Regmi visits Adhikari couple, urges end to hunger strike

KATHMANDU, Aug 29: Chairman of the Interim Election Council Khil Raj Regmi has urged Nanda Prasad Adhikari and Ganga Maya Adhikari to break their hunger strike.



Regmi on Thursday met Adhikari couple at Bir Hospital in the capital and urged them to end their hunger strike stating that investigation into their son´s murder has been moving forward actively and in a credible manner.



Adhikari couple is at the intensive care unit of Bir Hospital since a week after their health condition deteriorated. They have been on fast-unto-death for over a month demanding action against those involved in the murder of their son Krishna Prasad Adhikari. Krishna Prasad was killed at Ratnanagar of Chitwan on charge of spying on the Maoists during the insurgency. The UCPN (Maoist) had earlier said Krishna Prasad was killed mistakenly. [break]



Issuing a statement Thursday, the prime minister´s office has stated that the attention of the government has been drawn seriously toward the ongoing hunger strike of the Adhikari couple.



The government has said that the govenrment is seriously concerned about the health of the Adhikari couple.



Stating that investigation into the killing is already under way and one must to stay alive to see justice is done to Krishna Prasad, the government has said the couple´s putting life at risk is unjustified.



The government has assured Adhikari couples that it will leave no stone unturned in the course of investigation into the killing.



The government has also urged the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), political parties, law practitioners, rights activists, journalists and civil society, among others to persuade the Adhikari couple to end the hunger strike.



Responding to the mounting pressure from all quarters, the government had directed the district police office, Chitwan to reopen the case four days ago.



Though various rights activists and political leaders are repeatedly urging Adhikari couple to end their hunger strike, the couple has reiterated that they would not consider the option until and unless those responsible for Krishna Prasad´s killing are brought to justice.

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