NHRC sought report from Odisha DGP over Arrest of farmers

Report by Odisha Diary bureau, Bhubaneswar: The National Human Rights Commission has sought a report from Odisha police chief over the arrest of farmers in Bhubaneswar. The Commission has issued direction to the Director General of Police to submit its report within four weeks in the matter. Acting on a complaint of human rights activist Mr. Akhand, the commission has taken cognizance in the case. The petitioner has alleged before the commission that at least 26 members of Navnirman Krushak Sangathan, a farmers organisation were arrested in Bhubaneswar on 24 December as they highlighted their demand before Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik in front of state Secretariat. The organisation has been demanding bonus of rupees five hundreds over each quintal of paddy being sold by the farmers and monetary compensation of rupees two thousands per month to each family of farmers in the Phailin affected zones till the next harvest season - without delay. More than 50 farmers had been sitting on a Dharana in front of  Odisha Assembly at Mahatma Gandhi Marg since December 9 after they failed to get appointment with the Chief Minister. In order to draw the government's attention towards problems facing the farmer community across the State, around 30 activists of the farmers' organisation displayed national flags and staged the demonstration by laying on the Sachivalaya Marg, completely blocking the movement of Odisha Chief Minister's carcade. It is surprising that the Bhubaneswar Commissionerate Police has slapped section 307 of IPC against arrested farmers, who were protesting peacefully. Police wants  to suppress the ongoing agitation of farmers illegally, alleged Akhand. "If the Commissionerate Police slaps attempt to murder case against farmers for protesting peacefully, then it is easy to imagine what it may be doing in other serious cases. The incident shows misuse of power by the police, Akhand added. He prayed for a compensation of rupees 50 thousand  to each farmer who are illegally arrested by police and withdraw fake case against innocent farmers. NHRC order DGP to submit the requisite information/report with in four weeks from the date of receipt of the notice. In default the commission may proceed to take such action as it deems proper.