NHRC issues notice to UP Govt over Lakhimpur fire incident

National Human Rights Commission today sought explanation from Uttar Pradesh Government for a fire incident in Lakhimpur district in which over 300 hutments were destroyed due to alleged laxity by Forest officials.
Notices were issued to the Chief Secretary, UP Government and the District Magistrate, Lakhimpur calling for reports within two weeks, an NHRC statement said.
They have also been asked to inform what relief has been given or proposed to be given to the affected persons.
The Commission took suo motu cognisance of media reports which alleged complicity of Forest Department officials in a fire that broke out in Dilwar Nagar settlement in Lakhimpur district in which at least 300 huts were destroyed on June 6.

Reportedly, the fire brigade team took three hours and the local authorities took more than six hours to reach the spot. The victims were forced to live under trees out in the open.
The Commission has observed that the contents of the media reports, if true, raise a serious issue of violation of right to life and shelter of the victims.