NHRC issues notice to Karnataka, TN on recent violence

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Friday issued notice to governments of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, seeking reports on people injured and properties damaged in the recent protests.

In a statement, the apex human rights body said it has taken suo moto cognizance of reports of large-scale violent protests, arson and destruction of public and private property valued several crores in Bengaluru against directions of the apex court on release of Cauvery river water to Tamil Nadu.

Citing television reports, it said the civil and police authorities in both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu remained mere onlookers and took no advance steps to stop the hooligans.

The NHRC said the police and civil authorities woke up to the situation only after the large scale physical violence and destruction of public and private property. After the event, imposing curfew further added to the denial of right of access to hospitals and other emergencies facilities for three days.

Taking serious exception to the violation of human rights due to the apathetic attitude of the people holding public office and their lack of accountability towards people's life and safety, the commission has issued notice to the governments of both states, who have been given four weeks to respond.

--IANS

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