New Delhi, 15th February, 2013
The National Human Rights Commission has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report alleging that 11 persons died in violent clashes over Panchayat polls in Assam. Out of them, reportedly nine died in police firing and two in group clashes between the people who were opposed to the elections and those who supported it at different places.

The Commission has observed that the contents of the press report, if true, raised a serious issue of violation of human rights. Notices have been issued to the Union Home Secretary and to the Chief Secretary and DGP, Assam to submit reports in the matter within four weeks.

Reportedly, the mob armed with lathis and iron rods blocked roads and attacked polling parties. The mob targeted the police and other paramilitary forces when they went to stop the violence.

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