Press Release on the Events in Kapilvastu

We the undersigned demand the government to immediately set up a special ask force in order to control the violence that has erupted in Kapilvastu District since 16 September, to protect the lives of citizens, and to maintain communal harmony. We believe that there is a need for such a task force to immediateiy start work in the district.

The violence and arson that started with the killing on Sunday of the Loktantrik Madheshi Morcha leader Mohit Khan represent a tragic evolution in national public life. We believe that the preoccupation of the past few days with national-level politics has kept the capital city from comprehending the extent of the damage in Kapilvastu.

Though we have the figure of 18 confirmed deaths, the actual numer of fatalities and disappeared is not known in the situation obtaining. It has not been possible for relief workers to go far beyond the highway to gather details or to provide assistance. If the situation is not addressed effectively, the communal discord that has erupted in parts of Kapilvastu could well travel to other parts.

To this day, depending on the place, individuals from one community are continuing to attack the property of members of another community. The neglect of the national government, the negligence of the district adminstration, and the inaction of the security forces has been responsible for the deteriorating state of affairs.

The tragic events of Kapilvastu, we believe, can affect communal harmony nationwide, and also cause a negative impact internationally. In our considered opinion, the local administrtion is not capable of controlling the situation, and we have also found a grave lack in how the political parties have addressed the situation.

It is for the reasons listed above that we have called for the immediate formation and activation of a special task force for Kapilvastu, which will work on a) investgation, b) distribution of relief, and c) controlling the situation and restoring normalcy in the district.

3 Asoj 2064
20 September 2007

Signatories:

Dr. Gaurishanker Lal Das
Sushil Pyakurel
Kanak Mani Dixit
Kundan Aryal