New Delhi, Oct 30 : The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Friday asked the central government to pay Rs. 500,000 in compensation to the family of a man in Assam who died after torture by defence personnel six years back.

Burman Moran was apprehended by the army on Feb 5, 2003, on suspicion on having links with extremists. Next day, he was presented at the local police station by Bunty Ram, of the Jat Regiment, and a case was registered against him.

"When Moran was sent to the jail Feb 8, he had multiple injuries on his body which were allegedly caused by the army personnel, and he later succumbed to them. Acting on a complaint filed by the deputy commissioner of Dibrugarh, Assam, the NHRC set up an inquiry into the case," an NHRC official said.

"It was concluded April 25 this year that Moran's death was caused due to the torture by the army and a show cause notice was issued to the secretary, ministry of defence. However there was no response," the official added.

After a reminder, the defence ministry sought time till Sep 25 for submitting a report in the matter.

"However, there was no response till Oct 27. Therefore, the NHRC has presumed that the defence ministry has nothing to say against the show-cause notice and recommended that the central government pay a compensation amount of Rs. 500,000 to family of Moran," the official added.(IANS)