ACHR welcomes NHRC order to Assam to pay compensation to families of victims killed by police

New Delhi, Oct.12 (ANI): The Asian Centre for Human Rights (ACHR) today welcomed the order of the National Human Rights Commission of 7th October 2009 to award compensation of Rs five lakhs each to the families of Ram Singh Chauhan and Jawaharlal Gour who were killed in police firing in Mailu area under Kheroni police station in Karbi Anglong district of Assam on 16 August 2008.

The NHRC in its proceedings stated that the investigation into the incident by the Assam Police found the home guard Sanjoy Basumatary guilty of firing indiscriminately resulting in death of Ram Singh Chauhan and Jawaharlal Gour. The NHRC has been informed that the accused home guard has been arrested and sent to judicial custody.

The NHRC has recommended for discharge of the accused home guard from service and directed the government of Assam to pay compensation of Rs 500,000 to the next of kin of each of the deceased, and submit compliance report along with proof of payment within six weeks.

The NHRC took up the matter after a complaint was filed by Asian Centre for Human Rights on 18 August 2008 against the disproportionate use of firearms by the police resulting in the killing of Ram Singh Chauhan and Jawaharlal Gour who were protesting against manhandling of an advocate earlier by the police.

"ACHR welcomes the order of the NHRC but since the charge sheet has not been submitted against the accused home guard Sanjoy Basumatary as yet, ACHR urges the NHRC to further monitor the case till it leads to prosecution of the accused. The State government of Assam should be directed to submit monthly report about the progress of the case." - stated Chakma, Director of ACHR. (ANI)