The National Human Rights Commission has sought a report from the Andhra Pradesh Government on the fatal police shooting of 20 labourers suspected of illegally felling protected red sandalwood trees in Seshachalam forest at the foot of the Tirumala hills on Tuesday..
Speaking to journalists here, NHRC chairperson and former Chief Justice of India, K. G. Balakrishnan said the request has been conveyed directly to the Chief Secretary of the State. The NHRC has taken a serious view of the matter, he said.
The chairperson and his fellow members of the commission were here in the capital to preside over a three day open hearing and camp sitting of the commission.
The killings had caused a national uproar and political leaders and social activists had condemned the police action as heavy handed.
Mr. Balakrishnan said the fall out of the overuse of pesticides was perhaps biggest human rights issue in Kerala. For one, it had caused genetic abnormalities among rural children and Kerala’s record of human rights was better that of many other States owing to the high level of literacy and legal awareness.
However, issues such as exploitation of juveniles in orphanages and trampling on the rights of women, children and marginalised sections of society remained to be addressed.
The Commission commenced its hearing, which will conclude on April 10.
