J&K SHRC sub-office opened in Rajouri

The Jammu and Kashmir State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) sub-office was opened in Rajouri district Monday, an official spokesman said.

The sub-office was inaugurated by Advisor to the Governor B B Vyas. Speaking on the occasion, Vyas said now the human rights commission is closer to the people of border districts Rajouri and Poonch and that it is an "histortic moment".

The commission's sub-office is located at Tandwal Rajouri. It will function round-the-year. SHRC chairperson Justice (Retd) Bilal Nazki and other members of the commission would hold sittings at the Rajouri sub-office, an official spokesman said.

He said cases or complaints with the commission related to Rajouri and Poonch would be taken up at the sub-office from today. However, fresh complaints would also be received at the sub-office.

The advisor directed the government departments to extend necessary cooperation to the commission and observed that the concept of human rights needs to be widely spread so as to enable the poor, marginalised and vulnerable sections of society seek justice.

He stressed on capacity building and development of infrastructure "for the greater common good". Vyas also emphasised the need for creating necessary awareness on the concept of human rights.

"The need of the hour is to sensitise people of the state about the same, so that they become fully aware about the need of upholding and honouring the rights of humans," the advisor said.