The National Federation of Youth Movement (NFYM) has filed a formal complaint with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) over allegations of police brutality and human rights violations at the Parliament march during the recent student agitation in Delhi. The organization has demanded an independent, impartial, transparent and time-bound investigation into the matter.
The complaint alleges that Delhi Police used excessive and disproportionate force against peacefully protesting students. In this, serious allegations like use of pellet guns, use of electroshock batons, excessive lathi charge, illegal detention, physical harassment and alleged misbehavior with women protesters have been mentioned.
NFYM has also drawn the attention of the Commission to the reports which claim that journalists covering the movement, teachers present with the students, parents who reached the protest site and doctors and medical volunteers providing emergency medical aid to the injured were allegedly assaulted, threatened, harassed and obstructed in their work.
The federation has also raised the issue in the complaint that many of the policemen involved in the action were allegedly present without name plates or identity badges, while some were seen accompanying the police in plain clothes. NFYM has also requested the Commission to thoroughly investigate these allegations so that accountability can be ensured.
In its complaint, the organization has urged the Commission to issue instructions to preserve CCTV footage, body camera recordings (wherever available), medical records, mobile videos and all other relevant evidence. Along with this, a demand has been made to ensure a fair investigation by recording the statements of injured students, journalists, teachers, parents, doctors, medical volunteers, eyewitnesses and independent observers.
NFYM has also requested that departmental and criminal action be recommended against the officers found guilty in the investigation. Apart from this, compensation should be provided to the victims, proper medical treatment should be provided and clear guidelines should be issued to ensure the protection of constitutional rights of citizens during future peaceful protests.
In this regard, NFYM Chairman Masihuzzama Ansari said, "The right to peaceful protest is the cornerstone of Indian democracy and is protected by the Constitution. Similarly, journalists reporting fearlessly, doctors providing emergency medical aid without any hindrance and teachers and parents standing with students are also part of democratic rights.
The allegations related to recent incidents are extremely serious and require an independent, impartial and transparent investigation. “If human rights have been violated, holding the culprits accountable is essential to maintaining public confidence in the rule of law and democratic institutions.” NFYM has expressed hope that the National Human Rights Commission will take prompt cognizance of the matter and ensure a fair investigation and take necessary steps to protect the constitutional and human rights of all the affected people.
