NHRC raises questions over protests against draft statute

KATHMANDU, July 29: The National Human Rights Commission has raised serious questions over the protests in Tarai districts during feedback collection on the draft constitution as well as the conduct of the security forces in dealing with protestors.

In a press statement issued by NHRC Spokesperson Mohana Ansari, the commission said it found children had been used during the protest, which is against the fundamental principle of human rights.Likewise, the NHRC has stated that the act of vandalism at functions organized to collect public feedback is also against the human rights principle since people have the right to give their suggestions on the draft constitution. "The commission also found that the activities of the protesters were not peaceful and respectful," stated the press statement.

However, the commission's monitoring team has concluded that tension grew in different places in Tarai as police interfered in peaceful protest programs. The NHRC has also said that excessive use of force on children and people not involved in the protest is illegal.

The NHRC team conducted study in Dhanusha and Rautahat districts after receiving complaints of excessive use of force by security forces.

Meanwhile, the NHRC has urged the government to provide free treatment to Dinesh Kumar Sah, the 14 year old boy who sustained injuries in the Janakpur incident.

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