NHRC notice to the Government of Assam over reported loss of life amidst police action during an eviction drive near Kaziranga National Park (21.09.2016)
PRESS RELEASE
New Delhi, 21st September, 2016
The National Human Rights Commission has issued a notice to the Government of Assam, through its Chief Secretary and Director General of Police, after taking suo motu cognizance of a media report that two persons lost life, one of them a middle-aged woman, when a near stampede situation after the police force resorted to fire tear gas shells to disperse the people protesting against the eviction drive conducted by the State authorities near Kaziranga National Park in Assam on the order of the Gauhati High Court. They have also been directed to ensure that the rights of the people relating to their life, dignity and equality are not violated during the process of their eviction. They have been given four weeks to submit a detailed report.
The Commission has observed that it seems that the district administration and the police authorities have not acted in a sensible manner. Due to their negligence, two persons have lost their lives. This amounts to violation of Right to Life of the poor residents.
According to the report, several rounds were also fired in the air, but the police authorities have maintained that the deaths were not due to bullet injuries. The incident occurred when the residents of Banderdubi village, bordering the Kaziranga National Park came out in protest against the district administration who started evicting them. Reportedly, the residents are living in the area and earning their livelihood through cultivating mustard. The villagers claim that they have records to prove ownership of the land. Government Schools have been operational in the area since 1960.
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New Delhi, 21st September, 2016
The National Human Rights Commission has issued a notice to the Government of Assam, through its Chief Secretary and Director General of Police, after taking suo motu cognizance of a media report that two persons lost life, one of them a middle-aged woman, when a near stampede situation after the police force resorted to fire tear gas shells to disperse the people protesting against the eviction drive conducted by the State authorities near Kaziranga National Park in Assam on the order of the Gauhati High Court. They have also been directed to ensure that the rights of the people relating to their life, dignity and equality are not violated during the process of their eviction. They have been given four weeks to submit a detailed report.
The Commission has observed that it seems that the district administration and the police authorities have not acted in a sensible manner. Due to their negligence, two persons have lost their lives. This amounts to violation of Right to Life of the poor residents.
According to the report, several rounds were also fired in the air, but the police authorities have maintained that the deaths were not due to bullet injuries. The incident occurred when the residents of Banderdubi village, bordering the Kaziranga National Park came out in protest against the district administration who started evicting them. Reportedly, the residents are living in the area and earning their livelihood through cultivating mustard. The villagers claim that they have records to prove ownership of the land. Government Schools have been operational in the area since 1960.
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