APSHRC directs DC to withraw cases against KSEZ farmers

Kakinada, Nov 16 (UNI) The Andhra Pradesh State Human Rights Commission (APSHRC) headed by Justice B Subhashan Reddy has directed the East Godavari Collector and Superintendent of Police to consider withdrawal of all criminal prosecutions launched against the farmers in connection with the Kakinada Special Economic Zone(KSEZ)lands.

In its order dated November 7, the commission directed the district administration not to view the acts of the KSEZ affected farmers during agitation, as tresspassing into the acquired lands and obstructing the governemt officers on duty, as regular crimes under the Indian Penal Code but view the matters with compassion.

It also directed the petitioners KSEZ Vyatireka Porata Committee and other farmers not to indulge in violence.

The adage Justice should be tempered with mercy has to be followed in the instant cases of prosecutions. Further, advocates should not be prosecuted merely because they are pleading for parties, the commission remarked.

Releasing the copies of the orders of the Commission at a press conference here today K Balagopal General Secretary of the State Human Rights Forum and K Ranjendra convenor Kadali network, an NGO spearheading the agitation against KSEZ said the State Government at least now should withdraw the cases against the farmers on compassionate grounds.

Reiterating their demand they said the GO on KSEZ should be scrapped to protect the interests of the farmers.

UNI XR/BR AKM PD RK1948