While a joint team of the government officials and civil society has already left for an enquiry, NHRC has urged for effective and fair investigation into the matter.
Around a dozen of Dalits in the village were attacked and their houses vandalized by high-caste locals. The locals had attacked the Dalits indiscriminately following a month-old dispute over the use of a local temple at Bhimdabar village in the VDC.
In a statement issued on Sunday, NHRC has asked the government to provide free treatment to the injured, compensation to the families and rehabilitation for the needy. It has urged all the stakeholders to help book the culprits and keep peace and social harmony in the region.
“Legally, the country did away with caste discrimination long ago. The interim constitution clearly mentions that caste discrimination is not allowed and is a punishable act. However, it is very unfortunate and condemnable to see severe cases of caste discrimination,” the statement reads. “We urge the government for fair investigation into the matter, compensation for the victims and punishment to the guilty,” it adds.
The incident has been condemned by Nepal Rastriya Dalit Mukti Morcha (NRDMM). A statement issued by NRDMM also demands instant action against those involved in the inhuman act. In view of long history of lower social and economic status of the Dalits, the government needs to be proactive in securing their rights and uplift their lifestyle, the statement urges.
“The marriage between Dalits and non-Dalits are often despised by the non-dalits. Nepal was declared a state free from caste discrimination 7 years ago, however, the cases of discrimination against Dalits have not come to an end,” the statement further reads. “We urge the government to be proactive in order to stop violence against the Dalits, take stringent action against the guilty and provide due compensation and other facilities to the Dalits to uplift their poor status,” it adds.
On Friday, the Dalits were thrashed after they tried to stop the attackers from destroying their houses. According to eyewitnesses, around 100 people had manhandled and beaten the Dalits leaving many of them severely injured.
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