Cabinet forms probe committee on Gaur Killings, Maoists disprove saying unilateral

An emergency meeting of the Council of Ministers held on Friday has formed a high-level committee to probe the Gaur massacre at Rautahat district that resulted in killings of at least 28 persons.

The committee led by judge of Patan Appellate Court Hari Pradad Ghimire is mandated to probe the incident and submit the report within 15 days. DIG Niraj Pun, Officiating Secretary of National Vigilance Centre Ram Sarobar Dube and Joint Attorney General Tika Bahadur Hamal have been designated as members in the probe committee.

The committee will start assignment from today.Meanwhile Chief of Army Staff (CoAS) General Rukmangud Katuwal has briefed Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala about the security situation of the country on Friday.
Both are reported to have discussed and share information regarding maintenance of security in the country. General Katuwal had informed PM about activities of the security agencies.

At least 28 people were killed during a clash between activists of Madhesi Janadhikar Forum and Maoists in Gaur on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, The Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist today organised a condolence meet in capital to pay tribute for those who were killed in Gaur massacre in Rautahat district on Wednesday.

The condolence gathering was organised at Khula Manch, with dead bodies of 25 Maoist cadres who were killed in that incident. Maoist supremo Prachanda, Maoist second-in-command Dr Baburam Bhattarai, UML general secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal, NC-D leader Gopal Man Singh, among other political leaders were present in the meet. All the members of the parliament, representing the CPN-Maoist, were also present.

Addressing the gathering Maoist leader Dr. Baburam Bhattarai said: "We do not accept the investigation team that was formed by the council of ministers this morning." He added the team was formed without consulting the Maoists.

Altogether 28 persons were killed in a clash that ensued between the Maoist cadres and the activists of the Madhesi Janaadhikar Forum (MJF) in Gaur of Rautahat district on Wednesday.