NHRC asks Odisha state for report on woman's delayed funeral due to social boycott

The National Human Rights Commission has recently taken notice of a troubling situation in Sundargarh, where a family has allegedly been ostracized by their community. Reports from the media have brought to light the difficulties faced by this family, particularly after the death of an elderly woman. According to the commission's statement, the woman, who lived in Mahuldiha village, had been shunned by her fellow villagers for an astonishing twelve years.

When she passed away, her daughter was left without any support from the community to perform her last rites. It was only with the help of the district administration and local NGOs that the woman's final rites were eventually carried out. The NHRC has expressed deep concern over these allegations, which, if proven true, would be a grave violation of human rights.

In light of this, the chief secretary has been requested to provide a thorough report within two weeks. The commission has referred to media reports from June 11, which revealed that the family had faced social boycott after their daughter had briefly eloped with a man from a different caste. The commission is troubled by the fact that this family has not only endured ostracization for over a decade, but even after the woman's death, they were not given the support and respect they deserved.

The commission has promised to look into the matter further once the report from the Odisha government is received. The situation in Sundargarh is a cause for concern, and it is important to address any human rights violations that may have occurred. As the most widely read English daily in Odisha, Orissa POST is committed to bringing these issues to light and promoting justice and equality for all.

Let us all work towards creating a society where everyone is treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their caste, gender, or any other factor.