ON SHRC,

Committee set up to act on SHRC recommendations
Syed Ali Safvi Kashmir Times
JAMMU, Mar 16: After facing persistent criticism from the State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) for ignoring its recommendations, the state government has finally constituted a high-level committee to review and take action on the recommendations of the SHRC - mandated to serve as a credible watchdog institution meant for safeguarding and upholding the human rights of the people of J&K. The decision is also being viewed as an attempt to improve the human rights situation in strife-torn and conflict-ridden state of Jammu and Kashmir.
Another separatist leader, Shakeel Bakshi said: "SHRC is a toothless tiger and the creation of a committee to review the Commission's recommendations is an attempt to keep Kashmiris in good humour."
Shakeel said that the state's Defence was in the hands of New Delhi and not in the hands of the state. Even the state legislature has no power to interfere in Defence related matters, he said.
Two former chairpersons of SHRC - Justice Abdul Qadir Parray and Justice AM Mir - have expressed concern over the government's callous attitude in implementing the recommendations of the Commission.
Justice Parray had made a complaint in 2002 stating that "cases of human rights violations in Kashmir at the hands of security forces are gathering dust in the official chambers of LK Advani. Our commission is only a recommendatory body and has not been provided with enough powers to force implementation."
Similarly, Justice Mir was quoted as saying, "Insofar as the implementation of the SHRC's recommendations was concerned,