Kathmandu: The victims of the ‘Gaur’ murder incident met with Prime Minister Pushpakamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ today.

The struggle committee of the ‘Gaur murder’ incident, demanding justice, visited the Prime Minister’s residence at Baluwatar this morning.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Prachanda expressed his commitment to form a dialogue team led by the Chief Secretary and reach a concrete agreement, as informed by the coordinator of the struggle committee, Rupasagar Devi.

The victims of the ‘gaur murder’ incident have been fighting for justice for a long time. They have been involved in various protests and demonstrations.

After the victims issued a warning of launching protests centered in Kathmandu, Prime Minister Prachanda held discussions with them today.

Gaur Murder Incident

On 21 March 2007, 26 individuals linked to the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) (CPNM) and one unidentified individual were brutally killed following a violence that broke out when the Madheshi People’s Rights Forum (MPRF) and CPN-M organised simultaneous rallies at the same site in Gaur, Rautahat District(Madhesh Province). The incidents took place in the context of ongoing unrest in the Terai at that time.
The incidents are a stark reminder that the enjoyment of and respect for fundamental human rights in Nepal, like the peace process on which they are so closely reliant, are fragile and cannot yet be guaranteed effectively by the State in many areas. They demonstrate that freedom of expression and peaceful assembly has yet to be fully respected or guaranteed. They also bring into sharp relief the challenges faced by Nepal in reconciling deep-seated divisions, and in ensuring justice and accountability for the serious criminal acts which occurred. They also point to the immediate need to reinforce the weak law enforcement apparatus to enable it to provide law and order.
This report outlines the preliminary findings of OHCHR’s investigations into the incidents. It considers briefly the political and local context and details the circumstances surrounding the killings. It looks at the State’s responsibilities regarding law enforcement and official investigations. It ends with a set of conclusions and recommendations, including with regard to the responsibilities of political parties, demonstration organisers, and protestors, to respect the rights of others while exercising their right to freedom of assembly.