Thursday, May 16

Instances of “Violation Of Human Rights” Found In Sandeshkhali Incident: NHRC Report

Edited by Aishwarya Krishnan
Instances of “Violation Of Human Rights” Found In Sandeshkhali Incident: NHRC Report (image-X/India_NHRC)

In a spot inquiry into West Bengal’s violence hit Sandeshkhali, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India flagged “violation of human rights,” with several incidents of “atrocities inflicted upon the victim” due to “negligence” by public servants in preventing them.

In its report, the commission stated that it had deputed an investigation team for a spot inquiry to the affected region, where “innocent and impoverished women” were “harassed and sexually assaulted by a group of local gang of a political person,” leading to protests seeking legal action.

In its investigation, the NHRC found that there is a “need to uproot the fear of these persons from the hearts of the victims to enable them to live their normal lives with their families and gain the confidence to live in society with dignity and pride.” The report pointed out that it is the district authorities’ duty to take effective measures to “instill confidence in the residents of the area in general and victims in particular” to make way for victims of crimes to step forward and file their complaints.

The press release listed out NHRC’s observations, such as that the atrocities committed by alleged individuals created an atmosphere of terror and intimidation so that victims remained silent and reluctant to seek justice. “The villagers/victims faced assault, threat, sexual exploitation, land grabbing, and forced unpaid labour, and under the given circumstances they were compelled to seek livelihood outside the Sandeshkhali region/state.”

The commission expressed its concerns regarding allegations of discrimination and denial of benefits of both the state and central government’s schemes, such as MGNREGA, old age pension, financial help to build houses, toilets, etc., by officials and the accused. Further allegations of denying the right to vote “undermine the democratic values of the nation,” the report highlighted.

The NHRC observed that the individuals were prevented from expressing their grievances as there was a “pervasive fear of reprisal, coupled with the power dynamics at play,” which acted as a “formidable barrier.”

Noting the “cycle of abuse” perpetuated by the “climate of terror” sheds light on the urgent need to create a safe environment for all victims, as it can have a negative impact, especially on the growth and health of children who witness such crimes against their parents by the accused.

The report states that despite communicating, requesting, and reminding for further details with Sandeshkhali’s police and administration, no reply has been provided.

“Reinstating trust in the rule of law and confidence in authorities,” providing counselling and rehabilitation for victims of sexual crimes, ensuring witness protection and redressal of grievances, and awareness programmes are some suggestions proposed by the NHRC.

For increasing employment opportunities, the commission suggested vocational training, reviving the land for agriculture, improving socio-economic indicators, and preparing area-specific plans.

Implementing the Nationwide Emergency Response System (NERS), appointing Special Rapporteurs to periodically report on the Sandeshkhali situation, and investigating missing cases of women/girls from the area are also recommended.