Human rights ensure peace: Speakers at Army seminar

Srinagar, Nov 1 (UNI) ''Human rights, when protected by the rule of law, ensure peace and prosperity of a society,'' said the speakers in one voice at a seminar organised by the Army in Kashmir today.

The seminar on human rights was organised at the Victor Force headquarters at Awantipora in south Kashmir's Pulwama district.

The main highlight of the seminar was the unanimity of opinion that disregard and or contempt for human rights could never help achieve the desired results.

Speaking on the occasion, XV Corps General Officer-in-Commanding (GOC) Lt Gen A S Sekhon emphasised that every one has the right to life, liberty and security of person.

''All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.

They are endowed with reasons and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood,'' he added.

Victor Force GOC Maj Gen P C Bhardawaj reaffirmed that the Indian Army was highly dedicated and committed in the protection of and respect for human rights.

Upholding the human dignity and personal values as also the mitigation of collateral hardship to the public were the corner stones of the Army's professional ethos while operating in militancy affected areas, he added.

Among the speakers were Deputy Commissioner, Badgam, Farooq Ahmed Renzu, State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) member Habibullah Bhat and Additional Solicitor General, India, Anil Bhan.

UNI