NHRC appreciates UP govt for rehabilitation of riot victims

Samajwadi Party government in Uttar Pradesh today got some relief when the NHRC "appreciated" it for rehabilitation of Muzaffarnagar riot victims, but pointed out that facilities at the camps were not adequate.

"The Commission appreciates rehabilitation of 51,000 out of 58,000 displaced persons who reached the relief camps. It was a daunting task and the state government has by and large done a good job. Now, only 2,600 persons are left in the camps," Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) KG Balakrishnan told reporters here.

The Akhilesh Yadav government has been facing flak from the Opposition for the plight of the riot victims in the camps, especially death of children due to cold weather conditions.

Balakrishnan, however, pointed out to the state government that medical facilities and cleanliness at the camps were not adequate and improvement was needed.

"47 persons, including children, have died in the camps till December 3 last year. The Commission has directed the state government to look into the cause of death of these persons and give reasonable compensation to the bereaved families," he said.

The state government was also asked to provide adequate protection to those staying in the camps against harsh winter.

Balakrishnan said the state government reported that 13 cases of violence against women were registered in relief camps, but no arrest was made.

"We have asked the government to ensure quick and expeditious action in these cases so that the displaced women feel safe and secure," he said.

To a question on use of bulldozers to raze relief camps, the NHRC chief said no such thing happened.

"We will verify from the report of District Magistrate regarding return of people from relief camps and will keep an eye on their condition," he said.