Reverent judge late Rana Bahadur Bom was shot dead by an unknown shooters.  Although the prime minister, the home minister and the police have publicly made remarks that they will bring the killers before law, investigative authorities have yet to find any clue in the case.  The government has failed to book the killer of a sitting judge of the Supreme Court at broad daylight in the capital. This shows the lack of accountability of the government and the increasing sense of insecurity in the entire nation.


After the People’s Movement II (Janandolan II), studies have shown that the law and order situation has deteriorated and security is still unsatisfactory. Whether the Unified Communist Party of Nepal- Maoist (UCPN-Maoist) is in the government or in the opposition, the rate of abduction, kidnapping and illegal arm smuggling continues to increase. There may be different reasons such as political instability, open border and lack of security personnel  or resources for the reason.  If we look at the recent incident, leaders of sister organizations of political parties have shown their love towards arms and ammunitions.


According to a study, among the 459 people assassinated in 2010, 117 were generally by unknown groups, 29 of various “Madhesi” groups (Jwala Singh, Rajan Group etc). Out of 843 violent incidents, 405 incidents were carried out by Maoist party and the members of its sister organization in 2010. CPN-UML’s sister organization Youth Force and Nepali Congress’ political workers were also involved in the violence.


As reported in 2011, 144 people were abducted by unknown abductors, whereas 37 were by Maoist, 6 were by Madhesi (Terai) groups and 1 by Limbuwan, the unknown abduction may also be linked with these political parties. In 2011, among 457 cases of violence, 144 were by Maoist (source: INSEC Book)


The agreement signed in New Delhi on 2062 Mangsir  and the second agreement signed on 2068 Kartik 15 at KTM between various political parties and Maoist agreed to hand over the confiscated  property. However, till date the property of the common people and some of political leaders is still under the control of others in various parts of the country such as Bardiya, Morang, Dang etc. Due to political blessings, individuals convicted in various criminal activities were freed without any punishment. Human rights activists and civil society requested government not to pardon them, instead of punishing them. It is unfortunate that nobody listened to their voices.


Amnesty International (AI) in its report of 2012 questioned about the cases of CA members Agni Sapkota and Bal Krishna Dhungel, who were not punished for their crime and walked scot free. Even CA member Chitra Bahadur K.C was reportedly threatened by some unknown persons, but the government showed no interest in his personal security. Similarly, Ram Briksha Thakur, a bureaucrat, was misbehaved by Maoist cadres in 2067 Falgun at Janakpur. The persons involved in it were neither punished nor was the victim compensated. Along with UCPN-Maoist and CPN-UML, Nepali congress, despite being a democratic party, is also involved in violence. Santosh Limbu was threatened by congress party members. Along with political parties, even security agencies are involved in violence. Umesh Shah, 13, was badly bruised by Army man in Baishak- 7. Bishwas Rana, Rekh  Gurung, Indira Devi  Subedi  and her husband are other examples of those threatened by various political parties. They are still knocking the doors of police and human rights offices to guarantee their security.


Six years have already passed since the proclamation of Nepal as a republic, but virtually nothing has changed much. Weaknesses from all sectors, from bureaucrats to political parties, are seen. The report has shown that UCPN-Maoist party is on top and Madhesi parties are following it.  Apart from that, various ethnic groups are showing aggressiveness and even press personnel were being victimized by various indigenous parties in their program recently.


Right to freedom, a basic right of an individual, is not attainable. However, the members of the public are walking on the edge of blades and they are leading their lives amidst a sense of insecurity. It’s not only the concern of the government and the powerful bodies. But it is the duty of all us to secure rights and it is high time for common people representing various caste, class, gender, occupation, region and religion to identify our roles and responsibilities to establish a secure new nation. Let us persevere to preserve our Mother Nepal.


(Acharya is a human rights defender)