Kathmandu, June 1-Human rights activists and politicians discussed various dimensions of human rights and stressed the need for peaceful society and social equality . They said that human rights and peace are essential factors, for which the government as well as political parties should develop understanding to uphold the fundamentals of the human rights.

Dwelling upon the issues related to the rampant violation of human rights in connection to the Maoists insurgency in various parts of the country, they urged the government and the Maoists insurgents to stop killing the people.

Speaking at a programme organized by the Human Rights And Peace Society (HURPES) on the occasion of its fifth anniversary, most of the speakers said “The root cause of murder and violation should be dug out.”

MP and leader of the Nepal Workers and Peasants Party Narayan Man Bijukchhe said the main reason behind the emergence of the Maoists activities is the non- functioning of the report recommended by the Mallik Commission in 1991.

” After the restoration of the multi -party system people had great expectations that all the corrupt people would be punished. But unfortunately the governments failed to do so. All these activities of the governments formed after 1990 are responsible to this,” Bijukchhe said.

He asked as to why the government has earmarked more budget in the security head in the budget estimates of the fiscal year 2000-2001, if the government is really serious about solving the Maoists problems.

He further said “No peace can be restored in the society unless there remains disparity between people.” People from every walks of life should be ensured their rights on the basis of social justice, he noted.

Dr. Ram Sharan Mahat, MP, of the ruling Nepali Congress was of the view that every people in the society should know the essence of human rights and peace. For this the role of human rights activists is important, he added.

Regarding the Maoists problems he said “It should be solved through dialogue.”

Justice of the Supreme Court Laxman Prasad Aryal noted that the Constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal 1990 has guaranteed the human rights and it is the duty of every citizen to uphold the provision in the constitution.

Human rights is an essential factor in the civil society, hence the role of political parties is vital in this regard, he added.

Govind Bikram Shah, MP, accused the major political parties for undermining the problems of the Maoists insurgency. In fact big political parties- such as ‘the Nepali Congress and the UML are not serious enough’ towards the Maoist problems, he said.

Former MP and human rights activist Padma Ratna Tuladhar said the government and the political parties should take initiatives to ensure human rights of every citizen.

Purshottam Dahal, a human rights activist, said the government as well as major political parties should be responsible to uphold the fundamentals of human rights.

Krishna Pahadi, president of the HURPES said that the leaders of the political parties should not undermine the dignity of a human rights institution. All should be committed to uphold the fundamentals of human rights.