The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Mudigonda: Amnesty nails police

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Monday, Aug 06, 2007
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Mudigonda: Amnesty nails police

HYDERABAD: The Amnesty International (AI) has expressed concern over “excessive and unnecessary use of force by police” against farmers, political party workers and others demonstrating on issues relating to land distribution in Mudigonda village in Khammam district recently.

Quoting reports, Amnesty International in a public statement, said the police opened fire on protestors resulting in the death of seven persons.

Though events leading to the shootings remain disputed, reports suggest that violence erupted when police reportedly targeted and beat a worker of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) who had been campaigning for land rights, which had helped organise the demonstration along with the Communist Party of India.

Less than ten members of the 500 person strong crowd responded to the beating by throwing stones, which prompted a senior police officer at the scene to open fire, it said.

Subsequent firing was reportedly carried out by state ‘special party personnel’ deployed to tackle naxalites.

No warning

The human rights watch organisation observed that the crowd was not given any warning that the police was about to open fire. Photographic evidence shows victims with bullet wounds to the abdomen, waist and head.

The organisation reminded the State authorities that they are bound under the international law to respect the right to life in all circumstances. In particular Principle 5 of the UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials clearly state whenever the lawful use of force and firearms is unavoidable, officers shall: (a) Exercise restraint in such use and act in proportion to the seriousness of the offence and the legitimate objective to be achieved; (b) Minimize damage and injury, and respect and preserve human life.

Principles violated

Amnesty International said it was concerned that the actions of the police at the demonstration violated these principles, and the victims’ right to life. It had reason to believe that the actions of protestors did not warrant such a response – where at least 70 rounds were reportedly fired at the crowd. The use of AK47 assault rifles is regarded by the organisation to be a particularly inappropriate method of policing such demonstrations.

It welcomed the ordering of a judicial enquiry by the Chief Minister and action against police officers.

However, the organisation wanted the enquiry to be completely impartial, independent and thorough. The enquiry should determine whether the use of force by the police is consistent with national law and international standards.

Any police officer found having resorted to excessive use of force should be promptly criminally prosecuted, it said.

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