Attorney Gen tells SC only Truth and Recon Comm can look into conflict-era cases

Attorney General Mukti Pradhan on Sunday appeared before the Supreme Court and presented a written clarification as to why he obstructed investigations into the insurgency-era murder of Dailekh-based journalist Dekendra Thapa.

According to SC spokesperson Hemant Rawal, Pradhan (in his written clarification) said he was of the opinion that any investigation into cases that occurred during the conflict period should be carried out by the yet to be formed Truth and Reconciliation Commission and that he never acted against the apex court’s orders.

Earlier, AG Pradhan had said that investigations into conflict-era cases have been blocked due to President Ram Baran Yadav refusing to endorse the ordinance forwarded by the government for the formation of Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

The Supreme Court had on Jan 18 ordered Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai and the Attorney General to appear in the court within seven days with a written clarification as to why investigation into the murder of journalist Dekendra Thapa of Dailekh has been obstructed.

PM Bhattarai is yet to appear before the Supreme Court to present his clarification regarding the issue. Nepalnews.com