NHRC issues notice to Assam government on communal clashes
New Delhi October 14, 2008
The National Human Rights Commission has come across a distressing report that appeared in the "Tribune" Jalandar dated 16.10.08 captioned "Assam communal clashes toll mounts to 30". The press report alleged that in the recent clashes between immigrant Muslims and Bodo tribe at Rowta in the Udalguri and Darrang districts of North Assam, the death toll increased to 30. A large number of people from both the clashing communities were injured and over 70,000 persons have been rendered homeless from more than 25 villages in both the districts. Over 500 houses have been reportedly raised to ground. Over 60,000 people have taken shelter in relief camps and Udalguri districts as against 10,000 in Darrang district.
The Commission taking a suo-motu cognizance of this press report has issued a notice to the Chief Secretary and Director General Police of Assam calling for a factual report in the matter within four weeks. The Commission said if the contents of the press report are true, then these raise serious issue of violation of human rights of the victims.
The Commission is also sending its Investigation Team to the affected areas to study the situation in relief camps. The team has been asked to submit a report to the Commission within two weeks.
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The National Human Rights Commission has come across a distressing report that appeared in the "Tribune" Jalandar dated 16.10.08 captioned "Assam communal clashes toll mounts to 30". The press report alleged that in the recent clashes between immigrant Muslims and Bodo tribe at Rowta in the Udalguri and Darrang districts of North Assam, the death toll increased to 30. A large number of people from both the clashing communities were injured and over 70,000 persons have been rendered homeless from more than 25 villages in both the districts. Over 500 houses have been reportedly raised to ground. Over 60,000 people have taken shelter in relief camps and Udalguri districts as against 10,000 in Darrang district.
The Commission taking a suo-motu cognizance of this press report has issued a notice to the Chief Secretary and Director General Police of Assam calling for a factual report in the matter within four weeks. The Commission said if the contents of the press report are true, then these raise serious issue of violation of human rights of the victims.
The Commission is also sending its Investigation Team to the affected areas to study the situation in relief camps. The team has been asked to submit a report to the Commission within two weeks.
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