Nepalgunj, Apr.1: The Informal Sector Services Centre (INSEC) mid- and far- western regional office here has reported 2,957 instances of human rights violations in the mid-western development region in 1999.

According to a report of the INSEC, out of the total cases of human rights violations reported in the region for the year 1,790 were on behalf of the non-state sector while 1,167 were on behalf of the state.

Of the total reported cases of human rights violations, 119 were murders, 21 concerned rape, 39  were abduction cases, 309 detentions, five related to women trafficking and 95 concerned suicides.

In a press communique the office said that the state of human rights situation in the country has deteriorated in the past some years and it was ever declining due to the lack of seriousness on the part of the state and organised groups about their responsibilities towards safeguarding and respecting of human rights.

Meanwhile, National Assembly Member Rishi Babu Pariyar  issued a communique otherday expressing regret that inhumane treatment of the downtrodden and oppressed communities and the practice of untouchability still take place in the country a decade after the restoration of democracy.

The communique says that the downtrodden and oppressed, who comprise 20 percent of the total population, are still at the receiving end of social malpractices and ill treatment at the hands of the upper castes both in the capital and other parts of the country, adding that the downtrodden have yet to really benefit from democracy.

Referring to incidents of untouchability and discrimination that took place at various times at Bhotenamlad in Sindhupalchowk district, Durgauli in Kailali district, the women’s development branch in Dailekh district, and Budhanilkantha, Naikap and Badbhajyang in Kathmandu, he drew the government’s attention to the economic boycotting of the chamar  community in Saptari and Siraha districts when they refused to dispose of animal carcasses.

He also pointed out that the four million downtrodden and oppressed in the Kingdom have not been able to enjoy the rights provided  by the constitution, and are humiliated at public taps and wells, temples and gatherings in various places.

He has urged His Majesty’s Government to investigate past incidents of untouchability and communal discrimination and take action against the guilty.