OHCHR holds RNA responsible for 49 missing Nepalese

Kathmandu, May 27 (UNI) The United Nations Office of High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) here has alleged that the Royal Nepalese Army (RNA) was responsible for the 'disappearance' of at least 49 people, who were in its custody between September and December 2003.

Head of the UNOHCHR mission here, Ian Martin, said (the OHCHR) investigations found that most of the hundreds of individuals who were arrested by the then RNA in 2003 and detained for various periods in Maharajgunj barracks in Kathmandu were subjected to severe and prolonged ill-treatment and torture, with a principal role played by the Bhairabnath battalion.

''The investigations have concluded that at least 49 people, and probably a significantly higher number, remain disappeared,'' said Mr Martin.

Investigation was on and his office hoped that more victims or witnesses would come forward to tell their stories in the light of recent political developments, he said.

According to the report prepared by the OHCHR Nepal, the Bhairabnath battalion has now acknowledged responsibility for the arrest and detention of 137 people during the period and claimed that they were released or transferred after short periods of detention.

''However, absent from this list are at least 49 additional individuals known to OHCHR to have been held in the custody of the Bhairabnath or Yuddha Bhairab battalions (both part of the RNA's 10th Brigade) between September and December 2003, remain disappeared.

Many of these were removed from their place of detention during the last week of December 2003 and never seen again. Most former detainees interviewed by OHCHR believe that these detainees were executed,'' the report added.

''On the basis of consistent, credible and corroborated testimony of victims and witnesses that these people were last seen in custody in Maharajgunj, the OHCHR rejects the RNA's denial of responsibility,'' Mr Martin said.

While submitting the report to the government this week, the OHCHR has recommended a credible, competent, impartial and fully independent investigation into the arrest, detention, torture and ultimate fate or whereabouts of the people who were held by the RNA 10th Brigade and who are reported as disappeared.

''Those potentially implicated directly or through command responsibility for units involved, should be suspended from any official duties and should not be proposed for participation in any of the UN peacekeeping missions,'' Mr Martin said.

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