Govt move to promote Basnet draws flak from rights activists

KATHMANDU, Oct 5: Rights activists and families of the disappeared on Friday demanded that the government withdraw its decision to promote Raju Basnet, who has been accused of serious human rights violations during the conflict, to the post of brigadier general in the Nepal Army.



The activists have also warned that they would take to the streets if the government does not withdraw its decision at the earliest. [break]The government on Thursday promoted Colonel Basnet to the rank of brigadier general despite protests from rights groups and activists.



Basnet had played a leading role in army operations that led to the disappearance of at least 49 detainees from the Bhairabnath Battalion in 2003, according to investigations carried out by the Office of Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). Basnet was then the commander of the battalion.



Issuing a press note on Friday, the Human Rights Alliance (HRA) said that the government has failed to demonstrate accountability for human rights violations perpetrated during the conflict.



In a press statement Advocacy Forum Nepal said Basnet´s promotion has proven that Bhattarai-led government is promoting impunity in the country.

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