NHRC sends 12-point recommendation on Nandigram

New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought the comments of West Bengal Chief Secretary on its 12 point recommendations on the violence in Nandigram. The recommendations were given by a three-member committee of the Commission, which visited Nandigram on April 3 and 4, 2008.

The NHRC Committee comprising A K Jain, Secretary General, Damodar Sarangi, Special Rapporteur and A K Garg, Registrar, was appointed on February 8, 2008 to suggest compensation regarding the damage that occurred and to ensure that the monetary relief reaches the genuine persons. The Committee was constituted after an inquiry team of the Commission submitted a report, after visiting the violence hit areas.

In its suggestions, the committee has asked the State Government to publish complete list of persons whose houses were damaged in the incidents from March 14 to November 2007, giving details like address, nature of construction, extent of damage, exgratia amount paid or proposed to be paid, etc.

"The lists may also be displayed on the notice boards in Gram Panchayat and Block offices and copies may be given to the district level representatives of all recognized political parties in the State. Copies may also be given to representatives of Bhoomi Uchhed Pratirodh Committee (BUPC)," the report stated.

In the report, the NHRC proposed a sum of Rs 20,000 and Rs 12,000 for damaged Pucca and Kutcha houses respectively, to be paid to the victims and provide compensation for damaged shops at the same rate. The NHRC said that payment must also be made to the next of kin of those who died in other incidents related to the issue and that the State Government should immediately take a decision about payment of ex-gratia amount to injured persons and inform the Commission.

It said that the Superintendent of Police, East Midnapore, shall ensure that appropriate action is taken on all the complaints received at the police stations in the District. If the allegations made in the complaint disclose cognizable offence, the provisions of Section 154 Cr. P.C. should be complied with, and, all persons who have been arrested in connection with police cases regarding incidents of clashes and riots should be provided legal aid, if required.

During the visit, the NHRC Committee held discussions with District Magistrate East Midnapore, SP East Midnapore, ADM Haldia, SDO and SDPO Haldia, BDO Nandigram I and II Blocks and other officials.

It also interacted with the victims and met Ashok Behra (CPM), Sabapati Panchayat Samiti of Nandigram block and Mohd Yasin, Chairperson, Standing Committee of Panchayat Samiti on Education. The Committee also met the Joint Secretary of the BUPC.

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