TRC urges PM not to discontinue district peace committees

Kathmandu - A delegation from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) called on Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba Wednesday evening and apprised him of the need to amend the TRC Act. On the occasion, the delegation also brief the Prime Minister about the office activities. 

During the meeting that took place at the Singha Durbar-based Office of the Prime Minister, the delegation was asked to compile the issues needed to be amended and present the compilation before the government, according to TRC Chairperson Surya Kiran Gurung. 

Stating that district-based peace committee's members are in direct touch with conflict victims, the TRC requested the government not to dissolve such committees as their support and cooperation was essential for it. 

It may be noted that the government had decided to dismantle the district peace committees in all 75 districts from coming July 16. 

As per the constitutional provision, the TRC, the transitional justice mechanism, had the tenure of two years and the Constitution has allowed the extension of its tenure by a year if needed. 

Four months have already been over since the completion of the TRC two-year term. In the meeting, the delegation informed the Prime Minister that it seemed difficult for the TRC to complete the assigned task in remaining seven months.