The CPN-UML has condemned the government’s decision to withdraw the cases against the alleged perpetrators of the Tikapur carnage that took place in the town of Tikapur in Kailali on 24 August, 2015.

The main opposition said in a statement on Friday that the government’s move is a mockery of rule of law and  rank disregard for human rights. 

Pradeep Gyawali, the party secretary, claimed the government was giving political hue to grave criminal cases. The government should provide an explanation, he demanded.

Eight security personnel and a child were killed in the violence that broke out in Tikapur during a protest, spearheaded by the Tharu Struggle Community representing the ethnic Tharu people. 

The human rights organisation, Insec, has also expressed grave concern over the government’s decision, saying it undermines the constitution and rule of law, and promotes impunity.

The Cabinet meeting on Thursday had decided to withdraw the cases against around 500 people facing different criminal offences during the “Tharuhat and the Madhes movements” in a run-up to the promulgation of the constitution. 

The leaders of Rastriya Janata Party Nepal, which represents the Madhesi and the Tharu minorities, had been pressing the government to drop the criminal charges against their supporters.