Int’l conference calls for release of political detainees in Nepal

An international conference on “Peace and Justice in South Asia” held in the Indian city of Mumbai has urged the royal regime to stop arbitrary arrest, harassment, intimidation and torture to political leaders, civil society activists and human rights defenders and release those who are illegally arrested immediately and unconditionally.

The three-day conference, that concluded in the Indian city of Mumbai on Sunday, also demanded immediate repealing of what it called all “draconian” ordinances, directives and policies issued by the royal regime aimed at abruptly curbing freedom of association, opinion, organisation, fundamental civil liberties and free media.

“We support the international initiative in considering smart sanction against the royal regime,” said nearly 300 activists, academics and politicians who had gathered in the business capital of India. Participants included member of British Parliament Jeremy Corbyn, representatives of European NGOs, and civil society leaders and academics from Asia, Europe and North America.

Addressing the conference, president of NGO Federation of Nepal Dr. Arjun Karki appealed for international solidarity in the struggle for democracy, human rights and lasting peace in Nepal. Dr. Gopal Krishna Siwakoti of Defend Human Rights Movement-Nepal highlighted what he called the gross and systematic violation of human rights and the breach of international humanitarian law in the wake of royal takeover in the country. Hari Roka from Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi spoke on the emerging political dynamics in Nepal towards democratic transition.

According to a press statement issued after the conference, the delegates unanimously condemned the royal takeover of February 1, 2005 and continuous seizure of all executive power by the king and encroachment on the independence of judiciary and systematic weakening of democratic institutions through the creation of parallel autocratic structures.

The delegates welcomed the signing of 12-point MOU by the seven democratic party alliance and Nepal Communist Party (Maoist). They also decided to form a South Asian Solidarity Group so as to defend democracy, human rights and lasting democratic peace in Nepal. nepalnews.com by Feb 27 06