Bhubaneswar: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought an action taken report (ATR) from the state Chief Secretary about the alleged social boycott faced by 11 families in Ganjam district.
Acting on a complaint filed by a human rights activist, the NHRC issued directions to the Chief Secretary August 17 asking the latter to submit the report within four weeks.
The apex rights body stated that it would be compelled to invoke coercive process u/s 13 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 calling for personal appearance of the concerned authority in case the report is not received within the stipulated time.
Human rights activist Rabindra Mishra in his complaint had stated that 11 families are being subjected to social boycott by an organization called ‘Biruli Taluka Reddy Mahajan Sangha’ in Ganjam.
The complainant had further mentioned that 74 families are being subjected to social boycotts in Banai area of the district, with some people being harassed on false allegations of practicing black magic.
The rights activist mentioned that the matter has been brought to the notice of the Ganjam and Gajapati Collectors, but no action has yet been taken by the authorities. Thereafter, he urged the Commission to intervene in the matter.
Taking cognisance of the complaint, the Commission has directed the government to present an action taken report before it within 4 weeks from the date of receipt of the letter.
Mishra said social evils like the practice of ostracism, social boycott, Kangaroo court and witch hunt still continue in Odisha as government efforts have failed to achieve much effect.
PNN