NHRC notice to UP Government amidst allegations of complicity of Forest officials in burning of 300 hutments in Lakhimpur (12.6.2014)
PRESS RELEASE
New Delhi, 12th June, 2014
The National Human Rights Commission has taken suo motu cognizance of media reports that due to alleged complicity of Forest Department officials, a fire broke out in Dilwar Nagar settlement in Lakhimpur, Uttar Pradesh as a result at least 300 huts were reduced to ashes on the 6th June, 2014. Reportedly, the fire brigade team took three hours and the local authorities took more than six hours to reach the spot. The victims were forced to live under the trees in the open.
The Commission has observed that the contents of the media reports, if true, raise a serious issue of violation of right to life and shelter of the victims. It has issued notices to the Chief Secretary, Government of Uttar Pradesh and to the District Magistrate, Lakhimpur calling for reports within two weeks. They have also been asked to inform what relief has been given or proposed to be given to the affected persons.
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New Delhi, 12th June, 2014
The National Human Rights Commission has taken suo motu cognizance of media reports that due to alleged complicity of Forest Department officials, a fire broke out in Dilwar Nagar settlement in Lakhimpur, Uttar Pradesh as a result at least 300 huts were reduced to ashes on the 6th June, 2014. Reportedly, the fire brigade team took three hours and the local authorities took more than six hours to reach the spot. The victims were forced to live under the trees in the open.
The Commission has observed that the contents of the media reports, if true, raise a serious issue of violation of right to life and shelter of the victims. It has issued notices to the Chief Secretary, Government of Uttar Pradesh and to the District Magistrate, Lakhimpur calling for reports within two weeks. They have also been asked to inform what relief has been given or proposed to be given to the affected persons.
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