NHRC findings alarming

According to the National Human Rights Commissioner, about 70 percent of all complaints of violation of human rights received by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) are against law enforcers, and half of all these complaints are allegations of torture by members of the law enforcing agencies. These statistics, though perhaps representing only a fraction of the human rights violations taking place all over the country, are no doubt alarming; they highlight that the state institutions responsible for protecting our rights are not only failing to do so, but, in fact, in an overwhelming number of cases, violating them. What is even more disquieting is that, despite the increasing number of allegations against law enforcers, in most cases, no action is taken against the perpetrator, thus facilitating a culture of impunity.  

According to human rights body, Ain O Salish Kendra, in 2014, as many as 128 people died in "crossfire" and "gunfight" between law enforcers and alleged "criminals," 60 died from custodial torture, and another 88 were allegedly abducted by the security forces. But in how many instances, we ask, was a proper investigation conducted and justice served? The impunity enjoyed by our law enforcers makes a mockery of the rule of law, and creates a culture of fear and mistrust among the people about them. 

As such, the onus falls upon the government to end this culture of impunity and take exemplary measures against those accused of such violations, if it is to restore people's faith in the rule of law.