NEPAL: Illegal detention of a pregnant woman by Nepali security forces 

Dear friends,

The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) wishes to draw your attention to a particularly disturbing case involving a Mrs Nisha Neupane from Prithvi Nagar, Chitwan, who was arrested by Security Forces on 31 March 2005. Mrs Neupane is pregnant and requires continuous medical treatment for kidney problems. However, the police have detained Mrs Neupane since March 31, and have not made her whereabouts known.

We are most concerned for both Mrs Neupane’s health and her rights. For this reason we ask that you intervene in this case so that Mrs Neupane might be released from detention. Please write to Major-General Sharma Thappa calling for his urgent intervention in this matter. Please request him to investigate the whereabouts of Mrs Neupane and to have her released immediately so that she can access any medical treatment that is required. Please also ensure that those responsible for her detention face justice for their actions. Finally, please urge him to strictly instruct the army and the police to stop the ongoing illegal arrest, detention and disappearance of civilians.

Urgent Appeals Desk
The Asian Human Rights Commission
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DETAILED INFORMATION:

Details of the case
Name of victim: Mrs Nisha Neupane, 24, resident of Geeta Nagar-3, Prithvi Nagar, Chitwan, Nepal
Perpetrators: Nepali Security Forces from Suryanagar Chok (Shivanagar VDC) of Chitwan District, Nepal
Date of disappearance: 31 March 2005

Security forces from Suryanagar Chok (Shivanagar VDC) of Chitwan District, Nepal, arrested Mrs Nisha Neupane on 31 March 2005. At the time, Mrs Neupane was on her way to her sister’s house, but was stopped by approximately 10 security personnel who were wearing civilian dress.

Mrs Neupane suffers from kidney problems, which requires continuous medical attention at the Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital in Kathmandu. She is also in the early stages of pregnancy.

Mrs Neupane’s mother believes that her daughter may be being detained at the Kasara Barrack in Royal Chitwan National Park or in the Bharatpur Barrack in Chitwan. No arrest warrant was issued prior to her disappearance. There has also been no communication between the security forces and the victim’s family as to the whereabouts of Mrs Neupane. As far as her family knows, no legal action has been taken against Mrs Neupane.

Mrs Neupane’s husband is a Maoist, and is currently in hiding. The family believes that her disappearance is for the security forces to enquire into her husband’s whereabouts. They are most concerned, however, that if Mrs Neupane does not receive medical treatment, her condition will deteriorate and it might even jeopardise her life.

Mrs Neupane’s mother has appealed for her release to INSEC.

SUGGESTED ACTION:
Please send a letter, fax or email to Major-General Sharma Thappa and express your concern about this matter.

 

 

To support this case, please click here: SEND APPEAL LETTER