New Delhi: Holding Punjab Government "vicariously liable" for the loss of lives of 109 persons in police custody during the days of terrorism from 1984 to 1994, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) today (Nov 11, 2004) ordered payment of compensation of Rs 2.5 lakh to the next of kin of each of the victims.

The Commission, in the significant judgement, also said that half of the compensation amount of Rs 2.5 lakh should be paid to the next of kin and the rest should be deposited in a fixed deposit for a period of five years.

The next of kin of the victims can draw interest on the fixed deposit, NHRC Chairperson Justice A S Anand said adding that the payment has to be made through the District Magistrate, Amritsar or the Sub Divisional Magistrate concerned.

Earlier, Punjab Government in its affidavit filed before NHRC, had admitted that the 109 persons were in the State police custody before they died. It also said they were cremated by the police.

Over 2000 people were reported missing and suspected to have been mass-cremated by the police during the days of terrorism between 1984 to 1994.

The Commission had brought out a list of all these people in Punjab in August 2004 and asked the next of kin of the victims to send in their claims of compensation to it.