The Hindu : NHRC seeks DGP report on killings of pilgrims

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Jul 25, 2003

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NHRC seeks DGP report on killings of pilgrims

By Our Legal Correspondent

NEW DELHI July 24. Taking suo motu cognisance of media reports on the killings of seven Vaishno Devi pilgrims on July 20, the National Human Rights Commission has called for a report from the Director General of Police, Jammu and Kashmir Government.

The Commission asked the DGP to send his response within three weeks on the terrorist attack and also about the alleged laxity of security as reported in the media.

Referring to media reports on a statement made by the Minister for Public Health and Engineering that security in the area was lax and that he had conveyed it to the DGP, the Commission said, "it was a matter of serious concern if the laxity of security had been conveyed to the DGP as reported in the media and no immediate steps were taken.''

Sharing the nation's shock and grief, the Commission condemned the attack which occurred at Bal Ganga near Katra on way to the shrine killing seven devotees, including a child, and injuring many innocent civilians.

The Commission said it had consistently taken the position that such criminal acts were wholly unjustified and were violative of every conceivable human right.

It called upon the authorities to ensure that the full force of the law be brought to bear in dealing with such acts of terrorism and bringing to justice those who perpetrate or abet them.

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