UDMF cadres torch NRHC vehicle and assault staff; Human rights activists arrested

Kathmandu / December 3: In what seems as clear indication of terror act than the political movement cadres of agitating United Democratic Madhesi Front (UDMF) manhandled staffs of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the constitutional body to monitor the rights situation of the country, and torched a vehicle they were riding in Sarlahi today.

A team from the national rights body had reached Sarlahi to monitor the possible incidents of human violations in separate programmes of UDMF and Churebhawar Party scheduled at the same location, when it came under assault of armed agitators. They also set fire to their vehicle (Ba 7 Cha 7476), according to team coordinator Nitu Gartaula.

Indira Dhungana and Bhiwa Dhungana, the members of the team, suffered injuries in the assault by the UDMF cadres, who possessed home-made weapons. The vehicle was completely destroyed in the fire.

Meanwhile, Police have arrested 26 human rights activists who were staging a protest programme in front of the Indian Embassy at Lainchaur, Kathmandu today morning.

The rights activists associated to Human Rights and Peace Society Nepal were staging a protest demanding India to lift the economic embargo imposed on Nepal.

According to Ganga Prasad Adhikari, President of the Society, among the arrested are Krishna Pahadi, Renuka Poudel, Krishna Kadel, Pushpa KC, Renuka Kaucha, Januka Panta among others.

On the occasion of World Human Rights Day to be observed on December 10 every year, the Society has been conducting various programmes since Tuesday.

The Society in this connection has expedited the collection of signatures from commoner against the India-imposed border blockade. RSS