Maoists urged to release 4 Chhattisgarh policemen

New Delhi, Sept.30 (ANI): The Asian Centre for Human Rights (ACHR) today appealed to the Maoists to respect international humanitarian law and release all the four policemen from their custody unharmed.

The Maoists had abducted seven policemen who were travelling from Bhopalpatnam to Bhadrakali in Bijapur district in Chhattisgarh.

While three of the policemen were killed, four have been held hostage and the Maoists have threatened to kill the others. The policemen were reportedly unarmed and in civil dress when the Maoists abducted them.

"Hostage taking of the unarmed persons constitutes violation of the international humanitarian law in particular the Common Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions. Common Article 3 of the Geneva Convention prohibits each party to the conflict from taking of hostages, killing, mutilation, torture and other degrading treatment, among others, of 'persons taking no active part in the hostilities, including members of armed forces'. - stated Suhas Chakma, Director of Asian Centre for Human Rights (ACHR).

"All parties to the conflict must respect the laws of war." - further stated Chakma. (ANI)