Sensitization Programme on Human Rights for BSF Personnel
The National Human Rights Commission organized workshops for the BSF personnel to sensitize them on human rights in Kolkata and Siliguri in West Bengal. Inaugurating the first workshop on the 16th February, 2012 in Kolkata, Mr. Justice K.G. Balakrishnan, Chairperson, NHRC said that adherence to human rights norms does not compromise the effectiveness of security forces; it rather adds to the professional competence of the law enforcement agencies and their prestige. The BSF can contribute to the creation of an atmosphere where the political and administrative process, across the borders, are enabled to function with reasonable effectiveness to contribute to stability and economic growth of the nation.
Justice Balakrishnan said that there have been reported cases of violations of human rights by the BSF. The Commission is examining these cases which largely pertained to District Murshidabad and also to the Districts North 24 Parganas, Cooch Bihar and Malda in West Bengal. These cases relate to alleged fake encounters, death in custody or death in firing. He said that understandably there are various problems on the Indo-Bangladesh border, many of which can be solved to a great extent if approached from a human rights point of view.
On the second day, Mr. Satyabrata Pal, Member, NHRC referred to the impeccable record of BSF officers during their UN peace-keeping assignments in different countries. He said that they should strive to maintain similar high standards while dealing with people on the Indo-Bangladesh border. Mr. Sunil Krishna, Director General (Investigation), Mr. J.S. Kochher, Joint Secretary (Training) and other officers of Investigation and Training Divisions of NHRC participated in the workshop.
On the 20th February, 2012, addressing the second workshop in Siliguri in West Bengal, Mr. Sunil Krishna, Director General (Investigation), NHRC said that security and human rights are inextricably linked and they have to be upheld together. He lauded the distinctive roles and challenging duties in adverse environment performed by the BSF in creating a sense of security among the people living in border areas. However, referring to a series of reported incidents of disturbing human rights violations by BSF personnel in the recent past, Mr. Krishna said that if not checked, these will certainly dent its credibility in the long run. In this context, he said that sensitization of para-military forces about human rights assumes critical significance and thanked the BSF authorities for arranging these workshops.
Justice Balakrishnan said that there have been reported cases of violations of human rights by the BSF. The Commission is examining these cases which largely pertained to District Murshidabad and also to the Districts North 24 Parganas, Cooch Bihar and Malda in West Bengal. These cases relate to alleged fake encounters, death in custody or death in firing. He said that understandably there are various problems on the Indo-Bangladesh border, many of which can be solved to a great extent if approached from a human rights point of view.
On the second day, Mr. Satyabrata Pal, Member, NHRC referred to the impeccable record of BSF officers during their UN peace-keeping assignments in different countries. He said that they should strive to maintain similar high standards while dealing with people on the Indo-Bangladesh border. Mr. Sunil Krishna, Director General (Investigation), Mr. J.S. Kochher, Joint Secretary (Training) and other officers of Investigation and Training Divisions of NHRC participated in the workshop.
On the 20th February, 2012, addressing the second workshop in Siliguri in West Bengal, Mr. Sunil Krishna, Director General (Investigation), NHRC said that security and human rights are inextricably linked and they have to be upheld together. He lauded the distinctive roles and challenging duties in adverse environment performed by the BSF in creating a sense of security among the people living in border areas. However, referring to a series of reported incidents of disturbing human rights violations by BSF personnel in the recent past, Mr. Krishna said that if not checked, these will certainly dent its credibility in the long run. In this context, he said that sensitization of para-military forces about human rights assumes critical significance and thanked the BSF authorities for arranging these workshops.