Maoists found recruiting child soldiers
BHADRAPUR,Nepal: The Maoists have been found recruiting child soldiers in violation of the Geneva Convention.
This fact came to light after a 13-year-old girl who was recruited as a child soldier by the terrorist group surrendered before the local administration.
A resident of Sobitam VDC-1 in Ilam district, Iswara Neupane, daughter of Chandra Bahadur Neupane had managed to escape from the Maoist group and surrendered before the security force. She was presented before media persons at the Jhapa district administration office here today.
Speaking on the occasion, Iswara who was known as ‘Richa’ inside the group said she had been abducted at midnight a year ago by the Maoists from her home along with her 22-year-old neighbour Kalpana Rai.
She was taken to a place called Fuyatapa in Ilam district and trained to carry and set off grenade and other explosives. A grade two student when abducted, Iswara was forced to remain in the frontline during attacks, serve as a sentry and set up ambush in Rakse and Ektapa of the district. She said she escaped after being unable to bear any longer the excessive torture and inhumane act of the group.
The ex-combatant also disclosed that the group had been purchasing arms from India during the cease-fire and still holds around 25 children of her peer group in their camps.
Also speaking on the occasion, Chief District Officer (CDO) Bhola Prasad Siwakoti said efforts would be made to safeguard the life of the girl and continue her education with the support of human rights activists, social workers and media persons.
This fact came to light after a 13-year-old girl who was recruited as a child soldier by the terrorist group surrendered before the local administration.
A resident of Sobitam VDC-1 in Ilam district, Iswara Neupane, daughter of Chandra Bahadur Neupane had managed to escape from the Maoist group and surrendered before the security force. She was presented before media persons at the Jhapa district administration office here today.
Speaking on the occasion, Iswara who was known as ‘Richa’ inside the group said she had been abducted at midnight a year ago by the Maoists from her home along with her 22-year-old neighbour Kalpana Rai.
She was taken to a place called Fuyatapa in Ilam district and trained to carry and set off grenade and other explosives. A grade two student when abducted, Iswara was forced to remain in the frontline during attacks, serve as a sentry and set up ambush in Rakse and Ektapa of the district. She said she escaped after being unable to bear any longer the excessive torture and inhumane act of the group.
The ex-combatant also disclosed that the group had been purchasing arms from India during the cease-fire and still holds around 25 children of her peer group in their camps.
Also speaking on the occasion, Chief District Officer (CDO) Bhola Prasad Siwakoti said efforts would be made to safeguard the life of the girl and continue her education with the support of human rights activists, social workers and media persons.
posted by Marko at 12/23/2005 09:11:00 AM
<< Home