323 Indian citizens staying outside border fencing allege human rights violation, THRC takes cognizance

The Tripura Human Rights Commissions on Wednesday took cognizance of a complaint regarding ‘serious violation’ of human rights of 323 Indian citizens residing outside the border fencing near Matinagar.

Justice Arindam Lodh, retired High Court judge who recently took charge as the chairperson of Tripura Human Rights Commission, asked the District Magistrate of West Tripura to inquire into the matter and submit a report by May 21 next. The THRC chairperson also sought response from the Managing Director of the Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited (TSECL) based on the allegations made by the complainants.

According to the THRC order, the Commission received the complaint from the villagers of Matinagar Gram Panchayet area. Altogether 323 persons, who are citizens of India but staying outside the border fencing, have complained of their miserable lives.

The villagers alleged, earlier the border gates were kept open from 6 am to 8 pm, but all of a sudden without any reason, the gates are closed for 2/3 times during the day time and the gates remain completely closed after 5 pm. As mentioned in the complaint, this system has directly affected their livelihood and education of their children.

The complainants also alleged deprivation of their legitimate supply of electricity though they are the regular consumers and paying their electricity bills regularly.

“Even they are obstructed from purchasing and bringing/ installing electric items in their houses. They are to submit accounts about the use of shampoos, soaps, quantity of rice, cereals, pulses etc. They also face obstruction to repair their houses, if their houses are damaged/ affected due to natural calamities. They are also obstructed to visit their graveyard,” the Commission mentioned in its order.

Considering it a serious violation of human rights, the THRC asked the District Magistrate & Collector, West Tripura to inquire into the matter and submit a report in this regard by the next date.

The Chief Managing Director, Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited has also been asked to submit his response in respect of the allegations made in the complaint by the next date. The next hearing has been fixed on May 21 next.