The Meghalaya Human Rights Commission (MHRC) had directed the Director General of Police to institute an enquiry into allegations against police brutality during public hearing at Thangskai village on August 24.
In an order based on the complaint filed by resident of Nongkrem, Joannes JTL Lamare, the commission wants the enquiry to be complete within 15 days to be conducted by an officer not below the rank of Deputy Inspector General of Police.
“The Commission has noted that the allegations of police action, if true, raise a serious issue of violation of human rights and Constitutional freedoms. No civilized State can justify the use of brutal force on peaceful demonstrators,” the MHRC said.
Police in East Jaiñtia Hills had used lathi-charge and tear gas after protesters barged into the premises of the Meghalaya Cements Limited (Topcem) in Thangskai village during a public hearing for expansion of the cement company.
As per the complaint by Lamare, police action was in violation of Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which provides for the right to life, liberty and security of all individuals. He said the Constitution of India protects the fundamental right of citizens to voice their dissent, air their grievances and demonstrate peacefully subject to reasonable restrictions.
Lamare also quoted Article 7 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and Section 29 of Indian police act, 1861 to solidify his complaint against the police and urged to commission not to entirely depend on just police reports and justifications alone about the incident, and to provide free medical treatment and reimbursement to the injured persons.
