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Trade unionist shot dead in Nepal
10 January 2008
An active member of an ITF-affiliated transport workers’ union has been shot dead in Nepal by a group of 30 armed men.
Gajendra Shrestha, a booking clerk at a Saptari district public transport ticket office and a member of the ITF-affiliated transport workers’ union, Nepal Yatayat Mazdoor Sangh, was abducted from his home on 18 December and shot dead. It has been alleged that the perpetrators belong to a new armed group, Janatanktrik Terai Mukti Morcha, led by Jwala Singh, which is reported to be carrying out terrorist atrocities in villages across the Terai region.
The union is calling on the government to root out such acts of violence and to restore peace in the region. It is also asking for compensation of NRs 1 million (US15,700) to be awarded to Shrestha’s family.
Ajay Kumar Rai, President of the union, stated: “Gajendra Shrestha managed on a very small income. He was murdered mercilessly. The Nepal Yatayat Mazdoor Sangh family has conveyed its deepest sympathy to his bereaved loved-ones.
“Although the government is trying its best to maintain peace, murder and intimidation still take place in the Terai region. That’s why we are demanding that the government ensure that peace in the region is maintained.”
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