Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 28: Taking serious note of non-compliance of its earlier order in case of security for Panchayats, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has invoked provisions of Section 13 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 and asked the top officers of Union and State Governments to appear in person before it.
“In spite of final reminder sent to the Secretary, Department of Home, Government of India and Chief Secretary, Government of Jammu and Kashmir, requisite reports have not been received”, the NHRC order said.
Invoking provisions of Section 13 of the Protection of Human Rights, 1993, the Commission directed the Union Home Secretary and Chief Secretary of J&K to appear in person before it on September 24, 2013 at 11 am along with the requisite reports. “In case the reports are received on or before September 17, 2013, their personal appearance shall stand dispensed with”, the Commission added.
The directions have been passed in a petition filed by Jammu-based RTI activist, Raman Sharma demanding security for 33,000 Panchayat members of Jammu and Kashmir.
“The complainant, Raman Sharma, has alleged that Panchayat members in J&K have been threatened by the Hizbul chief Salahuddin to submit their resignation failing which they have to face the consequences”, the Commission said, adding “he has further alleged that in spite of threats the State and Central Governments are not doing anything to provide security to these members and if the members succumb to the diktat of the terrorists, the institution of democracy will weaken”.
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