These numbers are definitely disappointing but the situation is not that bad and we are heading for bright days ahead
National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) reports in its Human “Rights situation in Nepal” today that as many as 43 people were killed by both the government and the Maoists during the six-months following the announcement of ceasefire in April. 11 were killed by the government’s security forces, 5 by the Maoists, another 5 by resistance groups, 7 by villagers or unidentified groups since April 26 when the truce was declared. 5 died in accidental explosions (of abandoned bombs etc.). According to the NHRC report, despite a significant decrease in the number of people killed in crossfire after the ceasefire, there have been no improvements in the incidences of abduction, disappearances, torture, beatings. The findings were based on the 1158 different complaints lodged at the NHRC.
People dying in peace in definitely bad but the situation is not that bad. It’s improving, constantly, after April. As Nepal government and Maoists are agreeing on one point after another, peace talks are heading towards a successful end. Yes, there are some problems and the NHRC numbers are the proof. Instead of the reports of Maoists forcefully recruiting minors and students, details of how guerillas are living difficult lives in new cantonment sites are coming from different parts of the country. Both sides are engaged into serious talks in finalizing the interim constitution. The UN is slowly starting to takeover the arms inspection duty. The containers where arms will be stored have arrived from India. But the public pressure is very much needed. Nepali civil society must keep constant vigil on the behaviors of leaders who are in power.
