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Amnesty criticises NHRC, asks Centre to set up alternative body

Expressing dissatisfaction over the self-proposed ''minimum role'' the National Human Rights Commission has been playing in probing alleged police excesses during the militancy period in Punjab, Amnesty International has suggested an alternative body be set up for a ''thorough'' investigation.

Amnesty International, which observed that a Supreme Court order nearly three years ago directing the NHRC to take up the issue had provided it the authority for a ''full'' probe into the ''disappearances and extra-judicial executions'' in Punjab during 1984-1994, urged the Indian government to appoint ''some other body to pursue a thorough investigation''.

''In the event that the NHRC does not pursue a thorough investigation, Amnesty International believes that the Government of India has a responsibility to appoint some other body with powers to impartially investigate past human rights violations...'' the London-based organisation has said in a press release.

The NHRC had initiated the probe following an SC order on December 12, 1996, on a couple of petitions which led to a research proving illegal cremations by the Punjab police during the days of militancy in the state. After a protracted debate about the role the NHRC should play in carrying out the SC order, the commission issued an order early this year severely restricting its role in providing redress to the victims.

Over (these) two and a half year, there has been no comprehensive or consistent investigation into the allegations of human rights violations contained in the petitions, Amnesty International noted. ''We hope that by going to the Supreme Court for clarification of its original order and further directions, the petitioners will ensure this opportunity is not lost,'' it said, adding that setting up of another body could otherwise be the solution.

UNI

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