Amritsar tragedy: NHRC seeks report from Punjab govt, Railway Board

Tribune News Service
New Delhi, October 22

Holding the state responsible for providing for safety of people during public functions such as Dasehra, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Monday issued notices to Chief Secretary, Punjab government, and Chairman, Railway Board, on the Dasehra day tragedy at Amritsar. 

It asked for a report within four weeks.

Taking suo moto cognisance of media reports, the NHRC asked for detailed report within four weeks observing that it was the responsibility of the state to provide proper safety and protection to the citizens during the event.

In a release, the NHRC said if it is true, as reported in some sections of the media, that the railway authorities were not informed about the event, it indicates towards "highly negligent and reckless attitude of the authorities responsible. This is a case of serious violation of human rights of the victims".

Issuing the notices, the Commission observed "it cannot be said to be a sane act by people to sit on the railway tracks, at the same time, the negligence on the part of the district authorities is apparent behind this bizarre and horrific incident. It seems that the local authorities and the organisers did not properly managed the crowd, gathered to watch the Dasehra celebrations".

The state government is expected to provide all the details regarding disbursement of relief and rehabilitation to the aggrieved families as well as the information on the status of the treatment being provided to the injured in different hospitals of Amritsar.