NHRC asks TN govt to submit report on violation of human rights in election meetings

Allegedly, people were paid Rs 300 and above the wages under the MNREGA to participate in the meetings

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued notice to the Tamil Nadu government seeking detailed reports in two weeks, about the circumstances leading to injuries and loss of lives during the political rallies related to the Assembly elections scheduled on May 16 in the State.

In a statement, the NHRC said that it has taken cognizance of a complaint that several people were gathered, forced and threatened to sit for political rallies, in open fields under the scorching Sun, for four to five hours without drinking water and other basic facilities leading to injuries and loss of lives, amounting to violation of basic and fundamental human rights.

Allegedly, this occurred despite the District Collectors' orders that public should not venture out from 11 am to 4 pm due to scorching heat. It may be noted that the Election Commission has also recently issued a directive to the political parties, candidates and their agents from conducting meetings during the scorching heat.

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"The Commission has issued notices to the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police, Government of Tamil Nadu calling for detailed reports, within two weeks, about the circumstances leading to the unfortunate incidents. The Commission has also directed them to take all necessary measures to prevent reoccurrence of all such incidents in the future," said the statement.

According to earlier reports, deaths and injuries were reported in the election campaign meetings where Chief Minister and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) addressed the people. Deaths or injuries were reported in such campaigns in Cuddalore, Virudhunagar and Salem districts, added reports.

The Commission, in its statement, added that allegedly, for three public rallies on the April 11, 15 and 20, 2016 in Cuddalore, Virudhunagar and Salem districts respectively, people were forced and threatened to assemble as early as 11 am in the scorching heat, although, the meetings were to start after 3 pm. They were neither allowed to attend nature's call nor provided with basic amenities like drinking water, thereby subjecting them to various hardships.

Allegedly, many people fainted at Virudhuchalam rally in Cuddalore district, creating unrest and panic, which in turn, led to stampede. Total 17 persons were admitted in hospital following the incident. Two persons lost lives as first aid was not provided promptly. Another person was seriously hurt in the stampede at Aruppukkottai in Virudhunagar district and eventually died while two others died in Magudanchavadi in Salem district due to heat and overcrowding.

NHRC added that allegedly, people were paid Rs 300 over and above the wages under the MNREGA to participate in the meetings.

Issuing the notices, the Commission has observed that the allegations are serious and the incidents, if true, are indeed unfortunate. It said: "While the political parties, especially during the election period, have every right to organise public meetings, it is also the duty of the state/district Administration, while granting permissions for such meetings, to take all necessary steps considering the safety and security issues in mind." The repeated incidents, one after the other, point towards failure on part of the authorities.