in violence either. All we ask is for is peace, restoration of democracy and human rights,” said Suresh Chandra Pokharel, vice chairman of the Human Rights and Peace Society (HURPES) speaking at an interaction organised by the HURPES. He expressed deep concern over the press censorship and curtailment on the free flow of information. Purushottam Dahal, chairman of HURPES said, “We neither support violence nor the recent turn of events in the name of bringing about peace in the country.”

Authorities concerned are adopting dual policy, said Babu Ram Adhikary, general secretary of the Nepal Teachers Association adding, “They are claiming to be liberal while they are controlling the Press. The education sector has been affected the most due to the current situation, he said adding, some 166 teachers have already lost their lives in the ongoing conflict. Rameshwor Upadhyay, representative of Nepal Teachers Association pointed out the need to carefully assess the situation and collectively take steps for the interest of democracy. Other speakers were of the view that justice was not possible in absence of democracy.