NHRC issues statement on the killing of 30 Police personnel by Naxalites in Chhattisgarh
New Delhi, July 13, 2009
30 police personnel including a Superintendent of Police have been killed by Naxalites in the State of Chhattisgarh while discharging their duties. This is a disturbing incident which calls for prompt legal action against the killers.
It cannot be denied that police is the long arm of the law available to the State to enforce rule of law and thus protect human rights of its citizens. Engaged in the task of enforcing rule of law and thus protecting the lives and properties of citizens the police personnel are often themselves exposed to high risks to their own life and as well as their families.
The National Human Rights Commission acknowledges the vital role being played by the police, and paramilitary forces, in maintaining the security of the State. The number of police personnel who have been killed by the terrorists/Naxalites is a grim reminder of the need for taking immediate and suitable measures for adequate compensation for the families of these victims.
In an affidavit filed in the Supreme Court, this Commission has gone on record in recommending suitable measures that need to be taken to improve the working conditions of policemen - including their working hours - to instill in them the confidence that while they are engaged in protecting the lives of the citizens, and their human rights --- their own rights will also be duly addressed by the State.
The families of the police personnel killed by Naxalites deserve sympathy of all countrymen and the Commission hopes that they would be suitably compensated and those seriously injured would be given adequate financial aid.
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30 police personnel including a Superintendent of Police have been killed by Naxalites in the State of Chhattisgarh while discharging their duties. This is a disturbing incident which calls for prompt legal action against the killers.
It cannot be denied that police is the long arm of the law available to the State to enforce rule of law and thus protect human rights of its citizens. Engaged in the task of enforcing rule of law and thus protecting the lives and properties of citizens the police personnel are often themselves exposed to high risks to their own life and as well as their families.
The National Human Rights Commission acknowledges the vital role being played by the police, and paramilitary forces, in maintaining the security of the State. The number of police personnel who have been killed by the terrorists/Naxalites is a grim reminder of the need for taking immediate and suitable measures for adequate compensation for the families of these victims.
In an affidavit filed in the Supreme Court, this Commission has gone on record in recommending suitable measures that need to be taken to improve the working conditions of policemen - including their working hours - to instill in them the confidence that while they are engaged in protecting the lives of the citizens, and their human rights --- their own rights will also be duly addressed by the State.
The families of the police personnel killed by Naxalites deserve sympathy of all countrymen and the Commission hopes that they would be suitably compensated and those seriously injured would be given adequate financial aid.
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