Attack on Human Rights Defenders: INSEC Condemns the Incident

INSEC issued a press release on February 21, condemning the attack by No Cable Car Group activists on INSEC and Red Cross representatives who had gone for rescue operations during the clash in Pathibhara Mukumulung on February 20.
In a press release signed by INSEC Executive Director Bijay Raj Gautam, it stated:
” We strongly condemn the attack by “No Cable Car” group on February 20 against INSEC representatives and Red Cross personnel who were carrying out rescue efforts in the Pathibhara Mukumulung area. INSEC representative Elina Diyali, Nepal Red Cross Society Taplejung district chairperson Indra Gurung, and Taplejung Chamber of Commerce and Industry general secretary and lifelong Red Cross member Kamal Limbu were heading to the incident site to rescue injured security personnel and protesters during the clash between “No Cable Car” group and police in Kaflepati, Pungling Municipality-9 and 10. During the incident, the vehicle they were traveling in (Me 1 Ja 2579) was vandalized, and the driver, 35-year-old Rajkumar Paudel of pungling Municipality-9, sustained serious injuries, including a deep head wound. As treatment was not possible at the district hospital, he was transferred to B&C Hospital in Birtamod, Jhapa, for further medical care.”
The press release highlights that despite challenging circumstances, human rights defenders in Nepal have consistently carried out their work without hindrance. Nepal’s Constitution and laws ensure the right to free movement for individuals. Furthermore, human rights defenders are granted the right to monitor events without obstruction. The vehicle carrying rights defenders, who were en route for rescue operations with prior notification to both the protesting parties and the administration, was intentionally vandalized. Therefore, it is necessary for the leaders of the protest to be held accountable.
The statement emphasizes the demand that the “No Cable Car Group” leadership shall ensure that such incidents do not recur, guarantee the free and uninterrupted movement of human rights defenders, and take legal action against their supporters involved in the incident.