Government bringing ordinance against acid attack with severe punishment

Kathmandu: The government is preparing to issue an ordinance to ensure the rights of the victims of acid attack and to provide severe punishment to the attackers. 

           

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is preparing to convene a meeting of the victims of the acid attack in Baluwatar on September 9 and formally inform them about the important provisions included in the ordinance.

In a meeting with Prime Minister Oli two days ago in the background of the campaign of social and human rights activist Ujjal Bikram Thapa, who has been fighting on behalf of the victims of the acid attack, Prime Minister Oli hinted at issuing the ordinance, Thapa told Desh Sanchar.

Preparations have been made to include provisions in the ordinance to tighten the distribution of acid, punish both the seller and the buyer in case of violation, and make clear arrangements for identity cards.

It is understood that the ordinance is being prepared under the leadership of Attorney General Agni Kharel. As there is no session of the parliament at present, the government is about to issue an ordinance related to acid.

Thapa's group has also urged the Prime Minister to develop fully equipped treatment rooms for acid attack victims at two major hospitals in Kathmandu, the Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital and the Veer Hospital. Attacks have been on the rise in recent years.

Most of the victims are women. A few months ago, a man was also attacked by acid. The campaigner also urged the government to provide free treatment to the injured, including eyes, ears, nose and throat and limbs.

And, the positive perception towards that is understood to have come from Prime Minister Oli. According to government sources, the ordinance stipulates that acid can be sold and distributed only in bottles of certain colors and can be purchased from official bodies or individuals.

Prime Minister Oli had called Muskan Khatun, who was attacked by acid just a few days ago, in Baluwatar and had a discussion with him. At the time, he said the government was preparing to bring anyone involved in the acid attack to justice.

Anthropologists have speculated that acid attacks are on the rise, especially in the face of changing lifestyles, evolving open societies and the rejection of any offer to protect people's freedom. The number of acid attacks on women has increased as they refuse love proposals and refuse to get married.