Both the government and Maoists should let the people of the nation live independently by respecting basic law and order.

Maoists have become so violent that they are senselessly destroying infrastructure development by damaging bridges, roads, telephone exchanges, electrical powerhouses, VDC offices and the buildings of government offices.

Even though the country is facing all kinds of problems, each and every person should get the chance to live independently and not a single Nepali should be deprived of such a right.

An interaction programme on ‘condition of human rights during the emergency period’ was organised here by the joint ventures of Informal Sector Service Centre (INSEC) and a local human rights NGO, Resang Unit. The programme, which was held in the presence of several distinguished persons, discussed the number of incidents taking place regarding the violation of human rights.

According to a press release issued at the programme, the incidents took place during the last 6 years and as of 15th March 2002, the number of people killed by the government were 2,502 whereas Maoists had killed 1,211. Among them, 1, 981 Maoists, 653 policemen, 97 army personnel, the rest being students, teachers, political cadres and general public. After the State of Emergency was declared, 1,077 were killed by the State and 405 were killed by the Maoists, among which 992 were Maoists, 177 were policeman, 75 were army personnel and the remaining ones were students, teachers, businessmen, political cadres and general public.

During the 5 months of Emergency period, which was imposed in the country in order to control and suppress the Maoist problem, rather than achieving success in this mission, Maoist activities are still going on in abundance. As of late, the Maoists are looking even more violent and even more vengeful compared to previous times.

Not only are they damaging the country’s infrastructure, but they are also stealing private as well as public property, thus helping the nation, which is trying to develop, fall backwards into a state of virtual closure. In this way, the Geneva Convention has neither been followed by the government, nor by the Maoists.

Emphasizing the need for ‘peace talks’, participants were trying to concentrate the attention of all parties to help create an environment whereby the Maoists would stop their futile attacks.

Representatives of many NGOs, activists of human rights, intellectuals and even the representatives of security forces led the programme, where speakers were calling upon both Maoists and the government to protect civil society by ceasing to fight.