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With the government deciding to launch an all-out offensive against Naxalites next month, an international human rights body today said that the “means” to be used by security forces in the anti-Naxalite operations should be consistent with human rights and international humanitarian laws.

“We very much recognise the seriousness of the threat posed by the Naxals and also the fact that they are responsible for a range of attacks on civilians and police and all this is clear violation of the laws. We also understand that India has a responsibility to contain this,” executive director of US-based organisation Human Rights Watch, Kenneth Roth said here.

“Our concern is that whatever means are used by security forces to confront the Naxalites need to be consistent with international human rights and humanitarian laws,” he added.

Roth said violation of human rights during counter-Naxalite operations may push ordinary Indian citizens into armed insurgency.

He was talking to reporters after a quarterly meeting of the board of directors of Human Rights Watch here.

He suggested India should end “repressive laws” like Armed Forces Special Powers Act to reform security forces, including the police, and to prioritise the protection of vulnerable groups such as Dalits, religious minorities and women.

Source: DNA India

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