New Delhi, May 24th, 2012
The National Human Rights Commission in its efforts to reach out to the far-flung areas has been organizing its Camp Sittings in different parts of the country. The aim of the Camp Sittings is to dispose of pending cases concerning one particular State by hearing the senior government officers; sensitize them about the importance of human rights issues and compliance of NHRC recommendations by them; meet the local NGOs to get an insight into the problems being faced by the people and also brief the media for wider dissemination of information on the human rights issues and action taken for their protection and promotion by the NHRC. During last two years, the NHRC has held Camp Sittings at Bengaluru (for four southern States), Odisha and Gujarat.
This time, a delegation of the National Human Rights Commission headed by Mr. Justice K.G. Balakrishnan comprising Members, DG(I), Registrar (Law) and other senior officers will be in Guwahati, Assam from the 28th-29th May, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. and on the 30th May, 2012 in Shillong, Meghalaya for its Camp Sittings.
Total 50 cases concerning the State of Assam will be considered for disposal with necessary directions to the public authorities during the Camp Sitting at NEDFI Convention Centre on the 28th May, 2012. Out of these, 17 cases will be heard at the Full Commission sitting chaired by Mr. Justice K G Balakrishnan. 12 cases will be taken up by the Division Bench comprising NHRC Members, Mr. Justice G.P. Mathur and Mr. P.C. Sharma. 21 Cases will be taken up by the Division Bench comprising NHRC Member, Mr. Justice B.C. Patel and Mr. Satyabrata Pal. These cases, among others, will include the following:

" Rehabilitation of children rendered orphan or destitute in communal riots in upper Assam District;
" Starvation Deaths in Cachar district;
" Alleged eviction of about 6000 adivasis by forest officials from Lungsun forest area, under Bismuri police station, Kokranjhar District;
" Denial of basic facilities to the residents of 22 villages in Kamrup district;
" Witch hunting;
" Sexual exploitation of women;
" Deprivation of source of livelihood to 300 families facing eviction;
" Illegal coal mining in Tinsukia district ;
" Deaths in encounter and custody.
After this, the Commission will hold discussions at the same venue with Chief Secretary, DGP, DMs, SPs and other concerned officer on human rights issues and police functioning from 04:30 p.m. onwards.
The next day, i.e., on the 29th May, 2012 from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m., the Commission will hold discussions with the Chief Secretary, DMs and concerned officers on the progress made by the State Government on its recommendations relating to different human rights issues. These will include silicosis, mental health, manual scavenging, prison matters, labour issues, child marriage, prenatal sex selection, population policy and PCPNDT Act. Thereafter, from 11:45 a.m. to 01:30 p.m. the Commission will hold a meeting with local NGOs on human rights issues.
Chairperson, accompanied by Members and senior officers, will brief media about the outcome of the Camp Sitting and discussions with the public authorities and the NGOs at NEDFI Convention Centre at 02:30 p.m. on the 29th May, 2012.
Cases relating to Meghalaya will be heard in the Camp Sitting at Hotel Pinewood, Shillong from 10:00 a.m. to 01:30 p.m on the 30th May, 2012. The Commission will take up nine pending cases, which will be heard by the Full Commission and the two Division Benches respectively. These will include issues of child labour in coalmines, dead male foetus found in several parts in the state, deaths in police firing, torture of labourers at West Garo Hills by BSF personnel and ostracized 17 families facing denial of food grains for 72 months.
In the afternoon session, at the same venue, from 02:30 p.m. onwards, the Commission will hold discussions, with senior officers on the progress made by the State Government on its recommendations relating to different human rights issues. These issues will include mental health, 28 District programme, labour issues, manual scavenging, child marriage, prenatal sex selection, population policy, PCPNDT Act, custodial death cases among others.
From 03:30-04:30 p.m. the Commission will hold a meeting with local NGOs. Media will be briefed on the outcome of the Camp Sitting and discussions with the public authorities and NGOs at 05:00 p.m.
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