KATHMANDU: Victims of the Gaur massacre have come to Kathmandu seeking justice.
The victims submitted memorandum to Prime Minister KP Oli and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) saying that they are yet to receive justice even 14 years after the incident.
The memorandum submitted by a 13-member delegation states that the main accused and mastermind of the murder, Chairman of the Janata Samajwadi Party and former Deputy Prime Minister Upendra Yadav is yet to be brought under investigation for so many years.
In a meeting with the victims, Prime Minister KP Oli expressed his commitment to take the process forward by opening the file of the Gaur massacre.
Stating that the incident was a black mark in history, Prime Minister Oli said that the criminals would not be allowed to escape under any circumstances.
“I can understand your pain and feelings. The Gaur massacre, in which 27 people were brutally murdered, is a black mark on history. I understand the extent to which this stain burns you,” a member of the delegation quoted PM Oli as saying.
He added that PM Oli assured them of taking action against the alleged.
“The file of Gaur murder is now open for further investigation. No one can escape, action will be taken,” PM Oli said.
Likewise, on Sunday morning, they also drew the attention of the National Human Rights Commission to take initiative for justice.
The delegation in a press conference on Sunday said they would go on a hunger strike in Bhadrakali if no action is taken against the culprit.
The then Madhesi Janadhikar Forum, led by Upendra Yadav, used a group of professional criminal groups at the Rice Mill Chaur in Rautahat, killing 27 civilians and injuring hundreds of civilians on March 21, 2007.
“Majority of women were killed with automatic guns, sharp weapons, stones and bricks, while some were stabbed in the limbs with a bamboo stick, raped and their breasts were cut off and set on fire,” the memorandum said.
“This incident, which was carried out in a planned and conspiratorial manner and not in the form of personal resentment and political clashes, should not allow political parties to enter the Terai Madhes region under any circumstances and conduct political activities,” the memorandum said citing to Upendra’s statement.
Yadav had then said that the “Pahadiyas” (people from the hills) should be expelled from the Terai-Madhesh region, the memorandum stated.
It should be recalled that a report submitted by the Commission of Inquiry to find out the facts of the incident concluded that the incident was not a political clash but a heinous and inhuman and inhumane crime.
“However, no action has been taken yet,” the memorandum states.
The delegation has also warned of escalating nationwide protest programs if the culprits are not brought to book at the earliest.
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