Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, March 26:

Expressing serious concern over murders, abductions and intimidation of civilians by the Maoists, the Biratnagar-based eastern regional office of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) today asked the latter to respect human rights and follow international humanitarian laws. The Maoists recently abducted Prakash Subba, a resident of Kerabari VDC-6 of Jhapa, and slit his throat at Rajghat VDC-6 in Morang district, a statement issued by the regional office said. Seven security personnel were seriously wounded when a landmine placed underneath Subba’s body went off. The Maoists also abducted an ex-chairman of Beltar VDC, Udaypur, Man Kumar Rai, the statement said, adding that Musung Ghising, Devi Karki and Benu Budhathoki of Govindapur VDC-5 and Laxmi Guragain of Morang were also abducted.

Furthermore, the Maoists forced Bal Bahadur Rai of Baraul VDC-4 in Sunsari and Tek Bahadur Karki of Topgachhi VDC in Jhapa out of their homes over a dispute and captured their homes and land. The regional office said it had received a number of complaints from families of security personnel against the Maoists, who have threatened to kill them if they failed to get their relatives to quit their job. “Such acts are instances of the Maoists’ gross violation of human rights,” said the statement issued by Jeev Narayan Shrestha, NHRC’s regional director,

warning the Maoists not to repeat such activities.