Dang, January 31:

Inmates of Ghorahi prison, citing the changed political scenario of the country, have demanded amnesty.

Narayan Khanal of Banke, who is serving a term for rape, said: “We agree that some of us are guilty, but there are some others who are innocent. The government should give us amnesty so that we can reform ourselves.”

Nagendra Kumar Paswan of Dhanusha district, who is serving a term for robbery, urged the government to give the prisoners amnesty and the right to vote in the constituent assembly election. “There were more serious charges against the Maoists. When they could be given amnesty, the same can be given us.” Saying that the court took a long time to decide on the cases, Paswan said: “Most of the time, courts acquit people charged with crimes. But they have to remain in jail for many years and wait for verdict.”

Chandra Bahadur Thapa of Surkhet, serving time for murder, said the prisoners also have the right to experience the changed political system in the country. He warned that they would launch an agitation if their demand was not met. Another prisoner Jamuna Prasad Mahato said all old cases should be dismissed as the old statute has been scrapped.

There are 25 detainees in the Ghorai prison.