Kathmandu, Sept. 10: Acid attack survivors have asked the government to come up with further strict provisions to restrict the sale and distribution of acid in order to reduce the cases of acid attacks.
At a programme organized here on Tuesday by Rastriya Swotantra Party (RSP), the speakers viewed that it was unfortunate that sales of acid and other harmful chemical substances were taking place unabated.
Muskan Khatun, an acid attack survivor, said the cases of acid attacks were happening because the policies for the sale and purchase of acid were not strict enought.
She said poor implementation of the Acid and Other Hazardous Chemical Substances (Regulations) Act, 2079 and lack of awareness were to blame for the cases of acid attacks. “Sales and supplies of acid should be strict. More than five cases of acid attacks took place after I was attacked,” she added.
Likewise, RSP Lawmaker Bindabasini Kangsakar called for the maximum level of penalty for the perpetrators. Also an acid attack survivor, MP Kangsakar pointed out the gaps in the effective implementation of the laws.
She has also registered the Human Body Burning Control and Punishment Bill, 2081 in the parliament. “In the past 11 years, 40 people were attacked with acids. Acid attack not only injures one’s appearance but also shakes an individual’s self-confidence,” Kangsakar added.
Also speaking at the event, Jeny Khadka, another acid attack survivor, said there are some social stigmas surrounding the victims instead of providing them justice. On the occasion, RSP President Rabi Lamichhane said his party was making efforts to prevent such incidents and provide justice to the survivors. We are fighting to ensure rights, not for sympathy to the survivors, the former Deputy Prime Minister said.
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