NHRC notice to Defence Secy, J

New Delhi, Dec 26 (UNI) The National Human Rights Commission has directed the Defence Ministry and the Jammu and Kashmir Government to inform it about the compensation given to victims of human rights violations by the armed forces in the strife-torn state.

Taking suo motu cognisance of a newspaper report, the Commission has asked the Defence Secretary and the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary to file the reply.

According to the December 17 report, 76 army personnel had been punished over the past few years after complaints against them.

The report said the violations were taking place despite instructions to the armed forces to make anti-insurgency operations ''people friendly'' and minimise collateral damage.

Punishment for the guilty security personnel included dismissal from service.

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