Statement Of Bhrpc Denouncing Police Firing In Goalpara, Assam

OFFICE OF THE

BARAK HUMAN RIGHTS PROTECTION COMMITTEE Rongpur Part-iv (Near Uco Bank), Silchar - 9, Cachar (Assam)

FOR EQUALITY, A human rights organisation of the nature as is contemplated under Sec 12 (i) of the JUSTICE Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 and registered under AND PEACE the Societies Registration Act, 1860. E-mail: [email protected], FAX- 03842-263592; WebPages: http://bhrpc.net.googlepages.com

Ref. No. BHRPC/

Date:03-01-2008

Statement of BHRPC Denouncing Police Firing in Goalpara, Assam Barak Human Rights Protection Committee (BHRPC), a human rights group headquartered at Silchar, Assam, condemns strongly the indiscriminate firing resorted to by police which caused death of seven persons in Goalpara, Assam on January 2, 2008 during a three day long road blockade programme that began on January 1 following a call by the non- Rabha Coordination Forum to press for its demand for holding panchayat elections in villages dominated by non-Rabha communities falling under the Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council. BHRPC also denounces the act of burning down of houses and destruction of other properties belonging to the residents of Palpara, Lakhipur, Goalpara by violent mob. Neharul Ahmed Mazumder, Secretary General of BHRPC, states ‘divisive and communal politics of some parties including ruling Congress and Assam United Democratic Front (AUDF) are responsible for the violence. Intolerance and incompetence of police in handling such agitation mainly caused the deaths of the citizens.’ Policing is not about killing people, he adds. According to the facts gathered by BHRPC it becomes prima facie clear that the deaths could be avoided. This was am event announced on 30 December. So police should have behaved in a well-planned manner. BHRPC demands a CBI probe into the incident and adequate compensation for the family members of the deceased, injured and other victims. BHRPC also requests the people of Assam to build up a movement for bringing the delinquent police personnel and others involved in the deaths and destruction to justice. BHRPC appeals to the people to exercise patience and restraint.

Issued by Waliullah Ahmed Laskar Special Representative Barak Human Rights Protection Committee 15, Darandha, Panjabari Road, Guwahati-6, Assam

Cell: +1985444127