One day after the Maoists announced to disrupt the municipal polls, United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Nepal has written to the leadership of the CPN (Maoist) asking for clarification of their statement.

In a letter, the OHCHR asked Maoists to clarify their statement which said ‘people’s actions’ to be taken from January 26 will include ‘special action’ against candidates and officials engaged in the municipal elections.

Chief of the OHCHR in Nepal, Ian Martin, has asked to be informed what forms of action this refers to.

Martin stated, “If it includes threats to the life or physical integrity of individuals taking no active part in hostilities, or the taking of hostages, such action would be a grave violation of the principles of international humanitarian law and of international human rights standards, and I must ask for a clear undertaking that no such action will be ordered or encouraged.”