Nepalese Security forces cannot escape scrutiny: Amnesty

Kathmandu, Apr 21 (UNI) Amnesty International (AI) today expressed concern over the reports of ''extreme brutalities by the police and Army'' on political demonstrators and called for freedom to independent monitors to carry out their work.

In a statement issued today, AI said,''With daily reports of extreme brutality by the police and Army to control political demonstartions, it is absolutely essential that independent monitors are free to carry out their vital work.'' Earlier, it had also called for targeted sanctions against Nepal King Gyanendra, his ministers and top security officers.

In the statement, the organisation asked the Nepalese security forces to change their behaviour instead of hiding from scrutiny over their extreme brutality.

AI has also expressed alarm over denial of curfew passes to emergency service vehicles such as ambulances, including journalists and human rights activists.

''This seems to be an attempt to limit public scrutiny of the conduct of the security forces in policing demonstrations,'' the London based global human rights watchdog said.

Urging the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) to restrict the participation of Nepalese security forces indulging in human rights violations in peacekeeping operations abroad, AI condemned the government for the excessive force during the peaceful demonstrations across the country.

Three persons were shot dead and over 100 injured when security forces indiscriminately fired at the demonstrators in Kalanki, Kathmandu yesterday.

In addition, ten persons have been shot dead, over 1,500 injured around 4,000 arrested since the fresh round of movement to establish democracy in the Himalayan nation.

UNI XC SB BD1305