New Delhi, Nov 12 (IANS) The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Wednesday asked the Chhattisgarh government to explain the deaths of 13 women in a state organised mass sterilisation camp in Bilaspur district.

Over 70 women were also hospitalised following botched surgeries at the camp.

“The commission has issued notice to the government of Chhattisgarh through its principal secretary, health and family welfare (department), calling for a report into the incident within two weeks,” an NHRC statement said.

More than 83 women were allegedly operated upon within six hours using infected surgical tools, the commission said.