The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India Acting Chairperson, Smt Vijaya Bharathi Sayani appreciated the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) saying that they are among the first responders to natural disasters, providing aid, rescuing civilians and ensuring that basic human rights, such as access to food, shelter and medical care are provided during emergencies. Their involvement in rescue operations in natural calamities highlights their commitment to humanitarian service.

She was addressing the gathering as the Chief Guest of the final round of the 29th annual NHRC debate competition for Central Armed Police Forces organised in collaboration with the Border Security Force (BSF) in New Delhi. The topic was ‘Custodial death is not acceptable in any situation’. Congratulating the winners and all the participants of the debate, she said that the participation of young officers demonstrated their deep understanding of the concept of human rights.

Smt Vijay Bharathi Sayani said that CAPFs work in very hostile situations, maintaining peace without excessive use of force. Any misuse of power can lead to allegations against the forces. Therefore, despite challenges, restraint and adherence to human rights are essential. She also said that custodial death is never acceptable, as it represents a severe violation of human rights and the legal principles of the nation.

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) lifted the overall best team rolling trophy winning the final round of the debate competition in which 16 participants debated for and against the motion in Hindi and English. Among the individual honours, the first prize for debate in Hindi went to Tina Sangwan, Constable, ITBP and in English to Rosela Sangtam, Constable, Assam Rifles. The second prize in Hindi went to Rahul Kumar, Sub Inspector, CISF and in English to Akshay Badola, Assistant Commandant, CISF. The third prize in Hindi went to Kanha Joshi, Assistant Commandant, CISF and in English it went to Bhaskar Chaudhary, Assistant Commandant, CISF. Besides the certificates and a memento, the first, second, and third prize winners were also given cash awards of Rs. 12,000/-, Rs. 10,000/- and Rs. 8,000/- each respectively.

The winners were decided by a jury comprising Smt Jyotika Kalra, Former Member, NHRC, India, as the Chief of jury and Prof. Dr. G. S. Bajpai, Vice Chancellor, NLU, Delhi and Dr. Ish Kumar, Former Director General, Vigilance & Enforcement, Telangana as members.

Smt Jyotika Kalra commended the efforts of the winners and participants for bringing out well-researched presentations on the topic, adding value to the standard of the competition. She urged the officers to use the debate presentation videos and make it part of their training programme.

The BSF IG, Shri Raja Babu Singh and NHRC DIG, Ms Kim commended the participants. She particularly lauded the CAPFs for encouraging participants from all ranks of their security personnel. She also thanked the BSF for extending support to the Commission in organising this debate competition successfully.

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NSK