(a) Exercise restraint in such use and act in proportion to the seriousness of the offence and the legitimate objective to be achieved; (b) Minimize damage and injury, and respect and preserve human life.
Amnesty International is concerned that the actions of the police at the demonstration violated the Principles, and the victims%u2019 right to life. The organization has reason to believe that the actions of protestors did not warrant such a response %u2013 where at least 70 rounds were reportedly fired at the crowd. The use of AK47 assault rifles is regarded by the organization to be a particularly inappropriate method of policing such demonstrations.
Amnesty International welcomes the ordering of a judicial enquiry by the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh on 29 July 2007; statements by the state Home Minister that %u201Cif any policeman is found guilty we will take action%u201D; and reports that four senior police officers involved in the incident have been suspended or transferred pending the enquiry. The organization also notes reports that the Andhra Pradesh State Human Rights Commission has requested a detailed report into the circumstances which led to the firing.
However the organization believes in order for the enquiry to be effective and to challenge the culture of impunity associated with unlawful police actions in Andhra Pradesh and elsewhere in India, the enquiry must entail the following:
It should be completely impartial, independent and thorough, The parameters
