Gauhati HC orders compensation of Rs 20 lakh each to kin of 1994 Army killings
Guwahati, Mar 9: The Gauhati High Court on Thursday directed the Centre to pay compensation of Rs 20 lakh each to the families of five youths killed by the Army in Assam's Tinsukia district in 1994 during an anti-insurgency operation, the advocate of a petitioner said.
The court also declared the case closed in view of the long time that has elapsed, which makes it difficult to retrieve evidence or witnesses, advocate Pari Barman told PTI.
A division bench of Justices Achintya Malla Bujor Barua and Robin Phukan gave the order, she said.
"The case has been closed today. The honourable court has ordered the Union of India to pay compensation of Rs 20 lakh each to next of kin of the five deceased," she added.
The case pertains to the killing of five youths who were among nine All Assam Students' Union (AASU) members picked up by the Army from the Doomdooma circle of Tinsukia district in February 1994, following the murder of a tea estate manager by the ULFA.
Then AASU leader Jagadish Bhuyan, who later became a state minister, immediately filed a habeas corpus before the high court fearing the safety of the nine youths, which had led the Army to produce four of them alive and the bodies of the others later.
Seven personnel of 18 Punjab Regiment of Dhola camp involved in the killings were found guilty and awarded life imprisonment by an Army court in 2018.
Barman said the district judge of Tinsukia has been asked to identify the next of kin, who are to make their claim before it within 15 days.
The compensation amount will be deposited with the high court and it will be paid to the victims' families as identified by the district judge, Barman said.
As the order copy was yet to be made available, it is difficult to share more details, the advocate said.
"Since it is an old case and it will be tough to retrieve evidence or witnesses, the court decided to close it. It was hearing two cases clubbed together, including the habeas corpus of 1994 filed by my client Jagadish Bhuyan," Barman said.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Shaheen Group announces free education for SSLC toppers scoring 95% and above
Bidar: Shaheen Group of Institutions has announced free education for students across Karnataka who have secured 95 per cent and above marks in the SSLC examinations.
The announcement was made by Dr. Abdul Qadeer, Chairman of the institution, as part of an initiative aimed at encouraging academic excellence and supporting deserving students.
According to the institution, eligible students from across the state will be provided free education for both First Year and Second Year PUC at Shaheen institutions.
The initiative is expected to benefit a large number of meritorious students by helping them continue higher education without financial burden.
In addition, Dr. Abdul Qadeer announced special scholarships for Kannada medium students and those studying in government schools, recognising their efforts and encouraging them to pursue further studies.
Speaking on the occasion, he said the initiative reflects Shaheen’s continued commitment to inclusive education and merit-based support, ensuring that talented students from all backgrounds receive opportunities to progress.
