Foreign donors accuse Maoists of continuing extortion, abductions

NEPAL: Nepal's international donors have accused Maoists of continued extortion, kidnappings and violence against businesses even though the leftists are now members of parliament.

The criticism came from the Industrial Security (IS) group, which is made up of representatives from the embassies of India, France, Germany, the United States, Britain and the European Commission as well as business associations.

"The ... group expresses its deep concern about continued extortion, kidnappings and violence by Maoists against businesses and industries," the group said in a weekend statement.

"Once again, the Maoists are demanding money, lodging and food from the businesses and residences in the Kathmandu valley," the group added, but gave no specific examples.

"If Maoist abuses and trade union militancy continue, Nepal's private sector would be choked and investment will cease," added the statement, issued by the US embassy, the acting chair of the group.

The former rebels' alleged use of violence and intimidation violated a peace deal signed with the government late last year and was "at complete odds with their new status as members of the interim parliament," the statement said.

Human rights groups have also accused the Maoists of continuing abductions.

"Although the cases of abductions and extortion have dropped significantly after the peace deal, it has not completely stopped," said Rupesh Nepal, an official at the Informal Sector Service Centre (INSEC), a leading local rights group.

Kathmandu, Sunday, AFP