February 21, 2007
PRESS RELEASE                             

CONTACTS:
Dr. Ambika dhikari: Ambika@alum.mit.edu 
Mr. Mukesh Singh : ileshsingh@gmail.com
Mr. Sagar Onta: sagar@digiwest.com

NAC Press Statement on Recent Madhesh Incidents
 
The Nepalese American Council (NAC) is seriously concerned about the Nepal government's handling of Nepalganj riots, and the uprisings in Lahan, Janakpur and other locations during the recent Andolan in Madhesh. We are concerned about the role of security forces, particularly in Nepalganj and Janakpur incidents. NAC is troubled by the disproportionate use of force against protestors in Eastern Tarai resulting in 28 deaths. Many Nepalis have the perception that the non-intervention of police in Nepalgunj may have been driven by ethnic differences between the police force and the victims of the riot.

NAC believes that a fair and equitable treatment of everyone is critical in establishing durable peace and harmony in the country. In order to restore trust and confidence in the government's role as the custodian of  rule of law and justice, NAC calls on the government of Nepal to undertake a prompt investigation of Nepalganj incident, and other recent Tarai events in a fair and impartial manner and that the outcome of such investigation be made public. NAC also calls upon the government to take appropriate actions against the responsible individuals who may be found guilty.

NAC also appeals to everyone in the affected areas to refrain from vandalizing private and public properties, and to exercise tolerance, appreciate the diversity and to help maintain the long-held communal harmony in Nepal.

Sincerely,

Dr. Ambika Prasad Adhikari

President

Nepalese Americas Council (NAC)

Undersigned Member Organizations

America Nepal Friendship Society (ANFS), New York
America Nepal Society (ANS), California
Association of Nepalis in the Americas (ANA)
Association of the Nepalese in the Midwest America (ANMA)
Association of Nepali Terain in America (ANTA)
Florida Nepalese Association (FNA)
Greater Boston Nepali Community ( GBNC)
Liberal Democracy Nepal (LDN)
Nepalese Association in South East America (NASeA)
Nepa Pasha Pucha Amerikaye (NPPA)
Nepal Cultural Society of B.C. (NCSBC)
Nepalis and Friends Association (NAFA)
Nepal Seattle Society (NSS)
Nepal Community Network of Canada (NCNC)
Nepali Women's Global Network (NWGN)
Nepal Center of North Carolina (NCNA)
Nepalese Society of Texas ( Dallas)
Nepalese Association of Houston (NAH)
Nepali American Public Affairs Council (NAPAC)
Rocky Mountain Friends of Nepal (Denver)
Society of Ex-Budhanilkantha Students - North America
International Nepali Literary Society (INLS)
Kaligandaki Friendship Society (KFC), Washington, D.C.
Nepali Youth Organization (NYO), Washington, D.C