Date:27/12/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/12/27/stories/2006122701981400.htm

National

NHRC directive on ex gratia for victims

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has directed the Defence Secretary and Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir to apprise it about ex gratia relief, if any, awarded to the victims or the next of kin of those affected by rights violations by armed forces in the State.

The move follows the Commission taking suo motu cognisance of a newspaper report on December 17 that referred to 76 Army men being punished for human rights violations.

Quoting the Commanding Officer of 15 Corps, the report indicated that the punishment included dismissal from service.

Despite higher authorities in the Army being instructed to make anti-insurgency operations people-friendly and minimise civilian losses, such violations had occurred, it said.