Katmandu (AsiaNews) – Tension is still high in some cities of Nepal after violent clashes between Maoists and members of the Indian origin Madhesi people’s rights Forum killed 27 and injured 50.
The clash occurred on the evening of 21 March in the southern city of Gaur when the Maoists tried to hold a public encounter in the same place as the Madhesi. Eyewitnesses have reported to AsiaNews that the Madhesi are opposed. The brawl starter and the Maoists fired on the Madhesi. But they were also armed.
The government proclaimed 24 hours of curfew deploying large security forces. But more clashes are feared between the two groups.
Arjun Narsing KC, spokesperson for the ruling Nepalese Congress Party, has expressed sympathy for the victims, but ha also added that “the perpetrators of the bloodshed would be meted outmaximum severity”.
The Madhesi, the population of Indian origins that are comprised of Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Tribals and Dalits, are approximately half of 27 million Nepalese citizens who inhabit the southern flatlands , in the last three months have been fighting to obtain their political rights and end the 238 year politicial and social hegemony of the upper caste Hindus that live in the hills, known as Pahadi. Many leaders of the Maoist group belong to this caste.
Norbert RAI, Christian social analyst, explains to AsiaNews that “for this, the Madhesi have been very skeptical on the reasons for which (the Maoists) have shared with them the power on the basis of equality. This distrust has clouded their relations featuring frequent violent acts between them, the worst was in Gaur town. Ironically, Maoists were the first to sustain the Madhesi cause. But once well they acquired political power, the Maoists ignored the Madhesi. Nevertheless, such violence could disrupt the unity of the country”.
Also the office of High Commissioner the UN for the human rights in Nepal “has deplored” the blood bath. OHCR representative, Lena Sundh has invited the leaders of the two sides, “of whichever level, to act without delay in order to stop this unacceptable violence and to try to find a solution through peaceful dialogue.”
The United Nations has also taken note of how grave the situation is of 108 thousand Bhutanese refugees that live in 7 camps in the districts of Jhapa and Morang in Nepal, risking to die of hunger if they do not receive sufficient help from donors. The status of refugees prevents them from trying to find a job outside of the camps and to own land, therefore, they totally depend on international donations. Many of them have lived here for over 16 years. Jesuit priest PC Amalraj, director of the Jesuit Refugee Service that assists them, has reminded AsiaNews of the serious consequences for a population for over 16 years has lived in refugee camps “with the fear of dying of hunger. The most urgent thing is to supply them with food”. But then it will be also necessary - he adds - to think to where they can go, seeing that they are not wanted in Nepal nor in their homeland.
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