Kathmandu, March 22, 2008

All political groups in Nepal, including the Maoists, must stop using violence and intimidation in the run up to crucial polls planned for April, the United Nations Mission in Nepal stated in first of a series of reports on poll preparations released here today.

The report adds that there has been an upsurge of killings, violence and intimidation against candidates and voters in the past two weeks in the restive Tarai region. It states, “The electoral campaign is increasingly taking a violent turn, with daily reports of clashes between party supporters, use of other forms of violence, intimidation and threats.

There is a marked gulf of distrust and hostility among political parties. “Maoists, particularly their youth wing the Young Communist League, have been preventing campaigning in areas traditionally under their control, which the UN said was creating a climate of fear. Maoist cadres have attacked political opponents and the UN said it had evidence that in at least one instance the violence was pre-planned.

“The pattern of these incidents has raised serious questions about whether the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist), or significant parts of it, are willing to engage in a genuinely free and fair democratic process,” the UNMIN said.

Mainstream parties did not escape censure either, and the world body said they needed to make sure that their own youth organisations did not send large numbers of supporters to polling booths to intimidate voters on election day.

Minister locks security staff quarters

Kathmandu, March 22, 2008

Minister for Forest and Soil Conservation Matrika Prasad Yadav today left his official residence at Pulchowk accusing the government of failing to provide him adequate security. He also padlocked the security quarters on his residential premises. Emotional Yadav loaded his belongings on a vehicle and left the place.

One of his close aides said Yadav has left for Tarai to participate in Holi festivities and was unlikely to return any time soon. Yadav also padlocked the quarters used by his security staff on the premises of his official residence. Earlier, at a press briefing, Yadav said the government didn’t provide him adequate security. Eleven Nepal Army personnel have been deployed for his security, including one who is with him when he is out.

But minister Yadav wanted all members of the security team to be with him when he is out campaigning for polls. However, his security staff had told him that they needed Nepal Army’s permission to do so.

“At a time when the security situation is worsening in the Tarai region, I wanted the members of my security team to be with me wherever I go,” he said, adding, “That has not happened due to the Chief of the Army Staff.”

“What is the use of the security staff if I cannot use them whenever I need them,” he wondered.