SHRC recommends compensation to man who died 20 years ago

Srinagar, Feb 20: Chairperson State Human Rights Commission (SHRC), Justice Bilal Nazki Tuesday while deciding a case of death of an army porter in 1997 recommended Deputy Commissioner Kupwara to provide due compensation to the dependents of the deceased.
The Chairperson SHRC also recommended the Principal Secretary to Home Department to frame a scheme for such persons who do not fall within the ambit of present schemes.
Both the Deputy Commissioner Kupwara and the Principal Secretary were asked to file action taken report within next three days in the case pertaining to death of Kupwara resident who slipped-off and fell down into a deep Nallah in 1997.
“It is unfortunate that a person working with the Army like a solider has not been paid (compensation) by anybody,” chairperson of SHRC Justice Bilal Nazki (retd) said in his order while disposing off a case.
According to the SHRC spokesperson, the order in the case came up during an on the spot hearing at Dak Bugalow in Kupwara district.
He said the commission feels that such persons (porters) should be treated on par with soldiers, and while referring to the case observed that the 25-year-old man had died while working as porter with the Army.
“The chairperson (of SHRC) directed the principal secretary of the home department to frame a scheme for such persons who do not fall within the ambit of present schemes,” the spokesperson said.
“Furthermore, the deputy commissioner of Kupwara is also directed to take up the matter with the army (unit) concerned and ensure that due compensation is paid to the father of the deceased,” he said.