A field report prepared by the Human Rights Treaty Monitoring Coordination Committee held Maoists and security personnel responsible in the Sindhupalchowk incident and criticised both the sides (government and the Maoists) for violating human rights and international humanitarian laws during the incident.

A civilian and two Maoists were killed in the aerial attack carried out by Royal Nepalese Army in a programme of Maoists.

The committee, following its on-the-spot investigation of the March 27 attack, said a 63-year-old civilian, Bam Bahadur Khatri, resident of Thokarpa VDC-4, was killed in the aerial attack by the Royal Nepalese Army aimed at foiling Maoists’ programme.

The attack had targeted the Bhagbhairab Higher Secondary School, where 500 Maoists and civilians had gathered.

The report criticised the Maoists for using civilians’ houses and property as a shield during the attack by ignoring the safety of the non-combatant people. It also condemned the Maoists for forcing the civilians to participate in their programme despite being aware of the dangers involved.

The committee demanded that the government provide immediate compensation to the victims’ families and urged both the government and the Maoists to abide by international humanitarian laws and human rights principles. nepalnews.com pb Apr 01 06