NHRC seeks J&K report on use of excessive force on protesters

Ravi S. Singh

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, October 21

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought a report from Jammu and Kashmir Government on the alleged use of excessive force by the security forces, including the use of pellet guns, to curb agitations in the wake of killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in the state.

NHRC chairperson Justice (retd) HL Dattu, in his first interaction with mediapersons today after he took charge, said the commission would ask the Union Home Ministry to respond to the report from the J&K Government.

The commission issued the notice to the state government on the basis of media reports suggesting use of excessive force by security personnel.

The use of disproportionate force against the agitators was debated in Parliament during its Winter Session. The Opposition had cornered the government on the issue.

Also, an all-party meeting was convened by Home Minister Rajnath Singh to discuss the crisis in the state. This was followed by a visit of an-all party parliamentary delegation to the state to talk to people and listen to their grievances.

Justice Dattu said the commission has come a long way since it was founded in 1993 by addressing several human rights violations as well as giving inputs on key legislations impacting human rights.

From October 2015 to September 2016, the commission registered 1,05,664 cases. During the corresponding period in 2014-15 and 2013-14, it registered 1,17,477 and 1,06,684 cases, respectively.