Issuing a press statement on Tuesday, the UML has objected to the arrest while reminding the UK that Nepal is still passing through the peace process and that discussions are still under way to form transitional justice mechanisms. [break]"The arrest made at this special circumstance of political transition is regretful and unfortunate," the party said.
While reiterating that the UML is serious and sensitive toward the plights of the conflict victims, the UML has demanded that the government create credible grounds to convince the international community that the government fully respects human rights and does not give amnesty to those involved in serious cases of human rights violations.
The UML has asked the international community including the UK to wait and see the implementation of the human rights commitments Nepal has made with respect to addressing the cases of human rights violations that took place during the decade-long Maoist conflict. The party has asked the international community not to take any move that puts Nepal and Nepalis in a difficult situation at this critical juncture.
While underscoring the need for the formation of Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) at the earliest, the UML has also come down heavily on the government´s move to promote the culture of impunity by withdrawing court cases, giving general amnesty to the convicted party cadres and awarding promotion to security officers involved in the cases of serious human rights violations.
People´s Front Nepal welcomes Colonel Lama´s arrest
At a time when all other political parties have joined the chorus against the arrest of Lama in the UK, a fringe party, People´s Front Nepal-led by Chitra Bahadur KC has welcomed the move.
Issuing a press statement on Tuesday, party Chairman Chitra Bahadur KC criticized the government for giving general amnesty and awarding promotion to those involved in serious cases of human rights violations instead of punishing them. "We deem the arrest of Lama appropriate," the statement said.
KC has argued that Nepal cannot term the arrest as a move against national sovereignty as the country has already become a party to human rights instrument that allows other countries to punish those involved in crimes against humanity when the country concerned does not show willingness to punish them.
Related story
Yogesh Bhattarai calls UML leadership to resolve candidacy disp...
