Maoist victims announce agitation programme

The Maoist victims have Sunday announced fresh protest programmes to put pressure on the government to meet its 15-point demand.

According to Bhoj Raj Timilsina, coordinator of The Association of Victims of Maoist Atrocities (AVMA) that the AVMA was compelled to announce fresh protest programmes as the government made no efforts to meet its demands.

Their protest programmes include sit-ins in front of the Indian Embassy, American Embassy, United Nations Office at Pulchowk on May 9, 11 and 14 and a gathering of Maoist victims at the Tinkune camp on May 16.

"If our demands are not met, we will stage a strike in the valley on May 17," he said, adding, "We will organise a sit-in at the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights at Tahachal on May 21."

Even after being a part of the government, the Maoists have not created a conducive environment for the displaced to return home, he said, adding, "Though the Maoists are in the government, they have not changed their behaviour."

He warned that the AVMA will announce decisive protest programmes if the government does not address its demands.

Demanding a probe into the killing of their relatives and legal action against the killers, the Maoist victims have been staying at the Tinkune camp since March 10. They have also urged the government to declare those killed by the Maoists as martyrs and return property "looted" by the Maoists.