New leadership for disappearances commission

KATHMANDU: The Commission of Investigation on Enforced Disappearances, established with the core principle of truth, facts, justice, and reparation, has finally received new officials for its third term after nearly three years.

The commission, formed to investigate cases of enforced disappearances during the former Maoist insurgency, had been without officials since B.S. 2079 Shrawan 1.

Established in B.S. 2071, the commission was a vital part of the peace process aimed at addressing past conflicts and ensuring justice.

Newly appointed Chairperson Leeladevi Gadtola, speaking from the office in Bhadrakali after her reinstatement, emphasized delivering justice to victims in line with the spirit of transitional justice. She committed to collective responsibility and teamwork in advancing the commission’s work.

She stated, “As it is a team effort, the opinions, advice, and suggestions of members and experts will guide our work. We will strive to overcome any challenges and fulfill our responsibilities effectively.”

Alongside Chairperson Gadtola, members Gopalnath Yogi (Salyan), Agniprasad Thapaliya (Jhapa), Sirjana Pokharel (Kathmandu), and Vinita Nepali (Kaski) took their oaths today from the Chief Justice. Their term will last four years.

The commission was formed to uncover the truth about those who disappeared during the decade-long armed conflict from B.S. 2052 Falgun 1 to B.S. 2063 Mangsir 5 between the state and the then Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist). The conflict officially ended following the comprehensive peace agreement signed on B.S. 2063 Mangsir 5.

The commission’s mandate includes investigating enforced disappearances, recommending reparations, and advising the state on measures to prevent the recurrence of such conflicts.

According to spokesperson Kaviraj Paudel, the commission has received 3,288 complaints so far, out of which 746 cases have been screened and categorized as varied.

There are still 2,543 pending applications to be reviewed, claiming a total of 2,547 individuals have disappeared.

Additionally, within three months of the appointment of the new officials, any individuals who missed submitting complaints earlier due to unavoidable reasons may submit their applications along with explanations.