XIV. COMPLAINTS BEFORE THE COMMISSION

NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION, ANNUAL REPORT 1997-98

(C) ILLUSTRATIVE CASES

(xv) KILLING OF 29 BUS PASSENGERS IN PEREN SUB-DIVISION: NAGALAND

Proceedings in this case were initiated on a communication from the Chairperson of the Assam State Human Rights Commission. This related to an incident in which 29 persons had lost their lives in an attack by certain insurgent elements when the latter intercepted a Dimapur bound passenger-bus and opened indiscriminate fire on the passengers. On notice being issued, the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, submitted a report. The report did not dispute that the deaths occurred as a result of violent activities of insurgents. On examination of the report, the Commission considered it reasonable to infer that the State Government had failed to protect the lives of these innocent citizens. It further observed that the State Government itself had sanctioned ex-gratia relief of Rs. 10,000/- to the dependents of the deceased and Rs. 5,000/- to those severely injured and Rs. 2,500/- to those who had sustained minor injuries.

The Commission felt that ex-gratia payment of Rs. 10,000/- sanctioned to each of the families of the deceased was not adequate; and recommended to the State Government that it enhance the quantum of ex-gratia relief from Rs.10,000/- to Rs. 50,000/- to the families of the 29 persons killed in the incident and make the payment accordingly.

The State Government of Nagaland intimated that the amounts of ex-gratia payments of Rs. 50,000/- each to the next to kin of 28 victims have since been made on 1.4.1998.