National 3 (Spotlight Weekly)

Commitment To Human Rights

The chief of the Royal Nepalese Army (RNA) asks soldiers to respect human rights in the operation against the Maoists

By SANJAYA DHAKAL

Amid the clamoring from the domestic as well as international rights organizations about the need to improve its human rights record, the chief of the army staff, General Pyar Jung Thapa has said that the RNA is serious about protecting human rights and would improve its operation to better protect it in future.

RNA Chief Thapa : Significant address

Addressing a gathering of army officers at the headquarters on November 27 to mark the completion of two years since the RNA came out of its barracks to deal with the Maoist insurgents, general Thapa asked soldiers to apply maximum restraint to avoid civilian casualties and told them to respect human values and human rights.

In words that are sure to sound music to rights activists, he said, “We are guided by the motto of to serve, to respect and to defend the people.”

In an apparent reference to the recent brouhaha over the tragic killing of an innocent driver by an enraged soldier in Kathmandu, General Thapa said even a small mistake at ‘tactical level’ could affect the ‘strategic level’. He, however, regretted the practice of terming the whole institution as being bad for a mistake committed by one person. “In a long war on terror, one must understand that such things can happen. But the important thing is that those found guilty have been punished in the past and will be punished in the future.”

The RNA had landed in controversy after it was accused by many rights organizations of grossly neglecting the human rights of innocent civilians. Particularly, it was criticized for the incident in Mudhbhara of Doti district where four students were killed when the soldiers opened fire at the Maoists who were holed up in the local Sharada secondary school. The RNA claims that its human rights cell is investigating the incident.

The chief also reminded the soldiers that they must not be guided by sense of vendetta or vengeance while carrying out their duty. “We can never stoop to the level of the terrorists who threaten and physically hurt the innocent families of security personnel,” he said, adding that only by winning the support of the people can the RNA win the fight with the Maoists.

The army chief’s remarks have generated positive vibe among the human rights activists. “The things he said were very positive. Now it is up to him to implement those things in practice,” said a human rights activist.

The chief’s remarks were of special meaning since it came at a time when a number of international human rights organizations including the Amnesty International have been requesting the Nepal government to allow specialists from the United Nations to inspect and monitor the rights situation in the country amid the intensification of the government-Maoist conflict following the breakdown of ceasefire on August 27.

General Thapa, in his remarks, also expressed satisfaction over the ‘gradual success’ the RNA was getting over the terrorists. He said the RNA was engaged in ‘strong defensive operations’.

“There is a gradual improvement in the security situation. RNA is committed to protect the nation, the crown and the countrymen and is willing to make any sacrifice in doing so,” he said.

He also praised the efforts of the Nepal Police, Armed Police Force and the National Investigation Department in the war on terror. “We are at the most complex and challenging time of our nation’s history. We will make the sacrifice so that the future generation of Nepalese can live in peace and prosperity,” he added.

He also condemned the Maoist leadership, which he said practiced double standard. “They say one thing while do completely different thing.” General Thapa expressed firm hope that the terrorism will be defeated in near future.