National
Panel submits report on TRC bill to top leaders
Chiefs of three political parties vow to endorse the agreements through federal Parliament.Post Report
The three-party panel formed to iron out the differences over the amendment to the Enforced Disappearances Enquiry, Truth and Reconciliation Commission Act submitted its report to top leaders on Wednesday.
Ramesh Lekhak of the Nepali Congress, the coordinator of the taskforce, presented reports to Prime Minister and CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli, Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba and CPN (Maoist Centre) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal. All the three leaders were present at the prime minister’s office in Singhadurbar to receive the report.
On Thursday, the panel reached an agreement on contentious issues, clearing the way for the federal Parliament to endorse it.
After a month-long discussion, the panel succeeded in finding a consensus on all the issues. There has been an agreement to list intentional and arbitrary killings as serious violations of human rights and to reduce the sentence of the guilty in serious violations of human rights by 75 percent. A victim who is unwilling to reconcile can move the court against the perpetrators.
All the disqualified Maoist combatants, along with the families of security personnel who lost their lives or were injured during the insurgency, will get reparation and compensation, as per the agreement.
Speaking at the report handover ceremony, Prime Minister Oli pledged to pass the bill unanimously through the current House session.
“We have reached an agreement to amend the law by giving priority to the victims and conclude the peace process,” said Prime Minister Oli. “This agreement has been reached considering the decisions of the Supreme Court, international norms, and the need to address the concerns of the victims. It marks a milestone in the peace process.”
Also speaking at the same event, Maoist Centre Chairman Dahal viewed the task force report as a positive development since the formation of the new government, recalling the ongoing efforts to reach a consensus. He urged one and all to give legitimacy to the report though the parliamentary process. He said succeeding to accomplishing the task would send a message of peace, stability and development to the Nepalis.
Likewise, Congress President Deuba said the taskforce has shown the world that Nepal can solve their problems on their own. He hoped one and all will agree on implementation of the agreement.