Chairman of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Nayan Bahadur Khatri, has said protecting human rights has emerged as a major challenge in the country.

Chairman of National Human Rights Commission Nayan Bahadur Khatri (Photo source : TRN)
Inaugurate the Commission’s office in the eastern region in Biratnagar Tuesday, Khatri said His Majesty King Gyanendra, in his royal address last week, has asked all the organs of the state to remain alert and aware in honouring and protecting human rights. “It is the duty of all the organs of the state to fulfill the essence of the royal proclamation,” reports quoted Khatri as saying.

Khatri further said Maoist activities including placing bombs at public thoroughfares, abducting hundreds of students, forcing civilians to dig trenches, among others, have done nothing but create chaos and terror among the public. He also drew attention of security forces towards activities like rape, extortion and incidences of burning down houses of people belonging to dalit community.

First Secretary at the delegation of the European Commission to Nepal, Guy PS Banim, said the EC was always ready to offer assistance to Nepal in preserving human rights in the country.

Other speakers at the function expressed hope that the opening up of the new office in Biratnagar would help NHRC monitor rights situation in the region.