NHRC to visit Karbi Anglong from 28 November

New Delhi: Asian Centre for Human Rights (ACHR) today welcomed the proposed visit of a team of the National Human Rights Commission to Karbi Anglong, North Cachar Hills and Hojai of Nagaon district from 28 November 2005 onwards. A delegation of ACHR met the Chairman of the NHRC, Justice A S Anand on 18 November 2005 and Justice Anand assured to send a team to the affected areas. About 92 persons have been killed in the orgy of violence in Karbi Anglong since 26 September 2005.

“The visit of the NHRC to the affected areas is important considering that the State government of Assam has failed to initiate any inquiry into the orgy of killings either by Justice P K Phukan or the Central Bureau of Investigation. Rather, the State government has ordered an inquiry by a junior police officer with a clear aim to sabotage the truth.” – stated Mr Suhas Chakma, Director of ACHR.

The NHRC has also been requested to inquire into deplorable conditions of the relief camps and make specific recommendations for proper rehabilitation of the displaced Karbis and Dimasas. The State government has failed to take any effective measure to improve the conditions of the camps. Rather, the displaced Karbis and Dimasas are being encouraged to leave the relief camps without ensuring proper security through strict enforcement of cease-fire ground rules or any agreement between the DHD and UPDS not to allow their cadres to target the innocent civilians.

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