Rights group takes exception to Basnet promotion, withdrawal of cases against Maoist leaders

The Human Rights Alliance, a network of local human rights groups, has raised serious objection to the promotion of Nepal Army Colonel Raju Basnet who is the prime accused in the disappearance and suspected killing of 49 people detained at Bhairabnath Battalion during the Maoist conflict.

“Human Rights Alliance is seriously concerned over yesterday's government decisions to promote Raju Basnet to the rank of brigadier general who is allegedly involved in enforced disappearances and torture,” a statement issued by Alliance chairman Ganesh B.K said.

Citing investigation reports of OHCHR-Nepal and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the Alliance said Basnet played major role in the then Royal Nepalese Army’s operations that led to the disappearance of at least 49 detainees from the barracks when Basnet was commander of Bhairabnath Battalion in 2003.

The Alliance also condemned the government decision to withdraw the cases against Maoist leaders Suryaman Dong and Agni Sapkota who were allegedly involved in the abduction and murder of Arjun Lama in 2005.

“We would like to remind the government that Nepal is party to the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights which mandates each state to ensure that victims of human rights violations have a right to effective remedy. If the government believes in democratic norms it cannot withdraw cases concerning serious rights abuses of the past." nepalnews.com