NHRC directs Orissa to report on Kandhamal violence

Bhubaneswar, Jan 19 (PTI) National Human RightsCommission today directed the Orissa government to submit adetailed report on the steps taken in the aftermath of the2008 Kandhamal communal riots.

"The Commission has directed the state government tosubmit a report and a contingency plan to deal with suchsituation," NHRC Chairperson Justice K G Balakrishnan toldreporters here.

Stating that the Commission during its two-day sittingin the state capital took up the Kandhamal violence issue andrelated human rights violation cases with state officials,Justice Balakrishnan said he had been informed by the DGP thatmany of the accused had so far been convicted.

Of the total 828 cases filed at different policestations relating to Kandhamal riots, convictions have takenplace in 56 cases.

"Since the process of conviction is on, the policeexpect more accused to be punished soon," a NHRC member said.

Besides the killing of 38 people, the communalviolence had left 4,000 houses damaged and forced over 25,000people to flee Kandhamal district.

The Commission had received several cases of humanrights violation, the member said, adding that the NHRC soughtreport from the state government.

During an interaction with officials, the rights bodysaid that the victims should be provided with compensationwithout much delay.