Maoists urged to declare nationwide ceasefire

Kathmandu, April 4:

Amnesty International (AI), the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) and the Asian Centre for Human Rights (ACHR) today welcomed the unilateral ceasefire announced by the Maoists in the capital yesterday.

“Pledge by the Maoists to temporarily halt military activities in the Kathmandu Valley may provide some space for peaceful political activity,” AI and the ICJ said in a joint statement.

They, however, added that the announcement “does not go far enough to ensure protection of human rights” in the country.

“What is urgently needed is some consistent demonstration by the Maoist leadership and cadres that they are fully committed to respecting their obligations under international humanitarian law,” said Purna Sen, Director of the Asia-Pacific Programme at the AI. “Attacks on civilians must end,” he added.

The statement added that any cessation of hostilities would help create an environment more conducive for the protection of human rights, but must be accompanied by efforts to address past crimes and prevent them in the future. The ICJ said the temporary commitment by the Maoists should be followed by both sides declaring an indefinite, nationwide ceasefire for a negotiated settlement.

The announcement by the Maoists follows intense negotiations with the seven-party alliance, which had urged the former to call a unilateral ceasefire to ensure that the upcoming four-day programme of pro-democracy demonstrations could be carried out peacefully.

“The security forces’ response to the upcoming demonstrations will provide the international community with a clear indication of the government’s commitment to upholding human rights,” said Gerald Staberock, ICJ’s Director of Global Security and Rule of Law.

“This is an important step forward in ushering democracy in Nepal and reducing further loss of lives,” said Suhas Chakma, the ACHR director, in a press statement issued today.

Meanwhile, stating that the unilateral ceasefire declared by the Maoists in the capital was not enough, human rights defenders and the business community today demanded the rebels announce a nationwide truce. They also urged the government to allow political parties to hold peaceful demonstrations.

“Although the ceasefire in the valley announced by the Maoists is good, they should declare the truce throughout the country,” said National Human Rights Commission member Sudip Pathak.

“The Maoists should not announce truce just as the government imposes curfew in certain areas only,” he said at a programme organised by the Reporters’ Club here.

Pathak emphasised on the political parties’ right to peaceful assembly and demonstrations. He said the government has no right to use force against such activities as per international conventions.

Another human rights activist, Dr Sundar Mani Dixit, also said the political parties have the right to call a general strike in the interest of the people. “How long should we take in the illegitimate government’s illegitimate rule when the situation is going downhill?” Dixit queried.

“Although we don’t want strikes as such, there is no other option. However, the political parties should have consulted civil society representatives before announcing the strike,” he said.

Urging the business community to support the strike he said that even industries and businessmen are victims of the conflict and the political impasse.

However, Surendra Bir Malakar, president of Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC), said they will neither back nor condemn the general strike. “We have the right to carry on our business, but we don’t have anything against the strike,” he said.

He added that it is upto individual businessmen to support the strike or oppose it. “All Nepalis do not live in Kathmandu alone,” he said, urging the Maoists to declare a nationwide ceasefire.