Tarai human rights situation 'sensitive', NHRC reports

Monitoring by the National Human Rights Commission has found that the human rights situation in some Tarai districts, hit by months-long political protests, was 'worrisome and sensitive'.

The human rights watchdog said a recent monitoring in Siraha, Saptari, Dhanusha, Mahottari, Sarlahi and Rautahat districts found that people were deprived of their basic human rights.

The monitoring team included NHRC Chairperson Justice Anup Raj Sharma, its members and secretary, the NHRC said in a statement.

"It was found that members of the public were fined while paying taxes as the government offices were closed for a long and police were not doing investigations into significant cases," the statement said.

"The psychological and financial condition of families of those died and injured in the agitation was pitiful."

The NHRC once again has urged the government to assure free and effective treatment to those injured in clashes during the protests.

The NHRC monitoring team held discussions with government officials, security officials, political leaders, civil society representatives, human rights activists, journalists and members of the public.

Date: 12 February 2016

Source: The Himalaya