NHRC orders Punjab Govt to pay compensation to 45 more families

New Delhi, May 16 (UNI) The National Human Rights Commission NHRC has directed the Punjab Government to pay compensation of Rs 2.5 lakh each to next of kin of 45 more people who died in police custody in its anti-terror campaign during 1984-1994.

With this, the Commission has so far awarded compensation to 194 people in the Punjab mass cremation case.

The state government's counsel yesterday informed the Commission that on scrutiny of records, 45 more deceased who fall within the parameter of the NHRC order of November 11, 2004, have been identified.

As per the order, the Commission had granted a compensation of Rs 2.5 lakh each to the next of kin of 109 people who died in police custody.

The Commission had found the state of Punjab accountable and responsible for the infringement of the rights to life of the deceased.

On March 8, 2006, the NHRC granted compensation to 38 more people.

The state government has so far deposited Rs 95 lakh with the Deputy Commissioner concerned as compensation for disbursal to the families of 38 victims.

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