CHENNAI: The National Human Rights Commission (
NHRC) has taken cognizance of reports that thousands of people were forced to undergo hardships at the election rallies of political parties in Tamil Nadu which led to a few deaths.
The NHRC took note of reports that people were brought to meeting venues and forced to sit in open fields under the scorching sun for four to five hours without drinking water and other basic facilities, amounting to violation of basic human rights.
This happened despite the district collectors’ orders that public should not venture out from 11am to 4pm due to the scorching heat. The Election Commission had also advised political parties to take adequate precautions while conducting public meetings during summer.
The NHRC on Monday issued notices to the chief secretary and director general of police (DGP), government of Tamil Nadu, calling for detailed reports, within two weeks, about the circumstances leading to the unfortunate incidents. It directed them to take all necessary measures to prevent reoccurrence of all such incidents in the future.
The NHRC observed that the allegations were serious and the incidents, if true, were indeed unfortunate. “While the political parties have every right to organise public meetings, it is also the duty of the state/district administration, while granting permissions for such meetings, to take all necessary steps considering the safety and security issues in mind,” said an NHRC press release. The repeated incidents, one after the other, pointed towards failure on the part of the authorities, it said.
At three public meetings in Cuddalore, Virudhunagar and Salem districts on April 11, 15 and 20, respectively, people were forced to assemble as early as 11am in the scorching heat, although, the meetings were to start after 3pm. They were neither allowed to attend nature’s call nor given basic amenities like drinking water, thereby subjecting them to various hardships. [These meetings were addressed by AIADMK general secretary J Jayalalithaa.]
Many people allegedly fainted during Virudhuchalam rally, creating unrest and panic, which in turn, led to a stampede. As many as 17 people were admitted to hospital following the incident. Two people lost their lives as first aid was not provided promptly, according to the release.
Another person was seriously hurt in a stampede at Aruppukkottai in Virudhunagar district and eventually died while two others died in Magudanchavadi in Salem district due to heat and overcrowding.
People were allegedly paid Rs 300 over and above the wages under the MNREGA to participate in the meetings, the NHRC said.