Justice K.G. Balakrishnan, who took over as the chairman of National Human Rights Commission on Monday, termed Naxalism as a “very complex” issue. He stated that “due consideration” should also be given to rights of security personnel engaged in fighting the menace.
“Members of police force, enforcement agencies are also human beings. Their life is also precious. Just like ordinary persons, they also have to be given due consideration. A large number of security persons are dying,” he stated after assuming charge.
Indicating that the problem of Naxalism was linked to development, he said “tribals, locals, those who are residing in the locality, they are denied education. There are no hospitals, no roads. And there are so many things. It is not a simple issue. It is a very very complex issue.”
Refusing to comment on whether the court verdict on Bhopal gas tragedy he said he could not speak on a judgement.
But at the same time he noted that if the quantum of punishment was less, the aggrieved party can move a review petition as per law.
“Less punishment is also a ground for appeal,” he said. He said the “positive fallout” of the gas tragedy was that the Environment Protection Act became active after the incident.
Mr K.G. Balakrishnan also refuted suggestions that the NHRC lacked powers.
Asked whether there should be a timeline for the government to act on mercy petitions of people on death row, he said, “There is no time fixed to consider mercy petition under law.”