Upendra Yadav backs reinvestigation of Gaur massacre (video)
In an interview with News Agency Nepal, Chair Yadav stated that the party would cooperate with the investigation if the government moves forward.
KATHMANDU: Janata Samajwadi Party, Nepal (JSP) Chair Upendra Yadav has expressed his willingness to provide impartial support if the government proceeds with a reinvestigation of the Gaur massacre.
The Supreme Court issued an order on Monday, Bhadra 2, to advance the probe into the high-profile massacre that took place 18 years ago. The order followed a hearing on a writ petition filed by one of the survivors, Tribhuvan Sah, among others.
In an interview with News Agency Nepal, Chair Yadav stated that the party would cooperate with the investigation if the government moves forward.
He emphasized that his party respects the Supreme Court and pointed out that the government had conducted investigations and uncovered facts even at the time of the incident.
Yadav further noted that reports had already been prepared by the Judicial Inquiry Commission, the National Human Rights Commission, and the UN Human Rights Commission.
He suggested that the case could not have proceeded back then, and reopening it nearly 19 years later could be politically motivated.
However, he cautioned against making premature statements until the full verdict is published.
Yadav also asserted that there is no need for alarm, as he has always fought for the rights of the people.
He highlighted that previous inquiries had identified both the defendants and main attackers, and since he had not obstructed the process, there was nothing to fear.
He added that as this is a political matter, political forces should seek a resolution.
Relatives and survivors of the Gaur massacre had demanded that the Supreme Court order further investigation, citing inaction by the Rautahat District Police Office even after filing complaints.
The court’s order also named the police headquarters and the Home Ministry as respondents in the case.
The incident occurred on Chaitra 7, 2063 BS, in Rausmil Chowk, Gaur, Rautahat, where clashes between the Maoists and Madhesi Janadhikar Forum resulted in 27 Maoist activists being killed and over a hundred injured.
On that day, both groups had organized programs at the same location. Tribhuvan Sah filed the case in the Supreme Court on Jestha 21, 2080 BS.
