NHRC's 'Open Hearing & Camp Sitting' concludes

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The two-day camp 'Sitting' and 'Public Open Hearing' of the NHRC (National Human Rights Commission) concluded in the city on Friday. During the sessions, the NHRC recommended Rs 20.50 lakh as relief in cases of violation of human rights of people of different communities.

The two-day session had commenced on December 16 in the city. The session was held with respect to the States of Assam, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Sikkim.

Speaking to the media, NHRC Chairperson, Justice Arun Mishra said, "During the two-day session, the NHRC took up 40 cases in 'Open Hearing'. It includes 23 cases from Assam; 13 from Manipur; three from Nagaland; and one from Arunachal Pradesh.

"The Commission on consideration of reports, and after hearing both the parties closed five cases where recommendations of compensation have been complied with by the States.

"The Commission has recommended a compensation of Rs 3,00,000 to be paid to the NoK (Next of Kin) in the case of death in police custody in the district of Tinsukia in Assam.

"The Commission also recommended an amount of Rs 3,00,000 in the case of an encounter death in the district of Changlang in Arunachal Pradesh.

"The Commission further recommended an amount of Rs 5,00,000 in the case of death in police custody in Imphal (East) District of Manipur.

"Further, the Commission also recommended an amount of Rs 4.5 lakh to be paid to the NoK of the deceased in the case of death in the custody in Mon District of Nagaland.

"While dealing with the case of an employee, who became handicapped at the workplace and his service was terminated by the employer in Guwahati, Assam, the Commission directed that alternative arrangements, as per the Disability Act, be made for his reinstatement to the service and further directed for payment of the arrears of his wages.

"Dealing with a case of rape of a tribal woman by a GRP (Government Railway Police) personnel in the Cachar District of Assam, the NHRC asked the State authorities for the payment of Rs 5,00,000 to the victim. The State authorities have submitted that both the delinquent police personnel have been dismissed from service. In the rest of the cases, including compliance cases, the Commission asked for the 'Compliance Report' with proof of payment and requested for the submission of the ATR (Action Taken Report) in such matters from the State authorities for further consideration of the cases."

In the afternoon of December 16, the Commission held a meeting with the Chief Secretaries, DGs (Director Generals) of Police and their representatives, and other senior officers of all the five States. During the meeting, fruitful deliberations were held for coordinated efforts by all for the protection and promotion of the human rights of the citizens in a more effective manner.

On Friday, the Commission also held a discussion with the NGOs (Non-Government Organisations)/ HRDs (Human Resource Development Departments) and members of the 'Civil Societies' on December 17, 2021.

During their interactions, they raised various issues of human rights relating to healthcare, women, elderly, children, implementation of welfare and developmental schemes of the Central as well as the State governments.

They also raised issues of the infrastructure of Rehabilitation Homes, drug abuse.

The Commission reiterated that the NGOs are actually the eyes and ears of the Commission, adding that they are "the true partners of the Commission in spreading awareness regarding promotion and protection of human rights.

The Commission appreciated their work and conveyed the best wishes assuring all possible help to them in this endeavour.

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