ACHR condemns killing of 18 civilians in Assam by NDFB

New Delhi, Nov.9 (ANI): The Asian Centre for Human Rights (ACHR) has strongly condemned the killing of 18 civilians and injuring of nine others in separate attacks allegedly by the National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB) in Assam on November 8, 2010 in retaliation against the killing of an NDFB cadre by the security forces in an alleged fake encounter as blatant violations of the laws of war and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.

"Even if the allegation of the fake encounter of the NDFB was true, the killing of innocent civilians by the armed opposition groups cannot be justified," said Suhas Chakma, Director of the Asian Centre for Human Rights.

"The deliberate and cold blooded killings of innocent civilians by the NDFB cadres are in direct contravention of the international humanitarian law, including the Common Article 3 of the Geneva Convention that prohibits the armed opposition groups from killing, torturing or maiming civilians and non-combatants," added Chakma.

The ACHR urged the NDFB to respect international humanitarian law and desist from killing of any civilian.

The ACHR also urged the security forces to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms.

It further urged the NDFB and the government of Assam and Government of India to find a negotiated settlement to the disputes. (ANI)