NHRC Issues Final Notice Over 2013 Disappearance of Kashmiri Hawker in Punjab

NEW DELHI: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a final notice to the Jammu and Kashmir Police in connection with the disappearance of a Kashmiri hawker who went missing under mysterious circumstances in Punjab more than twelve years ago, according to a lawyer and RTI activist, Rasikh Rasool Bhat.

The missing man, Manzoor Ahmad Kumar, a resident of Dardhaji Rajwar in Handwara, had travelled to Amritsar in March 2013 for work as a Fairi Wala (hawker). He was last seen on March 19, 2013, and has not been heard from since. Despite repeated appeals by his family, the case has seen little progress.

Originally, the case was taken up by the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir State Human Rights Commission (JKSHRC) after a petition was filed by Rasikh Rasool Bhat, a lawyer and RTI activist from Handwara. Following the abrogation of Article 370 and the dissolution of the J&K SHRC in 2019, the matter was transferred to the NHRC.

The NHRC had earlier directed the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Handwara, to submit a comprehensive report by January 17, 2024. After receiving no substantive response, the Commission issued a reminder on November 6, 2024. However, no significant progress was made, leading the NHRC to now issue a final four-week deadline for the report.

The Commission has also warned that it may invoke powers under Section 13 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, including summoning the SSP in person if there is continued non-compliance.

“This is a serious lapse in accountability,” said Rasikh Rasool Bhat. “The family has waited over 12 years for answers. This is not just about one missing man — it is about the right to dignity and justice. The least the authorities can do now is fulfil their legal and moral obligation to investigate.”