OSCAR on the Meerut Cantonment tragedy

Open Secunderabad Cantonment All Roads (OSCAR) Community condemns the criminal negligence and disregard for human life evident in Meerut Cantonment Board authorities' action in commencing demolition of a building when people were still inside the building.

It appears from media reports that the demolition was carried out in the early hours, without ensuring that the building was empty of people. Thre has been a clear violation of Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, as well as of Fundamental Right to Life guaranteed by Article 21 of the Constitution of India.

It further emerges from news footage aired on TV channels that a pillar of the building was demolished first, before breaking the slab. This led to the tragic, but wholly expected denoument. It is beyond comprehension as to why basic engineering precautions were not followed while engaging in hazardous action.

Of late it seems to have become the norm for Cantonment Authorities all over the country to selectively act against civilians, without following rules and and ignoring explicit instructions. This is visible in matters as diverse as closure of public roads, removal of encroachments, demolitions and resumption of properties. OSCAR requests the Central Government to immediately step in to correct this trend and to ensure that no one acts in violation of the Law and against Fundamental Human Principles.