Assam Human Rights takes cognizance of prison negligence raised by Debabrata Saikia amid COVID-19

The Assam Human Rights Commission has taken cognizance of a complaint made by the Leader of the Opposition in the Assam Legislative Assembly, Shri Debabrata Saikia regarding gross negligence in providing necessary healthcare and diet to the inmates of Guwahati Central Jail and other jails of Assam, along with general non-compliance with Covid-19 protocol, and has ordered the Chief Secretary of Assam and the IGP (Prisons) to submit a report in this connection to the Commission on or before 5^th August.

The order was passed on 20^th July by Mr. Justice T. Vaiphei, Hon’ble Chairperson of the Commission, and Hon’ble Members Mr. Naba Kamal Bora and Mr. Deva Kumar Saikia. Mr. Saikia had lodged his complaint vide letter No.ALA/LOP/PAHD/2020/4523 dated July 14, 2020.

The Assam Human Rights Commission’s order is appended herewith for your perusal and publication in the print and electronic media.

Also read: United Nations offers to help India in dealing Assam flood

Speaking to Inside Northeast, Leader of Opposition, Debabrata Saikia said, "I wrote a letter regarding the jail situation and now the Human Rights has taken cognisance of it. Jail inmates should not have been ignored as they too have rights. Things were considered only after they protested".

Earlier, Debabrata Saikia had written a letter where he raised the issue of lack of COVID-19 measures in the prisons and also urged the commission to take cognisance of the matter.

Debabrata Saikia further states that the "Assam government has been clueless with regards to the floods and even with the disaster management authorities at the helm, the state govt has failed to take early measures to control floods. This reveals the lack of preparedness and negligence of duty from the government".

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