Election candidate's murder draws wide condemnation; govt asked to improve security

Various organisations have condemned the murder of Kamal Prasad Adhikari, the National People's Front Nepal (NPFN) candidate in constituency no. 2 of Banke district, asking the government to improve security.

The Election Commission (EC) in a statement today denounced the murder and extended deep sympathy to Adhikari's family and the NPFN. The EC also called upon the parties to maintain restraint in the wake of violent incidents and cooperate in conducting the constituent assembly election successfully.

Asking the government to bring the murderers to justice, the commission also called for improvement of the general security situation during in the run up to the polls.

United Nations Mission in Nepal (UNMIN) has also denounced the killing of NPFN candidate.

"Violence and threats against candidates represent a serious obstacle to the creation of a free and fair atmosphere for the election, and all efforts must be made to bring those responsible to justice," UNMIN said.

Adhikari was shot dead by a gang at Bethani, Banke, around 11 pm Tuesday.

Reports say the Jwala Singh faction of Janatantrik Terai Mukti Morcha (JTMM) has claimed responsibility for the killing. nepalnews.com mk Mar 19 08

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