US urges Maoists to end forceful recruitment

With the recent recruitment drive of the Maoists getting widespread criticism from all quarters, the US has also denounced the continued forced recruitment of Nepalis – including children – into the armed ranks of the Maoists.
A press release issued by US Embassy in Kathmandu said, “Such action violates all human rights norms and directly contravenes the spirit and letter of agreements the insurgents signed with the Government of Nepal.”
As the Maoists are poised to enter an interim government, it is strange and troubling that they continue to harass the very people they claim they would serve in office, the statement added.
The US Embassy has urged the Maoists to immediately end this practice and all other forms of violence, intimidation and extortion.
All of these flout the rule of law and violate basic human rights, the Embassy said.
“The Nepali people have lived in fear for 11 years. It is time to remove this fear and show basic respect for all Nepali citizens and their fundamental rights,” the statement added.
The US has said the Maoists will not be removed from its terrorist list until they totally renounce violence. The US has further said it will not provide assistance to the ministries led by Maoists, after the Maoists joined the interim government.