The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) called on the state governments to “do their utmost” to protect the human rights defenders and civil society as they are vital in the fight against violations of human rights. This was said by NHRC member, Justice Mahesh Mittal Kumar in his speech at the inaugural program of the two-day NHRC’s public hearing today being held at the State Convention Centre here.
The Shillong sitting is for the states of Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram.
“The NHRC firmly believes that human rights defenders and civil society are crucial allies in the fight to preserve and promote the inalienable rights of the citizens since they play a vital role in fighting discrimination, investigating violations and helping victims in getting justice, ” continued Justice Kumar.
He emphasized that “it is vital that state governments and various public agencies, together with the Commission, do their utmost to protect them and safeguard their freedom of expression to facilitate their efforts in the defence of human rights in the country,” he said.
Justice Kumar said that through the process of these public hearings the Commission try to reach out to people particularly the marginalized section of society and other stake holders to build “bridges of co-operation and forging better understanding”.
The Chairperson of NHRC could not attend the public hearing as he had urgent calls to attend to, the secretary general of the NHRC Bimbadhar Pradhan told the audience.
The NHRC has altogether 19 cases to hear. There are 11 complaints from Tripura, seven from Meghalaya and two cases from Mizoram.
It may be noted that the NHRC has so far held 40 hearings in various states of the country since 2007 for quick disposal of cases and to create awareness about human rights.
This is the first hearing being held in the region after the Covid-19 pandemic. Tomorrow the NHRC will meet NGOs and activists of the state.
The inaugural session was also attended by members of NHRC, Dr. DM Mulay and Rajiv Jain, Members of the MHRC, PJP Hanaman and B. Giri, Secretary General, NHRC, B Pradhan, Meghalaya Chief Secretary, RV Suchiang and senior government officials of Meghalaya, Mizoram and Tripura.
