Skip to main content

Rights group moves NHRC over alleged BSF firing on civilians in South Salmara–Mankachar

By A Representative 
A complaint has been submitted to the National Human Rights Commission alleging that personnel of the Border Security Force opened fire on two civilian brothers in Assam’s South Salmara–Mankachar District, leaving both critically injured.
According to the complaint filed by Kirity Roy, Secretary of Banglar Manabadhikar Suraksha Mancha and National Convenor of Programme Against Custodial Torture and Impunity, the incident occurred during the intervening night of 8–9 March at around 2:30 a.m. in Village Kanaimara 1st Part. Rashidul Islam and his younger brother Rejabul Sk., residents of the village, had reportedly gone to catch fish in a nearby river when BSF personnel posted at OP No. 3 under BOP Dipchar allegedly opened fire on them.
The complaint states that the river where the brothers were fishing is located well within Indian territory, about one and a half kilometres from the international border with Bangladesh. Both victims sustained severe gunshot injuries. Rashidul Islam reportedly suffered a bullet injury to the abdomen, while Rejabul Sk. sustained a critical head injury. They are currently undergoing treatment at a private medical facility in Guwahati and are said to be in critical condition.
The victims’ family has alleged that the firing took place without warning and that the BSF personnel left the spot after the incident. Local villagers and family members reportedly rushed to the scene after hearing gunshots and transported the injured men to a nearby hospital. The complaint further claims that no illegal items were recovered from the victims and that no assistance was provided by the personnel involved.
The wife of one of the injured men, identified as Rejina, reportedly attempted to file a complaint with the police. According to the submission, she approached the police station in Mankachar on 10 March seeking registration of an FIR but was directed to the police station in South Salmara. When she submitted the complaint there, it was received but no receipt or diary number was provided and the complaint was not registered as an FIR, the petition states.
The representation to the commission also alleges that the failure of the police to register the complaint constitutes neglect of statutory duty in relation to a cognisable offence. After being unable to secure action locally, the complainant said that Rejina sent the complaint electronically to the Superintendent of Police of South Salmara–Mankachar.
The complaint urges the National Human Rights Commission to order an independent investigation into the incident, direct the registration of an FIR against the personnel involved, ensure proper medical treatment for the injured victims at government expense, and provide compensation to the victims and their families.
The petition also contends that the incident amounts to violations of constitutional protections under Articles 14, 19 and 21, as well as obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which India is a party.

Comments

Post a Comment

NOTE: Hateful, abusive comments won't be published. -- Editor

TRENDING

Bihar’s land at ₹1 per acre for Adani sparks outrage, NAPM calls it crony capitalism

By A Representative   The National Alliance of People’s Movements (NAPM) has strongly condemned the Bihar government’s decision to lease 1,050 acres of land in Pirpainti, Bhagalpur district, to Adani Power for a 2,400 MW coal-based thermal power project. 
Post a Comment
»

An open letter to PM: Before you forgive, ask for forgiveness

By Martin Macwan*  Respected Prime Minister,  The first step toward true forgiveness is asking for it, and it is out of respect for the Constitution that the title "Honourable" is used for the office of the Prime Minister. Every abuse is "dirty" because almost all abuse is uttered with the conscious intention of publicly humiliating a woman, much like the disrobing of Draupadi in the royal court. This includes remarks like "Jersey Cow," used at public meetings on the Gujarati land of Gandhi and Sardar; comparing a female MP's laughter in India's Parliament to "Surpanakha's laugh"; and using a vulgar address like "Didi O Didi" for a Chief Minister who holds a respected position in a democracy—along with every other such remark. In the 79-year history of independent India, you are better placed than anyone to say which Prime Minister has used such language against women.
3 comments
»

"Forcible" tribal eviction: Central India village draws international attention following NGO representation

Government building in Amravan By A Representative A small village of about 200 in Central India, a majority of whose residents is dependent on mining as the main source of livelihood, is all set to become a major focal point, nationally and internationally. Reason: Allegations of refusal of the Madhya Pradesh government to protect them from forcible eviction from their land.
Post a Comment
»