Kathmandu, January 26:

The New York-based Human Rights Watch has called on both the warring factions to the conflict to immediately “cease targeting” political activists in the “run-up” to the upcoming elections.

It has warned that the country will face dire consequences if the situation goes out of hand.

“Nepalis are caught between two violent forces that operate without regards to people’s rights. Both the King and the Maoists must step back from the brink before Nepal sinks deeper into disaster,” said an HRW statement quoting Sam Zarifi, its research director of the Asia division.

The fundamental human rights such as free speech and right to assemble, according to the international watchdog, have come under severe attack and often “unlawfully suspended” following the King taking over full executive power last year,” said the HRW statement released today. The HRW urged the government to immediately release all those detained or kept under house arrest and voiced concern over the continued use of the Public Security Act (PSA) to arrest protesters.

“These events give the lie to the King’s repeated statements about his firm belief in democracy,” said Zarifi. “If he wants his public commitments to fundamental liberties to be taken seriously, he has to show that his forces will respect basic human rights standards,” said the statement.

Likewise, it urged the Maoists to avoid targeting civilians in course of their increasing attacks on security forces.