UN representative in Nepal deplores explosions in SPA rally

Kathmandu, Jan 31 (UNI) Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Nepal Ian Martin condemned the explosions during the Seven-Party Alliance (SPA) rally, in which 54 people, including the chief district officer, were injured.

''I strongly condemn the bomb attacks during the political rally held to promote the Constituent Assembly election in Birgunj, as well as bombings and threats related to other recent rallies,'' Martin said in a statement yesterday.

Violence and intimidation have no place in a democratic transition, and in particular in Nepal's Constituent Assembly election process, he said adding those responsible will be identified and brought to justice, Martin said.

''I have no doubt that acts of terror will discredit whatever cause they are claimed to promote with the Nepalese people as well as the international community,'' the chief of United Nations mission in Nepal said.

The statement further said Political differences must be resolved through peaceful means.

Meanwhile, a statement from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) also condemned the bombings at the Seven-Party Alliance (SPA) rally in Birgunj on Wednesday.

It urged security officials to take all necessary steps to find those responsible for the bombings and to bring them to justice.

''Such acts threaten the Constituent assembly elections, which are an essential step in the peace process towards creating a more equal and representative Nepal,'' the OHCHR Spokesperson, Martin Logan said.

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