Press ReleaseDate: 8th January 2010 Suppression of Civil and Political Rights in Chhattisgarh
Peace can be possible only through nonviolent means and democratic development
The fascist rule of BJP in Chhattisgarh has witnessed the systematic
suppression of civil and democratic rights in the state with the rulers
resorting to violence and repression as the only means of dealing with
violence. Two days ago in Dantewada, a group of activists representing various
peoples’ movements belonging to NAPM, PUCL, etc. were confronted by a mob
brought in from Kasauli Relief Camp by an organization called Ma Danteshwari
Swabhiman Manch which is essentially a new version of Salwa Judum. Kopa Kunjam
was not allowed to meet the activists, cameras of media persons from outside
were snatched and they were then themselves slapped with charges of stealing
the camera of local journalists and most importantly Shodi Shambo is not being
allowed to travel to Delhi for important surgery at St. Steven’s Hospital.
These are some examples of violations of basic rights of people guaranteed
under the Constitution.
The State Government has blatantly violated all democratic values and made a
mockery of the law of the land. Labeling activists of Gandhian-Socialist
leanings as Naxal sympathizers is a blatant attempt to cover up the human
rights violations of the State security forces and allow the State to act in a
high handed manner.
We believe that the current State strategy of countering Naxal violence with
more violence has led to a disastrous spiral in the growth of violence, the
price of which is borne primarily by adivasis. Another aspect of the State’s
strategy is to displace adivasis from their villages, divest them of their
rights over natural resources, only to make way for privatization and
corporatization of their resources.
Himanshu Kumar of the Vanvasi Chetana Ashram, who was implementing the
government’s own socio-development programs and welfare schemes, is being
harassed for questioning this mindless violence and for the far-reaching
awareness he has raised against the state security apparatus’ human rights
violations. This type of vicious intimidation is a mockery of basic civil
rights. Vanvasi Chetna Ashram’s 17 years of work is primarily constructive in
nature, and it is the responsibility of the Chhattisgarh Government to create a
conducive atmosphere for him to continue his work in Bastar and facilitate the
same, so that the displaced adivasis are rehabilitated and their lives can
return back to normalcy.
We want to state clearly that we are neither Naxal sympathizers, nor do we
support any of their acts of violence. The maligning of our character and the
false accusations against us are simply distractions from the real issues. We
do endorse the issues and concerns raised by Naxalites even though we do not
support their means.
We demand that the provisions of Fifth Schedule be implemented in Chhattisgarh,
the long-time adivasis’ dream of the right of self rule is actualized as per
PESA Act, 1996, and the adivasis held up in the Government camps are allowed to
return to their villages, their rights over natural resources restored, they
receive a fair share of the benefits of development with full protection of
their civil rights and finally they should have a participatory role in the
process of development with the State Government as the guarantor and
facilitator of the same.
We strongly assert a need for the State to initiate dialogue with those in
armed struggle in Chhattisgarh and other states. There is already an appeal
issued by a number of eminent persons of the country to both the State
government and the various struggle groups.
We all are willing to join as peaceful peoples’ movements and witnesses.
However, the major move has to be by the State announcing their willingness and
both the sides responding by declaring a moratorium on violence, even if
temporarily.
Meanwhile we also expect an alliance of the people organizations belonging to
the third category from within Chhattisgarh to take the lead and not only
involve the adivasis and majority of the peace-loving people of the state,
but also the concerned citizens across the country in a dialogue and debate on
peaceful, equitable and just development in the region. We all will follow
their advice and also do whatever possible from wherever we are .
Janak Lal Thakur, Former MLA and Chattisgarh Mukti Morcha,Medha
Patkar, National Alliance of People’s Movements, NAPM,Sandeep Pandey, National
Alliance of People’s Movements,Kavita Srivastav, People’s Union for Civil
Liberties,Kamayani Bali Mahabal, Committee for Release of Binayak Sen
Mumbai, Retd. Major-General Sudhir Vombatkare, Mysore, NAPM KarnatakaKusum
Karnik, Adivasi Ekjut SanghatanaGabrielle Dietrich , Penn Urimai Iyakkam (Tamil
Nadu),Priyanka Borpujari, Mumbai,Satyendra Bordoloi, MumbaiSuresh Kumar,
Hyderabad, AID-IndiaSherebanu Frosh, Delhi Forum,Gangesh, NAPM -
UPVijendra, National Centre for Advocacy Studies and PUCL, RaipurAbu
Bakr, Lucknow,Srinivasan, Tamil Nadu,Rachna Dhingra, Bhopal ,Madhuresh
Kumar, NAPM Delhi and Delhi Solidarity Group and others. Madhumita Dutta, The
Other MediaHazra Bi, Archana, Chennai ,Piyush Manush, Transport Workers
Union, Salem
Peace Is Doable
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