Kathmandu - April 19, 2010 - AWNN in an open letter to Inspector General of Police, Mr Ramesh Chand Thakuri, has appealed to drop charges against cops who refuse to participate in animal sacrifice rituals. The Nepal Police has summoned 80 cops who did not show up for the force's annual sacrifices during Chaite Dasain festival. The Animal Welfare Network Nepal (AWNN) appeals to the Nepal Police to honor the sentiments of its officers and a growing number of citizens by replacing blood sacrifices with rituals that are fitting to an inclusive, peaceful society.
In its open letter the network of seven animal welfare organisations requests the IGP "to drop the charges against the 80 cops who rightfully state that taking part in sacrifice rituals is not part of their job description and in fact violates their basic human rights."
The campaigners note that even though Nepal has become a secular, inclusive country, outdated rituals continue to be conducted and subsidized by the State. "Such rituals leave no place for officers who who are against blood sacrifices," argues AWNN.
According to the campaigners, 'decapitating a bleating buffalo or goat should not be the symbol of Nepali civilisation'. "Drawing the blood of innocent animals in fact contradict the mandate of the police which includes promoting peace and protecting the lives and wellbeing of the country’s citizens," the campaigners argue.