New Delhi 12th May 2006

The National Human Rights Commission has taken suo-motu cognizance, based on a news report that out of 52 villagers of Chhattisgarh 15 were reportedly killed by the naxalities on 29 April 2006.
The report said these villagers staying in Dornapal relief camp were abducted by naxalities when they had gone to look after their belongings in Manikonta village. These villagers had been participating in a peace campaign against the Maoists in Dantewada and Bijapur District.
The Commission observing the contents of the news report said if the contents of the press report are true, it raises a serious issue of violation of human rights.
The Commission has directed that a copy of the press report be transmitted to the Chief Secretary, Government of Chhattisgarh, for his comments in two weeks.

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