Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, March 21:

A meeting of the Human Rights and Peace Society today called on the government to lift the state of emergency and restore democracy, lift press censorship and allow free movement of individuals. It also called on the government to release Krishna Pahadi, the founding chairperson. The meet also termed the February 1 Royal move as against the spirit of human rights and democracy. The Society also called on the Maoists not to organise blockades and strikes and urged them to halt abduction of teachers, students and politicians. It further condemned the killing of journalist Dhan B Rokka. Meanwhile, the Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Studies also condemned the killing of Rokka who was reportedly killed by the Maoists two years ago following his abduction. The centre demanded the Maoists to explain Rokka’s killing. It also urged the government to release Rajesh Chandra Rajbhandary, chairman of FNJ Baglung branch and its secretary Hari Narayan Gautam, and Deependra Chauhan.