Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday slammed hose who engage in “selective interpretation” of human rights and look at its violation with an eye on political loss and gains, saying such a conduct is dangerous to these rights as nicely as democracy.
“Some people see human rights violations in certain incidents but not in other similar incidents. Looking at human rights with an eye on political gains and loss harms these rights as well as democracy. Selective behaviour is harmful to democracy and tarnishes the nation’s image. We must be wary of such politics,” the prime minister stated although speaking at the 28th foundation day of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
The prime minister’s remarks come in wake of the government facing criticism over the killing of 4 farmers in UP’s Lakhimpur Kheri and accusations that one of the accused – a union minister’s son – was becoming protected by the establishment.
Though PM Modi did not name any particular person or organisation, the ruling BJP has been vital of a section of human rights groups, such as these with a international presence, for allegedly highlighting situations of HR violations selectively and in a one-sided manner to target the government.
In his speech, the prime minister cited a quantity of measures taken by his government to provide simple wants like toilets, cooking gas, electrical energy and houses to the poor and stated this give rise to their aspirations and make them more conscious of their rights. He stated by producing a law against ‘triple talaq’, his government has bestowed new rights on Muslim girls.
The prime minister also spoke of the measures like 26-week maternity leave and more stringent law for rape to highlight his dispensation’s empowerment of girls. The commission was set up below the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, on October 12, 1993, for the promotion and protection of human rights.
The NHRC requires cognisance of human rights violations, conducts enquiries and recommends compensation to victims from public authorities in addition to other remedial and legal measures against the erring public servants. Modi stated freedom struggle and India’s history are a huge supply of inspiration and values for human rights.