NHRC issues notice to Delhi govt after Hindu migrants from Pakistan rendered shelterless

The National Human Rights Commission has issued a notice to the Delhi government and the north corporation over a report of a group of Hindu migrant families from Pakistan rendered shelterless at Majnu Ka Tila area after their makeshift dwellings were destroyed in fire.

The Commission has taken suo motu cognisance of the media report, according to which at least 30 makeshift dwelling units of the Hindu migrants were gutted by a fire that broke out in that part of the city on November 27, the NHRC said in a statement today.

“Reportedly, the affected families are spending difficult time on pavements as the temporary arrangement promised by the SDM concerned for their shelter has not yet been provided. The victims have complained that they do not even have food, clothes and basic amenities, which are necessary for a human being,” it said.

Accordingly, it has issued notices to the Chief Secretary, Delhi government and the Commissioner of the North Delhi Municipal Corporation, seeking a detailed report in the matter within four weeks.

“The Chief Secretary has also been directed to look into the matter personally to ensure that immediate relief is provided to the affected families and steps are taken for their rehabilitation,” the Commission said.

Reportedly, about 500 Hindu migrants, who came from Pakistan to India during 2013-2014, were temporarily settled at Majnu ka Tila, a Tibetan colony in Delhi.

The Commission has observed that the content of the news report raises a serious issue of violation of their right to life and dignity.

“It is tragic that a large number of people are spending nights under the open sky in the cold without any shelter. The victims are in dire need of immediate relief by the government agencies,” the NHRC said.

The Commission also observed that the government, the municipal corporations and other local bodies ought to formulate a comprehensive housing policy to provide dwelling units to these shelter-less people and till a policy is implemented fully in letter and spirit, the temporary night shelters, with basic facilities of food, lodging and health care, should be constructed to enable the poor homeless people to spend their lives in a comfortable manner.