A week after the Gaur massacre in which 28 Nepalis were killed, the investigation committee is mired in controversy. The longer the delay, the bigger the danger that its fallout will be nationwide.

It is clear the massacre happened because of the intense rivalry between the Madhesi Janadhikar Forum (MJF) with its ex-Maoist leader Upendra Yadav, and the Maoists themselves. Both sides want to wipe each other out-there is no immediate chance of the two burying the hatchet anytime soon.

But this doesn't mean that inhumane atrocities like Gaur should be allowed to happen again. The truth will come out about what happened that day. It is clear that unarmed members of the Young Communist League were hunted down and ruthlessly beaten to death with sharp bamboo sticks. Those who ran and hid inside houses were dragged out and butchered. This massacre was pre-meditated. Chasing and killing unarmed people and perpetrating atrocities on women are heinous crimes. The criminals must be brought to justice.

For this, we first need a credible investigation committee that can go through all the evidence with a fine-tooth comb. After that we need swift justice for the guilty and compensation for the victims. Otherwise outside forces and those with revenge on their minds can create further havoc.

If it wants to be seen as a political force, the MJF must also take responsibility for the massacre and hand over the guilty. The Gaur massacre should be an exception, not the rule.