JAMMU: Taking cognizance of an RTI petition regarding security of 33,000 Panches and Sarpanches of Jammu and Kashmir, the National Human Rights Commission of India has served notices to the union and the state governments.
Acting on the RTI petition filed by activist Raman Kumar, the NHRC, vide its order no. 334/9/13/2012 issued on 27th of this month has served notices to the union government through Secretary Department of Home, Chief Secretary and Director General of Police of Jammu and Kashmir state.
The human rights apex body has directed all the three public authorities to file report in the matterwithin four weeks. The commission in its order has further said Now therefore take notice that you are required to submit the requested information / Report within from the date of receipt of this notice.Take further notice that in default the Commission may proceed to take such action as it deems proper.
Earlier in his petition dated 11/Nov/2012 the activist has urged the Chairman of the National HumanRights Commission to issue necessary directions to the government of India and the State government to ensure safety and security of the Panchayat members in wake of life threat by a terrorist outfit commander operating from Cross LoC. Raman Sharma in his petition has submitted said that after the open threat by the terror outfit given in the month of November this year, the open threat by the terroroutfits commander has busted a sense of fear and panic amongst the elected Panches, Sarpanches and their family members. The terrorist commander has asked the Panchayat members to either resign or face the consequences.
After the service of notice, the activists has expressed gratitude to the NHRC for seeking report from the government and informed that he would pursue the case before the NHRC because it is a serious matter concerning lives of innocent persons and the since the subject in this case are 33,000 elected public representatives who represent over 75 percent population of the state and are strengthening the democracy and constitution at grass root level.
It is pertinent to mention here that there are over 5 million voters in the Panchayat election rolls out of which over 70 percent (3,50,000) polled in year 2011 elections.
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