There will be serious consequences if the dissatisfaction of many communities and groups [madhesi and others] against the interim constitution are not addressed. Many Nepalis are panicking about the growing violence in the tarai. The situation is worsening as regressive forces take advantage of the disorder.

But despite the gravity of the situation [and the grievances voiced by madhesi groups], the human rights community and citizens group are keeping quiet and not doing much to control the damage. The lack of a fact-finding mission and the inability of independent institutions to hold people accountable can sow the seeds of a political culture of impunity and anarchy.

There is a danger now that the conflict will intensify, and the government will not be able to control the situation. The credibility of human rights organisations is in question now?they have kept quiet even though things have come to a head, with the Madhesi Janadhikar Forum calling a ten-day banda. This is not the time for the citizens groups and the human rights groups to be toothless and fail in their duties. They need to be vigilant, and actively monitor the situation. Human rights defenders should be raising their voices against injustice no matter who is involved in violations. They must realise how volatile the situation can become during a transitional phase and they have to start visiting the places where incidents occur, collect information, and name violators.

The human rights activists and organisations have failed in their responsibility to put pressure on the government, to hear the appeals of the Forum, the madhesi community, and other neglected groups. Their silence over the continuing anarchy and impunity does nothing for the chances of a peaceful resolution between the government and the protestors.