The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) demanded immediate and unconditional release of Chief District Officer of Sarlahi Bodhraj Adhikari and other security personnel.

Issuing a press statement on Wednesday, the national rights watchdog has said that the condition put forward by the Maoists that five of their cadres be freed in exchange for the release of Sarlahi CDO has drawn the “serious” attention of the NHRC.

The rights body has urged the Maoists to release Adhikari, who was kidnapped on April 5, immediately and unconditionally.

“Putting forward conditions for the release of one person against reciprocal release of another person is against international law,” the NHRC said on Wednesday.

It also called on the Maoists to make public the whereabouts of the abducted persons.

Maoists abducted CDO Adhikari and other security personnel following the attack in Sarlahi. nepalnews.com pb Apr 13 06