More than a dozen protesters were injured when security personnel opened fire at a demonstration in Gongabu in Kathmandu Tuesday evening.
TV footages showed several injured demonstrators being rushed to hospital as violent clashes between the police and the protesters went on. Red Cross officials, some foreign volunteers and police personnel carried the inured persons to police vans and other vehicles to be rushed to hospital.
According to human rights monitors present on the scene, more than a dozen agitators were shot by the riot police and the Armed Police Force (APF) officials as angry demonstrators threw stones at the residence of police AIG Roop Safar Moktan at Gongabu after unidentified persons reportedly opened fire at the crowd from inside the house.
APF Senior Superintendent Madhav Thapa who was leading the security forces refused to order his men to halt fire despite several requests after a number of protesters were shot at, the rights activists said.
Several rights activists and journalists were also injured as police indiscriminately charged batons at the crowd while dozens others were arrested from the protest that started soon after the daytime curfew ended at 5:00 p.m.
The condition of a number of persons who have been undergoing treatment at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital is said to be critical. nepalnews.com mk Apr 11 06
A six years old child was killed in an explosion of Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted by Maoists in Chakuliya area in the far-western district of Kailali Tuesday.
Krishna Kumal of Rajbara area, who was playing at the time of blast, died on the spot, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
Meanwhile, two Maoist insurgents were killed in separate clashes with the security forces in Khotang and Banke districts.
The MoD statement said one Maoist was killed at around 9:00 a.m. during a search operation conducted by the security forces in Dorpa area of Choudidanda VDC-5 in Khotang district on Tuesday. The dead Maoist has been identified as Ujjwal.
Meanwhile, body of a Maoist vice battalion commander, Santosh Rana Magar alias Shishir, was found during a search carried out in Bharaiya area of Banke district following a clash between the security forces and the rebels this morning.
The MoD quoting eyewitnesses said at least three dead bodies of Maoists killed in the gun-battle were taken away by the rebels. nepalnews.com mk Apr 11 06
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Nepal has deplored the excessive use of force by security forces to clamp down on the agitations carried out by seven opposition political parties across the country.
Issuing a press statement on Tuesday, the UN rights body said, “OHCHR-Nepal deplores the excessive use of force by security forces it has witnessed in the Kathmandu Valley and in other towns over the last week of public protests.”
It added, “OHCHR-Nepal recognizes that police have often been faced with violent situations with demonstrators throwing rocks, bricks and other projectiles, destroying public property, and in some cases attacking individual officers: many police have been injured.”
“Nevertheless, in recent days in Kathmandu OHCHR-Nepal monitoring teams have increasingly observed members of the police and Armed Police Force using excessive force against demonstrators as well as others not involved in demonstrations. OHCHR-Nepal staff have witnessed police firing rubber bullets into crowds of demonstrators as well as police using lathi (long baton) charges, often aiming at the head and sometimes causing serious injury. In some cases police have charged peaceful assemblies,” the statement said.
The statement further said that OHCHR’s monitors observed severe beatings by the police of individuals after taking them under control even when they posed no physical or other threat. Police have been seen attacking bystanders, charging into houses, engaging in indiscriminate beatings and causing some gratuitous damage to property. Women and children have been among the many victims, it pointed out.
Saying that its observers present in Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara, Nepalgunj and Biratnagar witnessed restrain exercised by security forces in some situations, OHCHR said in many cases the security officers have failed to intervene when their colleagues used excessive force against demonstrators.
“In addition to the use of tear gas and rubber bullets, deadly force has been used on a few occasions. OHCHR-Nepal has already expressed grave concern at shooting by a soldier from the top of a building into a crowd of demonstrators throwing stones at police in the street below in Pokhara on 8 April, resulting in the death of one person and the injury of at least one other. Two others are also reported to have died as a result of being shot by security forces: a woman shot in the chest in Narayangadh, Chitwan District on 8 April; and a man killed in Banepa, Kavre District, the same day.”
“OHCHR-Nepal does not condone in any way acts of violence committed by some demonstrators. However, it is time for the Government, and for all commanders of police and other security forces involved in policing demonstrations, to recognise that this level of violence against civilians is not acceptable and is against the obligations of the State,” the statement quoted OHCHR-Nepal’s representative, Ian Martin, as saying.
Martin further said, “I urge the Government to reconsider its position on the right to peaceful assembly, and to give the security forces the clearest instructions to act only with the minimum necessary force in policing demonstrations. And I urge demonstrators and demonstration leaders to only use peaceful means of protest.”
Out of over 2,300 arrested during protests over 1,300 remained in detentions as of 10 April, OHCHR statement said citing official figures. Saying that police stations and other places of detention in and around Kathmandu are “seriously unacceptable” as they are crowded and lack proper arrangement of food, clean drinking water, toilets and medical facilities the OHCHR urged the government to ensure these facilities. nepalnews.com mk Apr 11 06
As anti-government demonstrations entered the sixth day, tourists currently visiting Nepal have taken out a rally in the capital, Kathmandu, on Tuesday calling for restoration of peace and democracy in the country.
Police intervened at the demonstration being participated in by nearly 200 tourists under the banner of “Free International Tourist.” The banned being carried by the tourists demanded lifting of the curfew, resumption of peace negotiations and restoration of democracy in the country.
Tourism is one of the main sources of foreign exchange earnings of Nepal. The number of tourists visiting Nepal has declined continuously since 2000. Officials blame Maoist insurgency and acute political instability in the country as mainly responsible for decline in the tourist arrival.
Tourism entrepreneurs fear that prolonged curfew in the Nepali capital and other cities and arrest of tourists may send negative message to the outside world. nepalnews.com by Apr 11 06
Maoist spokesman, Krishna Bahadur Mahara, has said the on-going anti-government demonstrations being launched by the Seven Party Alliance (SPA) since last week is in fact a joint programme between his party and the SPA.
In an exclusive interview with the BBC Nepali Service on Monday, Mahara insisted that the fresh agitation being launched by the Alliance since last Thursday was, indeed, based on understanding reached between the two sides in the recent past.
“Obviously, it is a collaboration. After the 12-point understanding (reached in November last year), we have been coordinating our programmes,” said Mahara. He added that his party had suspended all of its military actions in the capital valley with a view to help the popular movement being launched by the opposition parties. He claimed that Maoist offensive at Malangawa, Butwal and Kapilvastu had provided energy to pro-democracy activists in Kathmandu and elsewhere.
Mahara wondered why the opposition parties were shy to admit that the on-going agitation was, in fact, a joint agitation. “Not only this, we want to move forward with a joint programme, joint front and joint slogan. They (the SPA) need us and we need them,” he added.
Responding to a query, Mahara said the agitation was now moving towards what he called a “people’s republic.” “Common people will not accept if this movement is brought to an end into a comprise as happened in 1990. Even if that happens through some conspiracy, people will march ahead,” he added.
Mahara even claimed that his party and the SPA had reached into an understanding and agreement to end the monarchy. “At present, two currents are flowing against the monarchy. The essence of the 12-point understanding is that monarchy can be ended by joining both these currents,” said Mahara. “The peaceful agitation alone can’t bring about the end of monarchy,” he added.
Meanwhile, talking to BBC Nepali Service on Monday, the seniormost leader of the SPA and president of Nepali Congress, Girija Prasad Koirala, refuted that the on-going movement was, indeed, a joint one with the rebels. “I don’t know what he (Mahara) said. It is our own movement and we are launching it standing on our own feet,” he added.
When asked if the Maoists’ latest claim had put them into a difficult spot, Koirala said adding, “All sides are putting us into difficulty. The government too has pushed us into difficulty.” He also blamed the security personnel of terrorizing the people (for supporting the movement).
Koirala repeatedly denied allegations that the SPA and the CPN (Maoist) had joined hands as being claimed by the royal government. “There is no involvement (of the Maoists) in the on-going agitation. There has been no collaboration with them,” said Koirala. “I don’t see the need to respond to anybody. We are accountable to our movement only,” he added.
“I haven’t hidden anything. We have entered into an understanding (with the Maoists) and there hasn’t been any agreement,” the former premier said.
When asked if the alliance leaders would go for dialogue if the king invited them, the octogenarian leader said, “No, I won’t. The king must create an atmosphere (for talks) and return to his previous position. I don’t want to go like a dog with (its) tail between two legs,” he added.
Koirala said, “The king should understand the situation. If he doesn’t, God save the king.”
In response to a query, Koirala said he had held talks with the Maoists as well as with the international community based on some basic principles. “These are: end of autocratic rule, peace, full-fledged democracy and independent, sovereign and prosperous Nepal. Go and ask with the Maoists, I have held dialogue with them within the parameters of these principles,” he added.
Earlier, Home Minister Kamal Thapa had alleged that the anti-government agitation being launched since last week was indeed a Maoist programme. “The Maoists have controlled and are leading it,” he had said.
Mahara’s latest interview became public at a time when the opposition leaders were refuting such allegations. nepalnews.com by Apr 11 06
Government Spokesperson and Minister of State of Information and Communication Shrish Shumser Rana has said that His Majesty the King is interested in holding talks with the agitating political parties to solve the problems of the country.
Speaking at a press conference at his office on Tuesday, he said that there is possibility of dialogue.
Stating that the problem could not be resolved by imposing curfew and bandhs, he added that dialogue is the only viable means to solve the problem through peaceful ways.
International communities have been reiterating that dialogue between the constitutional forces (King and political parties) is a must to resolve the present political crisis.
Leaders of various political parties have been saying that they were also ready for talks with the King if there is conducive and credible environment for talks.
They however said that talk with the King is not possible unless the King agrees to return people’s sovereignty.
His statement came after the five day long general strike of the seven political parties.
Claiming that the agitation of the seven political parties is a peaceful one he further said that there is Maoist infiltration in the agitation of the political parties in Kathmandu.
State minister Rana further said that the government is very serious about the security situation of the country and is mobilizing the security forces with the aim of causing less harm to the civilians.
He claimed that security personnel were shot at in various places and added that the government will continue the curfew till the security situation of the country improved.
The government spokesperson further said that the government will gradually relax the curfew and resume mobile phone services when the security situation improves.
The government has been imposing day-time curfew since Saturday and night curfew since last Wednesday.
Likewise, the government for the third time disrupted the mobile telephone service from April 8, the day of major showdown of seven political parties since the February 1 royal takeover of last year. nepalnews.com pb Apr 11 06
The Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), an umbrella organization of businessmen, has expressed full commitment for democracy and urged all sides to find outlet to the present political problem through dialogue.
Issuing a press statement on Tuesday, the FNCCI expressed grave concern over the deteriorating condition of industries due to flaring conflict of the country and urged all not to work to further deteriorate the economy.
Stating the economy will flourish only in democracy, the FNCCI urged all to give democratic outlet to the country on the basis of dialogue and consensus.
The FNCCI also urged all to immediately stop unnecessary pressure and intimidation to the entrepreneurs. The FNCCI also urged all to revoke blockades and curfews. nepalnews.com pb Apr 11 06
Former parliamentarian Prakash Koirala was shot dead by unidentified assailants at convenient store in Texas of United States (US), on Monday.
According to reports, the assailants shot Koirala and burnt the store where he had been working for the last few years.
His body was almost completely burnt.
Koirala was elected as a member of House of Representatives in the 1991 general elections representing Nepali Congress from Sindhuli.
Koirala was residing in the US for the last ten years and working at the store of a Pakistani national. nepalnews.com pb Apr 11 06
Two women were injured when security forces opened firing in a pro-democracy demonstration carried out defying curfew orders at Chipledhunga of Pokhara on Tuesday.
Bishnu Bhattrai and Parbati Poudel were shot in the incident. They are undergoing treatment at Fishtail hospital.
The local administration imposed curfew in Pokhara from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday.
CPN-UML activist, Bhimsen Dahal, was killed when Royal Nepalese Army personnel stationed to guard Nepal Telecom office in Pokhara opened fire on demonstrators on Saturday.
Pro-democracy activists continue to defy curfew orders on Tuesday in the capital Kathmandu and other parts of the country.
According to latest reports, protestors carried out rallies in different parts of the capital including Gongabu, Sitapaila, Patan and Kirtipur areas defying the curfew orders.
Police used dozens of tear gas shells to disperse the protestors.
Protestors carried out demonstrations in various districts of the country including Kavre, Banepa, Dhulikhel, Narayangadh, Dang, Biratnagar, Ithari, Dharan, Pokhara, Chitwan, Butwal among others.
Meanwhile, according to state run Radio Nepal, protestors opened fire targeting security forces at Chandanichowk of Banepa and Pokhara Bus park of Chitwan district on Tuesday.
There were no causalities in the incident. There was no independent confirmation about the incidents.
Refuting the government’s claim, the SPA have said there was no Maoist infiltration in their protest programme and such programmes would be peaceful ones. The programmes have been violent with both parties instigating each other.
Three demonstrators have been killed in the protest programme launched by the SPA from April 6. nepalnews.com pb Apr 11 06
A senior European Union (EU) legislator, Neena Gill, has called upon His Majesty King Gyanendra to enter into meaningful dialogue with opposition parties, Maoist rebels and representatives of civil society to resolve the on-going conflict.
Gill, who chairs the European Parliament’s Delegation to SAARC and South Asian countries, including Nepal, expressed her concern over the worsening situation in Nepal. She also urged the Maoists to renounce violence and come back into the main-stream negotiating process.
“If EU appeals to the King to stop the bloodshed fall on deaf ears, then we will push the UN to take action,” she warned. “How can we justify using forces that oppress their own people to help stabilize other countries?” she asked. “I have a deep concern for the region and feel real responsibility for the people: I cannot stand by and do nothing while innocent civilians are massacred! It is evident that the current policy of strict oppression is just making matters worse. The more the King clamps down on his people, the more flammable the situation becomes,” she said.
“The government’s actions are having a counter-productive effect and taking the country further and further from democracy. The cosmetic exercises undertaken to impress the international community are not fooling anyone, this is no way to build a multi-party democratic system,” she added.
“The situation cannot be allowed to degenerate further! Too many lives have already been lost! Something has got to give,” Gill said.
Gill had written a letter to His Majesty in late January this year strongly condemning violence in all forms and by all parties and had urged the King to reach out to the political parties to develop a common agenda for a full return to multi-party democracy. nepalnews.com by Apr 11 06