OHCHR-N Chief Richard Bennett on Friday called on Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal to draw the latter´s attention to the use of sticks and rods and use of children in the strike.[break]
"I raised concern about increasing use of violence, about the use of children, exploitation of children, about carrying of lathis, rods and other weapons, which are not part of a peaceful protests," Bennett said at a press conference after the meeting.
When asked about what does he mean by "other weapons" he said, "They were carrying lathis. I mentioned particularly big sticks ... and iron rods. We have not found other weapons. There has been some suggestions of carrying of khukuris. But we do not have a verification."
He said his office is deeply concerned about increasing violence and intimidation in the past couple of days of the strike.
Urging the Maoists to respect people´s rights to peaceful assembly, Bennett condemned the beatings by Maoist cadres of persons they allege to be infiltrators.
OHCHR-N has also commended the police for being professional and appropriate while handing the protests but raised concern over what it said excessive use of force by the police in Birgunj on Thursday.
He also expressed concern over the impact of the strike on poor and disadvantaged section of the society, urging the Maoists to ensure people´s right to fundamental rights and freedoms and access to essential goods and service.
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