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Petition Tag - nepal
1. Stop cruel dog killings in Nepal 
In February 2013, a group of Nepalese policemen brutally killed a dog who had bitten a number of people, using a gun and bamboo sticks. Despite the fact that humane solutions like Animal Birth Control/Anti Rabies have been introduced in Nepal a decade ago, authorities continue to kill dogs inhumanely using strychnine poison, guns or sticks.
A video of the cruel killing can be viewed here:
2. Ending discriminatory profiling of Nepalese citizens in Nepal
Police in Nepal detained more than 700 young men from the streets of Kathmandu for sporting long hair and earrings.
Every person is entitled to fundamental rights. Right to liberty is the right to act in accordance with one’s judgment to attain one’s values.
Right to the pursuit of happiness is the right to live for one’s own sake, fulfillment and enjoyment.
3. Stop Bull Fighting in Nepal
On February 1 and 2, 2013, a bull fight will be organised in Kathmandu by the Nepal Olympic Museum and Maghe Sankranti Fair Management Committee.
Animal Welfare Network Nepal strongly condemns this initiative and requests the government to stop this cruel blood sport.
Whatever be the reasons- political, religious, national sovereignty etc., one this is clear - that Tibetan inhabitants are suffering a lot! Whatever the Chinese national media may broadcast to the world by editing, censoring or distorting the real picture, the world now cannot be fooled.
In today's era of free media, we are able to see the blatant atrocities and ruthless tortures imparted by the officials to the poor Tibetans. If this goes on a day will come when our children will compare "demons" or "satans" to the CCP members and "Hell" to China.
Let us do something before it's too late, especially the Chinese all over the world, for the sake of your fellow brothers and sisters :)
5. Stop tree slaughter in Kathmandu Valley
As part of a road widening scheme, hundreds of trees, including ancient and sacred ones, are being cut down in Kathmandu and Patan.
The once green cities are turning into concrete jungles. As trees decrease temperatures and pollution and absorb water, city dwellers and animals increasingly are unable to cope. The tree felling arguably is driven by corruption through the sales of the wood.
6. Open Gokarna Forest Park for the public of Nepal
People of Kathmandu city and area need public parks where the elderly can exercise, children can play and youngsters can recreate.
In the case of Gokarna forest, it is a public property under the authority of Nepal Trust, which mobilizes under the govt of Nepal Gokarna Forest is located in Kathmandu Chetra no-3, surrounded by Jorpati-VDC, Danchi-VDC, Gokarna-VDC, and Mulpani-VDC.
These and neighbouring towns has no proper public park for its citizens, Multiple child accident cases takes place daily due to the playing on the roads. And thousands of elderiy, children and pet-animals are living the lives of prisoners behind the shutters and the concrete walls of their houses. Youths are Unemployed, poverty has disguised itself in criminal activities and the drug addiction is growing rapidly within the area.
We just not see Gokarna forest as a jungle but as a natural resource of the area with the capacity of generating 100s of jobs and direct-indirect health and economic benefits to each and every one.
We also acknowledge the importance of a golf course therefore we are submitting a petition to the govt of Nepal in favor of balanced distribution of the land of Gokarna forest to Public park and the golf course for a better healthier community and Nepal
7. British Museum should have clear signage about Buddha’s birthplace
Ashoka Pillar built in 300 BC by Indian Emperor Ashok during his pilgrimage to the birthplace of Buddha still stands Lumbini. A thorough excavation and investigation near the Ashok Pillar has found the Nativity Stone that was laid down to mark the Buddha’s birthplace.
An international team of archaeologists has begun a three-year survey, coordinated by the UNESCO of the archaeological ruins of Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha in Nepal. The team of archaeologists, including experts from Nepal’s Department of Archaeology and the Lumbini Development Trust, is directed by Robin Coningham, UNESCO Archaeological Expert and Professor of Archaeology, University of Durham.
The UNESCO, after careful examination all facts and evidences, has already recognized Lumbini as the Buddha’s birthplace and a World Heritage Site.
The Gurkhas from Nepal have been serving the British Army for over 2 centuries. They swear allegiance to our Majesty the Queen when they join the Army.
Despite all this, they do not have Citizen Rights of the UK. After much fighting by the Respected Joanna Lumley, the Gurkhas managed to get settlement rights, but what did that achieve? Nothing. They do not have the access they should to pensions, to having their families with them and even their civil rights have a lot left to be desired.
The British Army took 12/13/14 year old and now that these men are in their 60's, 70's and 80's, they are living like paupers and beggars. Is that right? Is that fair?
I humbly request that you sign this petition and make any relevant comments for me to take to 10 Downing Street on the 24th April 2012 when we are holding a peace rally for the above. We will be outside 10 Downing Street from 12 noon on the day, please, come and join us. Thanks
Bobbie
9. Animal Welfare Act for Nepal
Nepal is one of the few countries in the world that has no legal protection of working animals, pets and stray animals.
Animal Welfare Network Nepal has drafted an Animal Welfare Act. Help us to get the act passed by the parliament!
10. Humane training for twin elephants Nepal
Ram and Laxman are twin bull elephants which are about to receive training. Traditional training methods leave elephant calves traumatised and injured (see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKUDW2y3H-0).
Humane training has been introduced in Nepal but is still in its infancy. Evidence based humane training methods avoid trauma, improves the bond between animal and caretaker and leads to happy, confident and obedient working elephants.
Nepal will not deserve credit for continuing traditional training methods. Providing humane training to the twins will set a positive example for the future and will ensure that Ram and Laxman will be handled with love and care.
11. Stop Dog Poisoning in Nepal
In Nepal, almost all municipalities poison dogs in order to control their numbers and (feared) outbreaks of rabies. The images of ‘man’s best friend’ dying a slow and agonizing death are heart rendering and deeply traumatizing for children and other members of the public.
Contrary to what many believe, the number of dogs does not go down after poisoning. Within half a year the population recovers and often even increases. Besides, strychnine poison can harm humans and other animals. The disposal of the bodies is a major concern.
Humane solutions like Animal Birth Control/Ant Rabies have been introduced in Nepal a decade ago. That is why poisoning dogs is not only inhumane, it is also ineffective and outdated.
12. Stop hunting in Himalayas, Nepal
The Nepal government is planning to develop Kanchenjunga Conservation Area (KCA) as a hunting reserve. The Animal Welfare Network Nepal (AWNN) strongly opposes this decision.
KCA is a unique area which has been recognised as a Gift to the Earth by WWF's Living Planet Campaign. It is also selected as one of the 200 eco regions by WWF.
The government wants to allow international hunters to kill Himalayan Blue Sheep. These are the prey species of the highly endangered Snow Leopard.
Also, income from hunting generally does not benefit local communities and wildlife. AWNN wants the government to continue to develop KCA as an eco tourism destination, using community participation.
13. Informing the world about the true birth place of the Buddha
All sovereign Nepalese: intellectuals, civil society leaders, patriotic, democratic, progressive, and reasonable and rational minds of all walks of life, our peace and justice loving international friends and international communities.
14. Free Ogyen Trinley Dorje - His Holiness The 17th Karmapa
Indian National Congress
Congress President, Sonia Gandhi
24 Akbar Road
New Delhi, India
110011
Dear Respected Sonia Gandhi,
We, the undersigned, are deeply concerned about His Holiness the Karmapa, Orgyen Trinley Dorje who has been living in exile in India since 2000. As he is not a criminal, but is in fact an important spiritual teacher for the entire world, this confinement contravenes the fundamental principles to the preservation of human dignity and respect for universal, fundamental and ethical principles. We call on you to secure his immediate and unconditional release.
In article 51 (c) of The Constitution of India it states; "the State [India] shall endeavor to foster respect for international law and treaty obligations in the dealings of organized peoples with one another.” You have also stated; "The Indian National Congress has always represented a secular, democratic, just and inclusive India, an India that is empowering the disadvantaged and the discriminated, an India that is blending tradition with modernity is anchored in unity amidst its many diversities."
We respectfully request the Government of India to adhere to its commitment to democracy and provide the permission necessary for the Karmapa to travel abroad, now and in the future. We seek a diplomatic solution that will allow the Karmapa to fulfill his spiritual responsibilities through his presence in thousands of centers and monasteries all over the world. We call for Orgyen Trinley Dorje’s immediate and unconditional release from confinement in India.
The International community stands together in concurrence for the Karmapa’s human right to individual freedom of expression and action.
15. Nepal Adoptions Petition 2010
A group of waiting families and concerned individuals has organized an online petition to provide support and encouragement to the Government of Nepal in their continuing efforts to improve their adoption system and allow for orphaned children to have the care and love of a permanent family.
We need your immediate assistance to encourage countries with adoption programs in Nepal, including the US, Italy, Spain, France and others to support, encourage, and assist the Government of Nepal in its ongoing efforts to improve their adoption program practices and help children find permanent families.
16. Stop animal sacrifice Nepal
In Nepal annually hundreds of thousands of animals are killed in the name of culture and religion, some in an extremely cruel manner.
After 200.000 animals were killed at Gadhimai festival in 2009, the Animal Welfare Network Nepal launched a 5-year campaign aiming at a phase wise ban on blood sacrifices. We call on the government to support our efforts.
17. Strengthen the Nepali / Tibetan Rug Industry
Strengthen the Nepali/Tibetan Rug Industry and Enhance Livelihoods for Nepali/Tibetan Refugee Weavers and Artisans
The economic potential of the Nepali carpet industry became clear towards the end of the last decade. In the mid 1990’s, the industry employed almost one million people, accounted for a third of Nepal’s exports, was the largest supplier of foreign currency, and brought approximately 1300 - 1000 crore Nepali Rupees into the economy each year.
Today the industry has shrunk by over 70% as local manufacturers, experienced artisan weavers, and carpet importers move their production into India and China to escape the unstable production situation, hostile business environment, and the local disturbances that have become increasingly present in the Kathmandu Valley. This situation has led to a significant and continual decline in production standards since 2000, causing the quality of Nepal’s yarn production and weaving to fall dramatically. Because of this decline, Nepal is losing its hard earned reputation as a leader in the hand-knotted carpet industry and its valuable share of international end markets.
The decreased importance of the Nepali carpet industry is visibly reducing the industry’s role in the country’s economic and social development. Nepal’s exports have proven to be strongly and positively correlated to economic growth. The Nepali carpet industry plays an important role in this as seen by its near 30% share of Nepal’s total exports and its direct contribution to approximately 3% of Nepal’s GDP in 2004/2005.
Increased domestic support for this industry can once again raise exports, increase revenue for the national government, and foster skill development and advancement for even the lowest paid workers. It also presents the government with an opportunity for economic growth and diversification through an already established industry.
The carpet industry should continue to play a critical role in Nepal’s social development and rural poverty reduction. Workers in Nepal’s carpet factories are an important source for domestic remittances being sent into the countryside. This type of remittance flow was shown, in a 2003 World Bank study of the Nepali economy, to have a powerful and direct effect on reducing rural poverty.
To sustain and maximize on the economic and social benefits of the industry, we propose that there is an immediate need for a more productive, secure, and corruption free work environment within the Nepali carpet industry. As end market users and importers of this wonderful product, we hereby petition the Nepali Government to recognize and take action on the following necessary points for change: labor regulation, export promotion, quality certification, investment climate, labor union policies.
Details are outlined on the following page.
With focused and properly directed intervention, the carpet industry has the potential to play a vital role in Nepal’s development. The industry has shown that it can directly foster economic development while increasing the effectiveness of the government’s work to reduce national poverty. We believe that given the support proposed in this petition, the Nepali carpet industry will once again become an important source for national revenue, social development, and the preservation of centuries old artisan techniques.
18. Stop Gadimai
Can you picture 7,000 young buffaloes being rounded up and killed by a thousand drunk men carrying large knives? A festival where 200,000 animals are killed to please a goddess?
This is exactly what -if nothing is done- will happen from November 24, 2009, onwards in Nepal. The Gadimai Festival in Bariyarpur, Bara District, is held each 5 years. The mass sacrifice turns the entire area into a marshy land of blood. The Animal Welfare Network Nepal together with Anti-sacrifice Alliance want to end this bloody, cruel practice.
For more information go to Worship Without Cruelty at http://animalnepal.org/campaigns_wwc.htm
19. Stop Donkey misery in Nepal
Working donkeys of Nepal are among the most neglected creatures in the country. They toll and slave in brick killns, as riksha wallahs, as porters.
First hand observations show that the donkeys receive no medical care and suffer from malnutrition, open sores, lacerations, and general neglect.
In the absence of any care sick donkeys are left to die by the roadside. The situation of donkeys in brick killns has been compared to a 'mediaeval hell hole' by a social worker.
20. Remove the 'terrorists' tag from Maoists in Nepal
After a decade-long civil war in the country, we appreciate the Maoists in Nepal for their agreement on ceasefire, involvement in the Interim Government, and then their participation in the elections in a largely peaceful and fair manner.
While it is true that, in the course of the Maoist revolution in the past decade, many lives were lost and human rights were seriously violated by the rebels, it is important to note that the same took place from the side of the government, too. Unfortunately, some biased reports from the media prevented the world at large from understanding this. As a matter of fact, more Maoists than people from any other group were killed in the recent struggle against the monarchy towards the re-establishment of democracy.
The realities from the past are still subject to different interpretations, but keeping in view the need for the stability and legitimacy of the future democratic government, it is important that the international community stand in support of Nepalese people who have decided to forgive both the sides in order to help them forge a partnership to rebuild the country.
The election manifesto of the Maoists appears impressive, particularly, in their assurance about the continuity of multiparty democracy in Nepal. Their approach to ‘industrial capitalism, geared towards socialism’ holds a great potential for positive socio-economic reforms in the country. Nepalese people have for long been victims of gender, racial, and ethnic discrimination. In the midst of these challenges, it is encouraging to see the Maoists demonstrating their commitment, again and again, to social equality, which has been vividly reflected by their nominations for the election. With the representation of people from diverse backgrounds, the new constitution to be drafted seems to be promoting pluralism and inclusiveness as a consequence of which, for the first time in the country’s history, elected women and indigenous people are joining the House in substantive numbers and proportions.
After years of bloodshed in the country, there is, thus, a glimmer of hope and we feel that international support is extremely necessary for building a ‘New Nepal’ to which all the political parties and their representatives seem to be committed. We feel that this support is cherished by every Nepalese citizen for three different reasons – one, it is more than just a voluntary choice for the Nepalese because there is hardly an alternative to it both technically and non-technically; two, the urgency of such support is likely to grow in the near future; and three, the support of international community lends the process a certain legitimacy, ownership, and sustainability that play a positive role to universalize the twin processes of democratization and development.
It has been really encouraging to see Mr. Jimmy Carter’s request to the US government to reconsider the tag on Maoists on the basis of his direct observation of the polls followed by the strong support the Maoists have been able to garner in the polls. The recent official statement from the Indian Ambassador to Nepal also indicates that the Indian Government accepts the newly formed government as a “legitimate” one and that India will provide unconditional cooperation to the Maoist government. It is, therefore, time that the US Government reconsiders its position, too.
In case the terrorist tag is not removed, the relations between the US and the incoming government is likely to remain frigid leading to further complications, whereas a positive decision to remove the tag is likely to send positive message to quite a few hard regimes around the world. It will also help in dispelling the conservative image of the ruling US regime amongst the Nepalese people. Above all, such a step will protect Nepalese in Nepal and abroad from the wrong image that the Nepalese at large may have acquired over the years and from the undeserved persecution that they may be subjected to from time to time as a result of the tag.
We deeply appreciate the US Government for extending its support to Nepal in conducting the Constituent Assembly Polls and in the creation of an environment conducive for peace. As global citizens, who wish the welfare of Nepalese people, we appreciate the assurance given by the United States to “continue assistance to Nepal”, following the Maoists’ victory. Given the deep commitment that the United States has and the support that it has given to fledgling democracies the world over, what decision the United States takes at this particular hour can be of critical relevance in making and marring the relations with the regime that will soon be formed in Nepal. We, therefore, urge you to help remove the terrorist tag on the democratically elected party, which, we are certain, would go a long way to strengthen US-Nepal relationship.
21. Support the establishment of Community Libararies and Tele centres in Nepal
Nepal: you may all know that this beautiful country still lives as third world country. The researches shows that more than 40 percent of people still live below the poverty line.
Regarding literacy about 50 percent of people are uneducated in the country.
Only 8 percent or people have access to communication (internet, email).
So with these things in mind I with my friends are planning to establish a community library and ICT centers for the marginalized people and communities in rural areas of Nepal.
Your simple support would be great.
22. Stop Treating Nepalese Girls Worse Than Animals
August 8, 2006
Poor Nepalese girls as young as 9 are sold into sex slavery as a meager way to support their families. Then, they are never allowed back into their homes after they contract AIDS.
Animals are above girls and women on the social level.
Demand the Nepalese government to give girls an education or to allow them to be adopted to other countries by safe and loving parents.
23. Stop India from Exporting Terrorism to Nepal
Stop India from Exporting Terrorism to Nepal.
India has been creating economical as well as political problems for Nepal for the last 58 years it has become Independent from the British. Nepal wanted to become trade free zone just like Singapore, it pressurized Nepal to abandon the idea. It wanted to turn to market economy 20 years ago but India forced it to have high custom tariff. India is building dams in the border area to flood Lumbini the birth place of Lord Budha so no tourist will visit this submerge area.
Nepal has to endure Indian arm twisting because it is landlocked so it has to use Indian port for sea cargo. It took ten years to convince India to allow Nepal to link India port with railway and another three years for the train to star service after completion of the railway link. Even after 15 years the railway link in not functioning properly. India has denied Nepal right of transits numerous times and dictating its terms on Nepal economy, as a result it is now one of the poorest country in the world. Now Indian foreign minister is threatening Nepal that it has leverage against Nepal which is noting but Nepal geographical compulsion to ship cargo through India.
India has been exporting terrorism to its neighbouring countries to keeps these countries in line to the Indian wishes. Terrorism as been the inbuilt nature of Indian politics. According to very credible numbers published by human-rights groups and the Punjab judiciary, the government of India has murdered more than 250,000 Sikhs since 1984, in excess of 200,000 Christians in Nagaland since 1947, almost 75,000 Kashmiri Muslims since 1988, and tens of thousands of Assamese, Tamils, Manipuris, Dalits, and others. In 1994, the US State Department reported that the Indian government paid out over 41,000 cash bounties to police officers for killing members of the Sikh minority.
An Indian Prime Minister was killed in office resulting from hobnobbing with terrorist. A former Prime Minister Mr. Rajib Ghandi who supported and armed one of the deadliest terrorist LITTE against Sri Lanka and as result was killed by them. In 1985 it armed and trained Ramraja P. Singh in India to conduct various terrorism activities in Nepal the result was several innocent civilian were killed.
After fourteen years of corruption and misrule by corrupt politicians King of Nepal has taken a popular step and assumed direct rule. The result has been positive. Whith the polular support of the general public peace in returing to the country. Kathmandu has seen four months without bombing or innocent people being killed. It this the first time in decade three months have gone without any kind of forced strikes in Kathmandu and other towns of the country. Gradually situation in becoming normal in the country side.
Normal Nepal has chance of being out of grip of India. So now India in supporting terrorist Nepal Communist Party (Maoist) to fight against the Nepal Army. It is repeating the same story it did with Sri Lanka. Recently several terrorist who have red corner notice from the Interpol have been reported holding meetings with Indian Intelligence Agency and Politicians. India is planning to arm and train terrorist to teach Nepal a lesson.
You can help Nepal in this hour of crisis, please sign and forwad below email to President George W. Bush and a copy to Vice President Richard Cheney. Their email address are
President George W. Bush: president@whitehouse.gov
Vice President Richard Cheney: vice.president@whitehouse.gov
June, 2006
Animal Nepal is concerned about the activities of the Washington National Primate Center (WNPC) and the Nepal Natural History Society.
Following the Indian ban on the export of rhesus monkeys for use in bio-medical research, Western research labs now seem to be eyeing Nepali monkeys. WNPC and its Nepali counterpart, NHS, have established a breeding centre for Nepalese rhesus monkeys at Lele, Kathmandu Valley. The monkeys in future are to be exported to the US and undergo painful and sometimes deadly tests.
Nepal's Hindus honour monkeys as a reincarnation of Lord Hanuman; Buddhists believe no animal can be killed or subjected to cruelties. Monkeys are a very important part of the country's natural and cultural heritage.
As citizens we are proud of our primates and do not want them to suffer unnecessarily. We certainly do not want our monkeys to end up in an American lab, subjected to horrifying experiments.
Can you imagine a live goat being thrown in a pond and torn apart by young men? Can you picture 7000 young buffaloes being rounded up and killed by a thousand drunk men carrying khukuri knives? A festival where 200.000 animals are killed to please a goddess? Mass sacrifice with financial support by the government?
Perhaps you cannot. However, events such as these take place regularly in Nepal. We at Friends of SPCAN have launched the 'Worship Without Cruelty' campaign in order to raise awareness about these practices and to ty and stop them. Please take 5 minutes of your time to write a letter to the Nepalese authorities and/or Nepalese Embassy in your country.
The Gadimai Mela takes place every five years in Bariyarpur, Bara district, in the south of Nepal and is scheduled for Kartik (October-November) this year. The fair is infamous for the large number of animals (up to 200.000) which are sacrificed to appease the Gadimai goddess. The fair reaches its climax on an 'auspicious' day, when thousands of buffaloes are sacrificed. The blood letting that takes place turns the entire area into a marshy land of blood. It is expected that this year some 60.000 young he-buffaloes will be killed, as well as an additional 140.000 chicken, goats, pigs, birds and other poultry.
The first ritual during Gadimai is to worship the weapons which are used in the sacrifice. The priests chant different hymns to appease the Goddess Gadimai. Once the pre-sacrificial rituals end the animals are brought in for the kill. The sacrifice starts with the offering of five different animals: pig, buffalo, goat, wild rats and birds which include chicken and pigeon. The different animals represent the mental obscurations sacrificed by the community including anger, stupidity and desire.
After the sacrifice of the first animal, a goat, thousands of pigeons are sacrificed by severing their heads. Next three wild rats are brought and sacrificed before a comb like pole. After this more than 250 people carrying naked swords and axes wrapped in red clothes, all with a license to kill, approach the temple. They frantically rush towards the field where more than 7,000 young buffaloes are kept. Before the beasts are slaughtered, seven buffaloes tied to a pole undergo the sacrificial ritual. In the end, only the heads of those gentle animals who were alive just a few moments ago, remain.
The Khokana festival is held every year in August, the day after Gai Jatra. A 5-6 month old goat is thrown in a pond close to Rudrayani temple in Khokana, a village in the south of Kathmandu Valley. Nine young men enter the pond and start to tear the goat apart by grasping its legs, ears, hoof or tail. The one who manages to kill the goat is the 'hero' and leads the Shinkali dance which is held afterwards. Khokana residents have witnessed the barbaric scene year in year out and think it provides religious merit. It is not clear why and when the cruel goat-killing was introduced. Locals believe that when children started to drown in the pond in the 12th century, residents started to drown a live goat to appease the gods. However, there is evidence showing that devotees in former times offered fruits and flowers in the temple and that the act with the struggling goat was introduced to create a spectacle.
The campaign against the Gadimai and Khokana cruelties will include letter writing to Nepal's political leaders, awareness raising programmes in schools following by signature campaigns, meetings with Bara officials and possibly a demonstration.
26. Save our organisation - Backward Society Education (BASE)
We are writing to inform you of the increasingly difficult situation in which Backward Society Education (BASE) is finding itself, caught between the maoist rebels and the government imposed state of emergency.
As you may have heard, last week maoist rebels attacked three of the organization's offices in Kailali District. Motorcycles, office furniture, files, and -- in one case an entire Area Office -- were torched.
The apparent reason for the attacks was that BASE ran a rural saving and loan program in cooperation with the local government. The rebels are against this kind of government program. However, the rebels have since then also targeted BASE's child programs.
There are indications that beneath the allegation the real reason may be that the maoists are displeased that BASE has advocated peaceful social change successfully over the past years. Many of the poor rural workers who might otherwise have joined the maoist movement, have stayed with BASE instead. This one could say has been an achievement for peace in a otherwise rapidly detoriorating situation.
It therefore comes as a complete surprise to read the Home Minister's comments in today's Kathmandu Post Wednesday April 3rd) that the government is considering taking away BASE's registration, in effect closing the organization. The government is accusing the organization of supporting the maoists.
It is alarming that the government should consider using the powers of the state of emergency to shut down one of the largest civil society organizations in Nepal. BASE has over 30,000 members and support from many more men and women from marginalised communities, such as the freed bonded laborers whom it helped liberate. Under the current political situation, these people have no legal way of assembling or protesting the government's action, should it decide to take any.
The organization's identity as one of the oldest and most established NGOs in Nepal working for human rights and non-formal education make the accusations of support for the maoists unbelievable at best. Given that the maoists attacked the organization offices last week only, the government accusations seem patently ludicruos. It seems clear that the government is acting with other motives. It is a very disturbing development for the country as a whole, if the government begins to abuse the extraordinary powers granted under the state of emergency to settle old scores and eliminate the free debate in civil society.