RNA denies backing village forces

Kathmandu, August 2:

The Royal Nepal Army (RNA) today said the charge that the RNA has been providing support to what the Amnesty International has termed “Village Defence Forces”, is untrue. The statement came in response to an Amnesty International report in which the army has been accused of violating human rights. “The RNA and its servicemen continue to combat Maoist terrorism. Strong measures will be taken against servicemen who are found to be involved in human rights abuses,” the Directorate of Public Relations of the RNA, issuing a press statement, said today. The RNA said it was probing into the alleged shooting of Subhadra Chaulagain, a 17-year-old girl, in Pokahri Chaur VDC in Kavre district on Feburary 13. The RNA said that it has a ‘zero tolerance’ policy regarding sexual violence against children and women.