Amnesty International is concerned for the safety of Tikajung Shahi. He was arrested at about 4.30pm on 29 May by four army personnel in civilian clothes. The reason for his arrest is unknown and he is at risk of torture or ill-treatment.
Tikajung Shahi was arrested at his office at Kanuni Upachaar Kendra (Legal Remedy Centre), Nepalgunj, Banke district. Since he is a heart patient, he requested permission to fetch medicines from his home. He was allowed five minutes to call his house and arrange for clothes and medicines to be brought for him.
According to witnesses, Tikajung Shahi was then taken away in a rickshaw to the grounds of Nepalgunj hospital, where an army vehicle was waiting. Security personnel there said that he would be released after interrogation, but did not say where they were taking him. He is believed to be held at the Chisapani army barracks in Nepalgunj.
Tikajung Shahi's whereabouts and condition have not been clarified by the authorities.
Tikajung Singh (referred to as Tikajung Shahi in UA 163/02) was released on 12 February 2003, after army personnel handed him over to the police three days earlier.
He had been held in illegal detention, without formal charge or trial and outside any legal framework, for over eight months at the Chisapani army barracks near Nepalgunj, Banke district. He was released on condition that he present himself once a week at the office of the Chief District Officer in Nepalgunj.
Tikajung Singh was originally arrested by army personnel at his office at Kanuni Upachaar Kendra (Legal Remedy Centre) in Nepalgunj, on 29 May 2002. It is believed that he was arrested because the authorities suspected that he may have had links with the Communist Party of Nepal (CPN) (Maoist) and because of his activities as a lawyer representing people suspected of being members or supporters of the CPN (Maoist).
No further action is requested from the Urgent Action network. Many thanks to all those who sent appeals.
AI Background Statements on the Human Rights Situation and Background Statement on Lawyers
