NHRC takes up Human Rights violations with the Chief of Army Staff<br> Gets details of investigations and follow-up action

Deeply concerned about the allegations relating to alleged violation of human rights by the Security Forces, Chairperson of the Commission, Dr. Justice A.S.Anand held a meeting with the Chief of Army Staff, General N.C. Vij and drew his attention to the allegations. The Chief of Army Staff shared the concern expressed by the Chairperson and assured him that he would look into the matter and give a detailed report on it. Subsequently, the Chief of Army Staff addressed a letter to the Chairperson, detailing the action taken by the Army in cases of violation of human rights by the Army.
The Chief of Army Staff assured Dr. Anand that human rights figure "very high" in Army's operational matrix and it remains committed to do "everything possible" to further improve its track record in this field. He stated that upholding the human dignity and personal values, as also mitigation of collateral hardships to the public, are the cornerstones of Army's professional ethos, while operating in militancy-affected areas.
With a view to prevent violations of human rights and sensitize officers posted in the field, the Chief of Army Staff informed the Chairperson, that officers of the rank of Colonel have been specifically designated in various headquarters to monitor and follow-up cases of human rights violations reported against the Army personnel. Subsequently, in a letter dated 24 May 2004. Army furnished to the Commission the details of officers along with their supporting staff who have been specifically designated to monitor human rights violations in the Army Headquarters, Command Headquarters, Corps Headquarters, Counter-insurgency Headquarters and Divisional Headquarters.
The Army Chief giving details of the action taken against different ranks for violations of Human Rights has informed the Chairperson, of the Commission that Army is taking cognizance of not only the violations reported by the NHRC but also those by others, including the ones reported in the media. The dispensation of justice has not only been expeditious, but also commensurate with the offence, irrespective of the rank or designation of the offender. Thus, 131 personnel of various ranks were punished for violations of Human Rights. Of these, two persons were given life imprisonment, while 59 were given rigorous imprisonment. 11 persons have been awarded the punishment of dismissal from service and upto one-year rigorous imprisonment, while four persons have been dismissed from service. Other punishments like pay fine, reprimand, loss of seniority, censure, displeasure etc were awarded to 55 persons, which also includes 31 officers.
In J&K, the decade of 1990-1999 recorded a total of 1039 cases of human rights violations at an average of 104 cases per year, whereas the number of cases reported in the period from 2000 to March 2004 is 346, which works out to an average of approximately 81 per year. There was perceptible decline in the number of cases after the year 2002, with only 16 cases of violations reported in 2003 and four in 2004.
Along with speedy dispensation of justice, prompt action was initiated by the Army to provide immediate succour and solace to the aggrieved. All forms of assistance are extended towards, rehabilitation of the victim and restoration of the individual's dignity.
General N.C.Vij also informed Dr. Justice A.S.Anand about the numerous civic action programmes being undertaken by the Army for the welfare of the military-affected people in Jammu & Kashmir.
Since 1998, under 'Operation Sadbhavana':
§ 16 bridges and 550 kilometers of roads were constructed.
§ 50 schools were constructed while 202 schools were renovated.
§ 70 Community Development Centers and 38 Primary Health Centres were established.
§ Artificial limbs were provided to 600 persons.
§ Employment opportunities were provided to 20,000 persons.
A sum of Rs.35 crores is proposed to be spent during 2004-2005 under these civic action programmes by the Army.