The Movement of India May - June 2010 October-December 2009 The Bi-Monthly Movement Rs. 20 of India Vol. 5, Issue 1 News Magazine of National Alliance of People’s Movements July - 2010
WhoWho IsIs
AfraidAfraid OfOf
CasteCaste CensusCensus POSCO and TATA ? People’s Resistance in Orissa ? Interview with Prafulla Samantara Bhopal Verdict A Mockery of Justice
People’s Audit of SEZs Independent People’s Tribunal on Land Acquisition and Green Hunt People’s Politics in Nepal Am I a Maoist? Tributes:1 Ashish Mandloi and Acharya Ramamurti The Movement of India May - June 2010 October-December 2009 Subscribe to the Voice and Vision of India Subscribe to The Movement of India
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2 The Movement of India May - June 2010 October-December 2009 Editorial Team
S.R. Darapuri Joe Athialy Madhuresh Kumar Resistances in Orissa: Mukta Srivastava Interview with Prafulla Samantara 5 C. Balakrishnan Clifton D’Rozario Who is Afraid of Caste Census? 11 Siddharth Narrain Rahul Pandey People’s Politics in Nepal 14 Manish Jain The People’s Audit of SEZs 17 Adithya T.K. Dayanand Doddatti Independent People’s Tribunal on Resource Grab and Operation Green Hunt 22 Advisory Team A Statement on Maoist Violence 25 Medha Patkar Am I a Maoist? 27 Aruna Roy Sister Celia POSCO Project Facsheet 29 S.G. Vombatkere Gabriele Dietrich The Bhopal Verdict 33 S.R. Suniti Sandeep Pandey Cost of Protesting Peacefully in Orissa 35 U.R. Ananthamurthy Trilochan Sastry A Tribute to Ashish Mandloi 37 Ajit Sahi Neelabh Mishra A Tribute to Acharya Ramamurti 38 Administration Support News & Notes from People’s Movements 39 Kalpana
Page Design T. K. Dayanand Doddatti
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3 The Movement of India May - June 2010 October-December 2009 corporates, has been development, have opposed unfortunate too. Equally sad it. has been the recent warning Kaveri Rajaraman’s issued by Home Minstry to article on Nepal is a first intellectuals and citizens who hand account of the ongoing oppose the government’s churnings of people’s politics offensive against adivasis in in the Himalayan neighbour. the name of anti-Maoist We pay tributes to operation. Ashish Mandloi and We present a factsheet Acharya Rammurthi. of key events connected with Ashish-bhai was a key POSCO project and a first- activist and a pillar in the hand account of impact on Narmada Bachao Andolan people of Dhinkia, since his early youth. His Gobindapur and Nuagaon untimely death is a big loss villages after facing attack to the narmada movement from security forces. and activists everywhere. The tragic events in Acharya Rammurthi was a Orissa make the interview of veteran Sarvodayi leader The judgment on Bhopal Prafulla Samantara very whose death has left behind gas tragedy came a week topical. This interview is a a grand legacy of Gandhian before we were going to the part of MOI’s initiative to political thought and print. It has once again document opinions and educational activism. exposed the weakness of reflections of senior activist- This issue also contains India’s legal-political system leaders. Ashok Chowdhury reports from two crucial in regulating industries and and Medha Patkar were citizen’s events held recently making them accountable to interviewed in the previous in Delhi – the People’s the people. The people are, issue. Another unique section National Audit of SEZs and as expected, outraged at the in MOI, besides interviews of Independent People’s gross injustice, as expressed activists, is the record of Tribunal against forced land in NAPM’s statement important news and notes acquisition, displacement published in this issue. This across the country connected and war on people in India’s outrage has found echo with people’s issues. The tribal and farming regions. among sections of ‘interviews’ and ‘news & The Movement of India is mainstream media and notes’ are our efforts to steadily stabilizing its editing politicians too, and we hope chronicle the history of and production processes. that the accused will be ordinary people and people’s Now the bigger challenge for brought to book and tens of movements in India. us is to increase subscription thousands of affected people The demand for caste base and distribution. will receive due census has again brought the Towards this end we request rehabilitation. debate on caste based you, the readers, to spread The government’s oppression to the fore. The word about MOI and help us response to the rural people article by Darapuri gives a make new subscribers. in Orissa who are non- historical perspective of caste Please send us your violently protesting forced census and explains why comments on the articles acquisition of their lands for sections of higher castes, who published and your mining projects of POSCO, have usurped fruits of suggestions for improving the Tata, Vedanta and other quality of MOI. - Editorial Team 4 The Movement of India May - June 2010 October-December 2009 Madhuresh : Could you political change. However, movement took place in the alternative which Orissa against corruption. please explain the nature of democratic process came out People like us who were not social movements which with was not up to the students also courted arrest emerged in Orissa in the post people’s mandate. Many with the student leaders. In emergency and post young people sacrificed their the 1980s a people’s liberalisation period? Also tell lives during the Emergency movements against forced us about the key actors in these in the movement led by displacement took place in movements and how nature of Jayprakash Narayan and in western Orissa in these movements have changed Orissa by an ideal man like Gandhamardan Hills. This over the years. Do also explain Navakrishna Choudhury. In movement can be called the how the character of state itself the period of 1977-80, there mother of all people’s has undergone change, if at all. were no social movements as movements against bauxite such though there had been mining and industrialization Prafulla Samantara : After students movements. In in Orissa. This forceful the Emergency, the 1980s when Congress came movement against a public monopoly of the Congress back, a very forceful students sector corporation saw ended and there was a
5 The Movement of India May - June 2010 October-December 2009 participation of all sections of resistance against Utkal corporate bodies and the society including women Aluminium in Kashipur that foreign investments. They continued for five years. A started in 1994 and is still on. choose what to support or similar movement took place You can see that what not to support. Even the in Baliapal and in northern successive governments of small radical political parties coastal Orissa against the Biju Patnaik, J B Pattnaik, or which come forward in proposed missile range of now of Naveen Patnaik, support are not clearly Ministry of Defence. whether in power or in against the corporates or These two movements opposition have supported liberalisation, this is became very successful in the companies and never the interesting, since there is a Orissa. Even after an movements. Why is it so, lack of clarity in principles as investment of over three because their stand on far as mining, big investments hundred crores, BALCO had politics of development in or big industries are to withdraw from globalisation era stand in concerned. However, after Gandhamardan hills. contrast with what people the Kalinganagar massacre Similarly, the defence project think. Though there was where 14 people were shot by the government also had resistance when the public dead by the police some to be withdrawn because of sector came up, the public political parties, including the the strong resistance. The sector did not deal by bribing Left came forward against opposition, also led by Biju the people or any political the government. Patnaik, supported these party. But, corporate bodies So we can say that democratic movements not are able to bribe the political during post-independence because they were parties. period there was no pressure committed to the cause but in All these things that the on political parties because lieu of the guarantee that local politicians are engaging much of industries were in they would get people’s in are how the politics of public sector and they have support in the next elections. development functions post their own role. But, on During 1995 to 2000 liberalisation. This is very principle the struggle was not movements against TATA important. And now it is against the corporate bodies and the private sector going on everywhere in or the public sector but it was companies took place in Kalinganagar, Jagatsinghpur against the wrong decision of Gopalpur, Chilka and other anti-posco movement, industrialisation — against places. The same people who Niyamgiri or anti-Vedanta wrong planning and were in the opposition were University. So, political implementation. Today the seen neither supporting the parties are not in the scene struggle is against the companies nor the displaced. for consistent resistance. indiscriminate Occasionally, they took up Ruling Left parties even from industrialisation with foreign issues of better packages etc other states have come to investments,private unlike the people who support the people’s cause investments and corporate opposed the projects when there is repression by bodies that are plundering vehemently and without any the police or by the state the resources by taking away compromise. They were government or by any the right to livelihood and forced to take up the cause corporate goons. But on right to resources of the because of the votes and not principle they are not with people. Today, the political out of a sense of right and these movements because parties, be it Congress, BJP or wrong especially when in they are not prepared to the local ruling party BJD, 1990s tribal movements oppose industrialisation even are with the World Bank and started. For example, the by the private sector, the with liberalisation and
6 The Movement of India May - June 2010 October-December 2009 globalisation and hence we can say that their politics is against the people. Now, the new social processes are emerging. Before 1990s people’s movements were dependent on political parties. In Baliapal, even Biju Patnaik, the leader of the opposition on principle was not opposing the missile range, but, his party’s MLAs like Gadadhar Giri led the movement vehemently until his death and Biju Patnaik had to give in as people’s support was with the interest and their own repression and 3 people were movement against vested-interests with shot dead in 2000. People displacement. Similarly, in corporates. Hence, people no have their own way of that movement radical forces more depend on the political struggle. Even the opposition such as erstwhile naxalites parties. This is the emergence parties are with the like Gananath Patra joined of social forces. The people company. So, social process these movements. My point themselves raise their voices, and people’s politics came is there was opposition by the the local leadership come through force and leaders to the movement but together and create their own movements began to have a the majority of the people in way of democratic resistance, structure of people’s power. the political party were whether the other forces are The people’s power to discuss involved with it because the going to be with them or not. resources, polity, enemies, people’s mandate was That is the achievement. and alternatives. Ultimately against displacement. So, Why are democratic when people struggle to ultimately this compelled the and progressive forces protect the forest they also party leaders to support the opposing liberalisation and demand the rights of the movements. This was also privatization? Ultimately tribals over their resources. because there was no these people are inspired to And also when they oppose pressure since it was all in join these forces for the same the land acquisition they public sector or the defence reasons. And they challenge demand that right to land ministry under the the political parties – without must be entitled and government of India, you we can lead the agriculture must be restored. similarly in Gandhamardan movement. These also. movements have positive So, post 1990 on one hand we But after liberalisation experiences. TATA was have this kind of all political parties which ousted from Chilka and Biju consciousness coming in and were with the people’s Patnaik was forced to on the other rise of BJP in movement do not dare to withdraw his stand. TATA the state. How do we see oppose the corporates was even forced to leave these developments? because of many reasons: Gopalpur. Kashipur is still The rise of BJP is party policies, the corporate resisting though there was because of a political
7 The Movement of India May - June 2010 October-December 2009 vaccum. In early 1990s So far the RSS has not advantage of such issues to Congress gave way to Janta dealt with any people’s fuel their communal agenda. Dal but subsequently movement or social issues. In But, they are not with other Congress saw a rapid decline Kandhamal they took the social forces. and its leadership became advantage of the raging issue corrupt, demoralised and of the tribal community Today in Orissa almost in suffered from factions and versus the dalits, in order to every part there is movement infighting. BJP capitalised on strengthen the communal against rabid this and saw its fortunes forces. But, they do not stand industrialisaion going on growing. Suddenly, when for the causes of adivasis, Jagsinghpur (anti-POSCO), Biju Patnaik’s son their right to livelihood, right Kalinganagar (anti-Tata), NaveenPatnaik came in the to resources, right to forests, Kashipur (anti-Utkal State and Vajpayee they do not raise these Alumina), Niyamgiri (anti- government was formed at questions. They raise issues Vedanat) and most recent Centre and they came on how the dalits are being in Narayanpatna together and communal exploiting adivasis. Many (reclaiming land by adivasis polarisation took place. BJP adivasis and dalits have and dalits). So, has there been took advantage of this converted to Christianity. In effort made to evolve polarization and also Biju order to divide the adivasis alliances of movements or Janata Dal took advantage of and Christians they are what kind of formation can their support. But, the root of raising issues of how dalits we say has taken place in the BJP is RSS which took full are exploiting the adivasis in post-emergency period? advantage of the coalition Kandhamal but not in other Here we have to talk government. Now, RSS is districts. The RSS takes about post 1990s since prior stronger than BJP because to that we only had these there is a leadership vacuum two movements of Baliapal in the Party. The same has The rise of BJP is and Gandhamardan there happened in the Left parties because of a political was no other big social as well their leadership has vaccum. In early 1990s movement. There was some become weaker and they Congress gave way to resentment against have failed to organise the Janta Dal but displacement due to the students or workers or show subsequently Congress Hirakund dam, a couple of a viable alternative politically, saw a rapid decline and times people also raised for which they are paying its leadership became voices against displacement dearly. The Congress has corrupt, demoralised but not in an organised adapted the Right under and suffered from manner. However, after the totally capitalistic ideology. factions and infighting. 1990s what we are Since the BJP is also capitalist, experiencing is an anti-TATA there is a competition movement, anti-POSCO between two capitalist movement, and the anti- parties. Vedanta Movement. I think that various local leaders So, with this emergence of have emerged to lead these RSS as a force has there been autonomous movements any convergence with the where we do not intervene. rising people’s forces in the But, I can say that we as a livelihood struggles or social part of NAPM (National movements? Alliance of People’s
8 The Movement of India May - June 2010 October-December 2009 Movements) there are many movements which we can call as our movements. For example, the lower Sukhtal anti-dam movement or in Maliparbat, Koraput. The resistance in Niyamgiri, the Anti-Vedanta movements started with a few supporters like us but gradually many forces joined in and we welcomed them. The Anti- POSCO movement is basically led by the people in CPI, though CPI as a party process of alliance and co- come forward to be with was not completely with the operation in order to join theses movements though movement earlier. However movements that are against they are not opposing nor later party was forced to displacement, against supporting, sometimes, align with the movement imperialism and against earlier they gave support. because the people and the globalisation. We are They come forward also leadership both belong to the working together . with anti-POSCO CPI. They are determined not Sometimes, we do not have movements or many other to accept anything except other forces with us but we movements. But, still we also ousting POSCO from there. as NAPM provide all the feel that there is lack of Initially CPI was not against support that we can . So, we people’s political forces and POSCO but, later on they work as a co-ordinator and that is the real challenge. accepted the people’s co-ordinate other forces. movement’s mandate: No How do you see the success POSCO. People like us, who So, apart from the challenges of movements in Nandigram believe in the anti- of the state or the political and Singur in the displacement and anti- parties not being with the neighbouring state of West imperialism stand come movements, what are the Bengal in recent times together to join these other challenges that they though? movements. We have an face at this moment? They have the political alliance with some left parties One big challenge is support of Trinamool such as the CPI (ML) lack of support of political Congress. People initiated the Liberation and CPI(ML) forces and a vacuum of resistance, the main New democracy. These alternative politics. In our opposition party, Trinamool parties also gathered their state Congress and BJP is in Congress took advantage of support to come together opposition, but Congress is in the movement. It became a with these movements. power in Centre and BJP was political force with people once with BJD in previous and they could channelise Is there a name to this government. CPI and CPI(M) this. So, the government felt coalition? have their own limitations the pressure and the We have not named it because of many factors. corporates like TATA were but in course of time we will CPI(M) has its own factor forced to withdraw. have our own process. We because of Singur and However, in Orissa they are also work there as a part of Nandigram in West Bengal. not mining in Kashipur for NAPM. We try to evolve a They are not prepared to last 15-16 years and TATA 9 The Movement of India May - June 2010 October-December 2009 plants. But People are not Do you see the space for Most of the movements prepared to accept it. They movements reducing or are are active in the tribal say they do not want any the people opening it? areas. The leadership is further displacement. People In Orissa, where slowly emerging from are resisting and the struggle political leadership is very is on against the Mittals amongst the people. They much anti-people, it has also there. So, till now the have their own right over been corrupt at least for the government and the last 50 years. The poor people their resources and they companies have not been able take part in movement and claim it. That is why we to acquire any land. Though are leading it, which I think can say that these the struggle is on it is difficult is a development for political movements are also to predict what the future internalisation in future too. opening up the gates for looks like. In the last 15 years There will be social and political and social forces. no bauxite mining has taken political movements, as soon place. the people realise that the political forces are with the And you see there is space for corporates and these was forced to withdraw from movements to keep the development policies are Gopalpur and Chilka. In struggle alive. anti-people. Ordinary people Kalinganagar 14 people One movement then is must engage with alternative were shot dead in 2006. The an inspiration to another peoples politics, then TATA’s will not be allowed movement. That is why we people’s political process will to enter. Similarly, in POSCO can say that the also emerge. Most of the all these industrial forces Gandhamardan Bachao movements are active in the lashed out against the Andolan is the mother of all tribal areas. In tribal areas people’s movements. people’s movements against where leadership was absent Activists like Medha Patkar displacement in Orissa. It is earlier, it is slowly emerging and B D Sharma were not a successful movement. At from amongst the people. allowed to enter the villages. that time opposing defence They have their own right Even today things have not project, opposing the public over their resources and they changed much and the sector like Sterlite, nobody claim it. That is why we can people’s struggle is still on could say that these say that these movements are and no land has been movements are anti-national also opening up the gates for acquired. In Niyamgiri, or anti-development. But political and social forces. though the plant was built with the entry of the and even the Supreme Court corporate sector things So, we are in a hopeful allowed mining, the people changed. The same people of situation in the future. Thank have managed to resist it. the ruling or opposition party you! The people have taken up the are saying that these challenge to stall Vedanta movements are anti- Madhuresh Kumar is NAPM from mining. In Keonjhar development, anti-national activist and editorial member of mining has been on for the process. This politics of The Movement of India. MoI last 60 years. Areas where development is manipulated, gratefully acknowledges the there is mining it’s very managed and controlled by contributions of Prakriti difficult to continue the the corporates. The people do Prajapati and Shazia Nigar in struggle. In Keonjhar the not accept this definition of transcribing the interview. higher and the middle class development. [email protected] are welcoming the steel 10 The Movement of India May - June 2010 October-December 2009
criteria for ascertaining the The announcement for Caste The Indian government population of OBCs. National count during 2011 Census had to succumb to the Backward Classes has given rise to a big row political pressure to agree for Commission was instituted to among its supporters and Caste Census at the end of ascertain the list of the Castes opponents. One of the major the last budget session of the to be classified under this objections against the Caste Parliament. It was demanded category for reservation in Census is that it will give overwhelmingly by almost all Central Government the political parties which it appointments. Similarly State impetus to perpetuation of found difficult to put aside. Backward Commissions Caste divisions in society. The The Supreme Court of India were also instituted to other objection is regarding and some High Courts had off prepare such lists for the operational difficulty in and on asked for the basis of reservation in State level ascertaining the correctness the quantum of reservation appointments. It is a fact that of the caste claimed by a for Other Backward Classes Central and State lists differ person as there is no such (OBCs) which the in content. final list available with the government could not At the national level Census authorities. provide on account of the population of OBCs has absence of proper population been accepted as 52% of the data for these classes. Indian population and Supreme Court of India and Attempts were made by some reservation to the extent of it was held to be States to ascertain the 27% has been made for them constitutionally valid. The population figure for OBCs in Central Government posts. matter again came up before but it was contested by the This was the outcome of the the apex Court when the opponents of reservation. implementation of Mandal Central Government decided Kaka Kalelkar and Mandal Commission Report in 1990. to give reservation to OBCs Commission had evolved The matter went to the in Higher Education and
11 The Movement of India May - June 2010 October-December 2009 Technical Institutions. The major objections against the both the OBCs and the higher question regarding the basis Caste Census is that it will castes. So now it has become of the quantum of give impetus to perpetuation necessary to ascertain afresh reservation was again raised of Caste divisions in society. the population figure of the by the Court. The Court The other objection is OBCs and 2011 Census is the again directed the Central regarding the operational most appropriate occasion Government to come up with difficulty in ascertaining the for it. reliable figures of OBCs correctness of the caste Now let us take up the population but the claimed by a person as there first objection to Caste Government lacked such is no such final list available Census regarding impetus to data. with the Census authorities. caste division and its Apart from the above It is true that the last perpetuation. It will be quite there has been a regular Caste based Census was apt to recall the observations demand from various conducted in 1931 by the made by Sir J H Hutton who organizations and political then British authorities and was the Census parties especially those with then it was discontinued. In Commissioner during 1931 predominance of Backward post-independence period no Census. In Chapter XII, Classes for Caste based attempt was made to go for ‘Caste, Tribe and Race’ in the Census but it was brushed Caste count as the section titled ‘The Return of aside by the ruling party, be government was not Caste’ he observed, “A it BJP or Congress. This prepared to take up this certain amount of criticism demand was also raised work. No doubt Caste has been directed at the during 2001 Census and the Census is done regularly to Census for taking any note at then NDA government did ascertain the population of all of caste. It has been alleged not entertain the request. But Scheduled Castes and that the mere act of labeling this time the pressure was so Scheduled Tribes to set their persons as belonging to a high that Congress quota of reservation in caste tends to perpetuate the government could not afford services and political system. It is, however, to put it aside and had to reservation in Parliament difficult to see why the
agree to the Caste count and State Assemblies which record of a fact that actually during 2011 Census. is invariably in proportion to exists should lend to stabilize The announcement for their population. The 52% that existence. It is just as easy Caste count during 2011 figure of OBC population has to argue and with at least as Census has given rise to a big been arrived at on the basis much truth, that it is row among its supporters of their population in 1931 impossible to get rid of any and opponents. One of the Census which is disputed by institution by ignoring its
12 The Movement of India May - June 2010 October-December 2009 requires a correct data of our population and the extent of social, educational and economic backwardness. It is a fact that in India class existence like a proverbial struggle of the Gujjars and caste are almost ostrich.” This observation for inclusion in the Scheduled congruent. The Castes which made by Hutton holds good Tribes list is a recent example are socially and against the arguments put of the ensuing trend. educationally backward are forth by the opponents of Similarly land owning Jat invariably economically Caste Census. Caste of Uttar Pradesh has backward also. Thus for As regards operational been included in State OBC proper planning, the strength problems in Caste count, list by BJP for political of target groups must be Hutton also talks of the reasons. known correctly which can practical problems evolved. The opponents of the be ascertained through Caste “Experience at this Census Caste census tend to give the based Census only. has shown very clearly the impression that the caste has Actually higher Castes difficulty of getting a correct ceased to exist and Census are allergic to the Caste return of castes and likewise will make it raise its head Census because it will expose the difficulty of interpreting again. But if you look at the their low numbers and the it for Census purposes,” he matrimonial advertisements share of development and says. Hutton writes about in the newspapers and national wealth they have how people used the Census internet sites you will find that usurped at the cost of lower to move up the social order, not only caste but sub-caste Castes. Their fear is further as a vehicle for what the is most important for accentuated by the probable latter-day sociologists call matrimony. It fully high number of OBCs who ‘Sanskritisation.’ demolishes the above premise are bound to demand a No doubt similar of the opponents of Caste greater share in services and difficulties may arise during Census. In fact Caste is benefits of development. That this Census also but it will be thriving but kicking. It is a is why higher Castes are of the opposite nature. social reality which afraid of Caste Census. During 1931 Census it was a determines one’s social status scramble for up-gradation of and the limits of the social S R Darapuri is retired IPS one’s Caste but this time it relations and also officer, Vice President of PUCL- may be ‘Desanskritisation.’ opportunities for U.P., and editorial member of i.e. down-grading of Caste. advancement in the life of an The Movement of India. He In the post Mandal quota era individual. works on Dalit and other various castes may scramble After independence we human rights issues in Uttar for downgrading their castes have adopted a system of Pradesh. to get into the OBC list. The planned development which [email protected] 13 The Movement of India May - June 2010 October-December 2009 constituent assembly (CA) party, with the Nepali Army. his international worker’s T elections. The process of When Prachanda attempted day, May 1st, 2010, saw drawing up the constitution to dismiss the chief of staff of massive, energetic marches was, therefore, executed by the Nepali Army for opposing and rallies of hundreds of a coalition led by the UCPN greater civilian control of the thousands of people all (Maoist) and its Chairman, army, his decision was across Nepal, from the larger Pushpa Kamal Dahal a.k.a. overturned by the President. cities such as Kathmandu Prachanda. The electoral Many parliamentary allies of and Pokhara to each of success of the Maoists both the Maoists, including the Nepal’s smaller, semi-rural alarmed and surprised the Communist Party of Nepal cities. Organized by the Nepali elite and their (United Marxist Leninist), United Communist Party of political representatives, as also known as UML, deserted Nepal (Maoist), the rallies well as the Indian the coalition over these issues, were a jubilant celebration of government, who had in leading to Prachanda’s May Day, but also fact helped broker a peace resignation from power. A constituted the beginning of process between the Maoists new coalition primarily led by an indefinite nation-wide and a seven-party political the Nepali Congress (NC) and strike and set of party alliance that paved the UML came into power, led by mobilizations called for by way for the establishment of Madhav Kumar Nepal, a the party as part of a final democracy and elections. man who has twice lost push for a re-entry into This mutual distrust came to constituent elections. legitimate parliamentary a head over the issue of the The May Day power. integration of personnel of mobilization and the The UCPN (Maoist) the People’s Liberation indefinite national strike that emerged as the largest single Army, whose armed followed, accompanied by party to be voted in by the struggle served as the more massive marches and Nepali electorate in the 2008 backbone of power for the rallies, were a show of the
The dividing line between those who supported the strike and rally and those who did not was largely based on class, but there was more nuance than this. Among the urban poor, it seemed to me that those who supported the strike were employed workers or contract workers, who did not own the means of their survival, who didn’t speak English
14 The Movement of India May - June 2010 October-December 2009 strength of the UCPN groups of women joining, the current Nepali puppet (Maoist), as part of a push one hotel sweeper firmly and government. He called for for the resignation of cheerfully grabbing my people’s solidarity between Madhav Kumar Nepal and hand, taking me along, soon India and Nepal against their the formation of a new enough we were in a thick governments. national unity government procession as far as the eye The next day, a national under the leadership of the could see, containing an indefinite strike began that Maoist party. The most estimated 300,000 people. lasted for six days. Every important issue at stake for Groups of young boys were single shop was shuttered the support base of the Maoist singing Nepali songs, others down, with the sole party are the inclusion of land were dancing, other were exception of medical stores. redistribution, rights for staging theater to the sounds The streets were populated workers, women, dalits, of chants, such as “Mao-vadi by laughing, chattering janjatis, and various Zindabad!”, “Oppose children playing cricket. No marginalized communities, Madhav Kumar Nepal” and cars, no trucks, no into the constitution. “Puppet governments - transportation of goods. It Another key issue is the return to India!”, until the was almost as stunning in its question of federalism in the river of people poured into a placid beauty as the new republic, and the lines central field, where the rally exhilarated march the day along which states would be began. before. Street vendors and carved, with several ethno- Again, the key feature fruit sellers continued as linguistic groups expecting of the rally that impressed normal. I was impressed by the Maoists to provide a me was the level of the exceptions allowed for degree of majority-based irreverence of the people. The the bandh, which also autonomy and statehood. crowd was clearly enjoying included a 6-8 pm break for The biggest issue for the PLA the entire rally, its applause all purchasing of essentials. It cadre is the question of their was not dutiful. They must be noted that the bandh fate, and how many of its cheered heartily when was enforced by the threat of combatants will be integrated speakers struck a chord of vandalism by YCL cadre, into the state army or placed resonance – and many of the because shopkeepers were in other government speeches were not solemn, typically not supportive of positions. but funny. During the the strike which led to loss of On the streets, the musical performances, many business. However, the party rallies and marches were people stood up and danced was extremely disciplined remarkable, for their size, to the general cheering of about preventing their spiritedness, and the others. The speakers interpersonal violence, not juxtaposition of great joy and included representatives of just within their cadre, but great discipline. People were the All-Nepal Federation of also preventing their marches running out of houses and Trade Unions, Nepal Dalit from being infiltrated by workplaces in every street to Mukti Morcha, Young anyone they felt would cause join each neighborhood’s Communist League (YCL), disruptions. YCL cadre held contingent to the central and the Akhil Nepal Mahila hands around the perimeter march, and as we moved, Sangh (Krantikari) – the of each march, letting in joining another group, then latter being the only female those whom they felt they another, then another, the speaker. Prachanda could trust. The May 6 boys jumping and shouting, emphasized the peaceful, march is now being called the not enough women at first, organized nature of the rally, largest demonstration in but then some animated and the party’s issues with Kathmandu’s history, which
15 The Movement of India May - June 2010 October-December 2009 The massive numbers of groups, some people began deliver rights to the laborers people participating in vandalizing YCL camps, and and farmers, adivasis, dalits, these rallies are here with beating cadre. A day later, janjatis, women, Muslims, a genuine aspiration for the YCL began responding and ethnic minorities. change, for equity, for with the same kind of Although the representation violence, coinciding with a of women, dalits, janjatis, democracy. large set of “peace rallies” and ethnic minorities in the held by the business party leadership is to my community across the mind inexcusably miniscule, country, calling for an end to the party has done more to one observer said took 3 the strike. This led the party successfully improve living hours to pass her by! to call off the strike. conditions and promote The dividing line No explicit structure electoral candidates from between those who exists for systemic feedback these groups than any other supported the strike and rally and internal democracy of multi-ethnic party. and those who did not was the party, except for There is no doubt that largely based on class, but information filtering up the the massive numbers of there was more nuance than central hierarchy, necessary people participating in these this. Among the urban poor, for the Maoists to maintain rallies are here with a it seemed to me that those popularity. But elections genuine aspiration for who supported the strike remain the major enforcer of change, for equity, for were employed workers or democracy in the party, and democracy, for the new contract workers, who did to that end it seems to me constitution around which not own the means of their vital that the party be this demonstration is survival, who didn’t speak retained within the ultimately organized, and the English, while those who democratic apparatus, with hope for a peace maintained were against the strike were a move towards greater by justice and not by of course the elite, but also the participatory democracy and repression. petty bourgeois, who owned responsiveness to the The hope is that these small shops, people who oppressed peoples of Nepal. events will live up to the were lower clerical workers, Following the decision, genuine aspirations and those who spoke bits of which was taken without support of the people, and English. consulting the cadre, another that the party that has The strike changed a lot rally to explain the decision organized around their of people’s opinions about to the base was held in the aspirations this far, with fits the strike, with the party same location as May 1, with and starts, will either deliver losing some support from its about one-third the number or be made by the people to base. Some street vendors of attendees, bringing the deliver. and informal sector workers mobilization full circle. who needed their daily Prachanda spoke, this time to Kaveri Rajaraman is an activist business more than they felt rapt attention, of the party’s and a biologist. She hopes to they needed the character of dual responsibility of work with mass movements the state to change were safeguarding the that address injustices and disillusioned, as were those constitutional process and power structures controlling who were too poor to afford keeping the peace, and of the people and ecosystems, with a the rising prices of essential sacrifices of the oppressed focus on class and goods. After five days, communities in joining the heteropatriarchy. backed by UML and NC strike for an inclusive [email protected] cadre, as well as Hindutva constitution that would 16 The Movement of India May - June 2010 October-December 2009
Promises of employment to local people have almost never materialized, either at all, or in the numbers that were promised. Figures provided by the government or developers on this have often been found to be significantly exaggerated.
This was the final National Maharashtra and Andhra to an eminent panel of social Level Audit of SEZs, Pradesh have the largest scientists, economists, retired following a series of people’s number of approved SEZs in bureaucrats, journalists and audits conducted in several the country. Large number of independent researchers states across the country. The SEZs have been granted who critically examined first people’s audit on SEZs approval in Tamil Nadu, issues emerging from SEZs. was conducted in Goa, Gujarat, Orissa and The issues ranged from land Maharashtra on September West Bengal as well. Nearly acquisition, displacement, 15th, 2009. This was followed five years since the environmental impact, by similar audits in Tamil enforcement of the Act, it is compensation to Nadu, Karnataka, Goa, highly imperative that the employment generation, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh country revisit the policy and livelihood loss and labour over the past few months. evaluate it. It is with this aim rights as well as those related This final audit was an in mind, that mass-based to the development attempt to consolidate the organizations along with paradigm and economic results of the state level audit academics and advocacy growth. processes. institutions came together to The People’s panel After the Special conduct people’s audits of comprised Kuldip Nayar, Devaki Jain, Adm. (Retd.) Economic Zones Act was SEZs in various states. Ramdas, K. B. Saxena, Meher passed in the Parliament in In the audit process, Engineer, Ashish Kothari, June 2005, over 714 proposals people affected by the SEZ Advocate Vrinda Grover and for setting up SEZs have been Projects and related land Rahul Bose. The panel spent granted approvals in various acquisition, submitted their 2-days hearing testimonies of parts of the country. testimonies and depositions people and activists from the 17 The Movement of India May - June 2010 October-December 2009 states of Maharashtra, Virodhi Manch, Goa; e.g. misrepresentation of the Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, POSCO Pratirodh Sangram purpose for which the SEZ is Gujarat, Goa, Tamil Nadu, Samiti, Orissa; SEZ Virdodhi proposed, the legal status of Orissa and the Northern Manch, West Bengal; lands involved, the extent of Region. The panel’s Machimar Adhikar local community rights and observation was unanimous Sangharsh Sangathan dependence on the area. in declaring that “SEZs (MASS), Gujarat; Matru Most have involved across the country have Bhoomi Raksha Sangharsh violations of constitutional entailed serious violations of Samiti, Una, Himachal guarantees for adivasis or the constitution, laws and Pradesh; India Centre for other disprivileged sections; procedures laid down by the Human Rights and Law this includes alienation of government itself, and of the (ICHRLN); and the Delhi supposedly non-alienable people...” Solidarity Group (DSG). lands, taking back of lands The audit was jointly given to landless, and many organised by the National Preliminary Observations others. Alliance of People’s by the National Panel: Promises of employment Movements (NAPM); the SEZs across the country to local people have almost National Campaign for have entailed serious never materialized, either at People’s Right to Information violations of the constitution, all, or in the numbers that (NCPRI); Tata Institute of laws, and procedures laid were promised. Figures Social Sciences (TISS); and down by the government provided by the government National Centre for itself, and of peoples’ rights. or developers on this have Advocacy Studies (NCAS) as This includes: often been found to be the core group of Several have taken over significantly exaggerated. organizations and jointly irrigated lands, despite a Even where some organized with state level policy statement that this will employment has been groups including not be allowed. generated, it is very Jagtikikaran Virodhi Kriti Most have entailed minimally to local people, Samiti (JVKS), Maharashtra; forcible acquisition of land, and is often in extremely Andhra Pradesh Dalita using the Land Acquisition exploitative and poor Samakhya (APDS); Anti- Act where the State has working conditions, with KSEZ Farmers’ Committee, intervened on behalf of the particularly terrible effects on Kadali Network, Praja developer, or strong-arm women. At the same time, Udhyama Aikya Vedika, tactics where the developer considerable local livelihood Dalita Bahujana Bhoo has carried out acquisition loss (of farming, forest-based, Parirakshana Samiti, Coastal directly. fishery-based, and local Corridor Praja Hakkula Many have violated industrial jobs) has taken Parirakshana Samiti in environmental laws, such as place, with no estimate Kakinada; Krushibhoomi the Forest Conservation Act, available with the Samrakshana Samiti (KBSS), the Forest Rights Act, and the government. Karnataka; Karaavali CRZ and EIA notifications of The State has done Karnataka Janaabhivrudhi the Environment Protection everything possible to help Vedike (KKJV), Karnataka; Act. private developers bidding Sirappu Porulaadhara Many have obtained for SEZs: easy passage Mandalam Edirippu Iyaikam approval by providing false through the permission (SPMEI), Tamil Nadu; SEZ or misleading information, stage, intervening to acquire
18 The Movement of India May - June 2010 October-December 2009 lands when local people have been used, are crucial and inadequate information. resisted (using the Land common property resources There is therefore no time for Acquisition Act or more for the poor. There is no people to prepare a response, draconian state level laws), estimate of the number of provide informed objections, providing lands previously people who have thus been or in other ways ensure their acquired for other purposes, dispossessed and deprived, rights to a fair hearing. providing developers but it would run into several Due to lack of knowledge administrative and police million. of the implications, farmers help, intimidating or These are also lands that at many sites have also imprisoning people who are crucial for ecological accepted compensation; only object or protest, allowing security and wildlife/ subsequently have they officials to take leave to work biodiversity. Many of the realized the implications of for the developers, distorting SEZs for instance are in losing their lands or the census figures and coastal areas, and entail extent to which they have fabricating land records to destruction or alteration of been duped. It is benefit developers, providing mangroves, mudflats, creeks, understandable that they infrastructure created and beaches that are have in many cases through public funds and for ecologically fragile and subsequently demanded public purpose, and in other important. their lands back, or better ways colluding with Environmental and compensation in tune with developers. Political parties labour laws or procedures, the full value of their land as have mostly played a already inadequate, have realized by the developer or typically opportunistic role, been further weakened for government agency that is siding with affected SEZs. An example is the acting as intermediary. Any communities before elections modification of the CRZ ‘agreement’ where free and and then abandoning them. notification to allow SEZs in informed consent has not Even the judiciary has often ‘No Development Zones’ of been ensured, where the failed the victims of this CRZIII. agreement has been reached process, siding with the State Landless people who under fraud, duress, or or with developers, not were assigned lands under coercion, is not acceptable. exercising due diligence in land reforms legislation, have All SEZs entail unquestioningly accepting been deprived once again by dispossession and figures and arguments given ‘resuming’ these lands, in displacement not only of by them, and not upholding states that have mandated communities directly within the constitutional rights of this in the name of ‘public the boundaries, but also in people. purpose’. surrounding areas, e.g. Almost all lands taken In most cases, there is a through excessive by SEZs are those on which serious lack of information withdrawal of water, local communities are with affected populations; breakage of economic ties, dependent. Tens of very little advance notice is loss of access to resources, thousands of acres of fertile given, and even then, very pollution, and so on. rainfed or irrigated lands, little information is provided While rationalized in the wetlands, pastures, forests, on the extent, rationale, and name of export-oriented and coastal stretches have other aspects of the proposed production, most SEZs seem been taken over. Even the so- SEZ. Even RTI applications to be more about real estate called ‘wastelands’ that have routinely been speculation, as is clear from governments claim have frustrated by wilful delays the size of the lands being 19 The Movement of India May - June 2010 October-December 2009 acquired (far more than analyses are not carried out. using outmoded and false required for the industry per Evidence from several of indicators like percentage of se), the kinds of companies them suggests huge losses economic growth. It depends that are acquiring them or that the government is on increasing exports partnering with the incurring, in terms of taxes regardless of consequences. It developers, the growing and duties foregone, as a increasingly privatizes public interest of real estate result of the violation or assets, and the SEZ companies (Indian and sidestepping of the Customs phenomenon is a classic foreign), the connection and Income Tax Acts. The example of how the between land acquisition CAG has even questioned ‘commons’ are being enclosed and the stock values of the whether the exports objective for private profit. acquiring companies, and so is being met, since produce Various official agencies on. from SEZs are often being have raised serious doubts The governance of SEZs sold inside India. about the wisdom and is completely contrary to the Most SEZs have faced validity of the SEZ approach; constitution, and opposed to and are increasingly facing these include the Finance the stated aim of the resistance and protest; in Ministry, Labour Ministry, a government to enhance many cases this has meant a Committee set up by the decentralization. It complete or partial failure to Rural Development Ministry, concentrates enormous acquire land, or a the CAG, the RBI, and the power in the hands of an withdrawal of the developer Parliamentary Standing unaccountable, tiny from the project. While some Committee on Commerce. administrative body, and movements have been for While the routine leaves no space for the better compensation and obfuscation by the powers and functions of relief packages, very many government is disturbing, panchayats or urban wards have been in the nature of there is a tacit, convenient, to be carried out. The SEZ outright opposition, with and sometimes open collusion Act even subverts the farmers or fishers or of much of the media in sovereign functions of the pastoralists unwilling to propagating the false claims State, e.g. by giving judicial trade their land/water based and image of SEZs. powers to a designated court security for money. set up by the central Unfortunately, the response Conclusion: India’s current government, for adjudication of governments to peaceful SEZ policy and practice are on civil disputes as also protests has been fundamentally prosecution of a schedule of intimidation and repression. unconstitutional, anti-people, offences that has been left At its root, the SEZ ecologically destructive, unspecified in the Act. The phenomenon is an outcome financially reckless, and Act even extends the of the model of unsustainable; it is a thinly protection normally given to ‘development’, with its disguised attempt at making public servants, to all those in current epitome in financial available huge areas of land for the SEZ authority, which globalisation model that real estate speculation by both would include people from India has adopted. This Indian and foreign companies. private corporations. model treats nature and local It holds little benefit for the poor There is no clarity on even communities as raw material people of the country, and only whether the purely financial or labour, to be exploited and increases the growing inequities objectives of SEZs are being abused in the raw pursuit of between the rich and the poor. met, since cost-benefit profits, and justifies itself It runs completely 20 The Movement of India May - June 2010 October-December 2009
contradictory to the rehabilitated back into the agricultural, forestry, government’s stated areas they were displaced fisheries, rural industries, or commitment to ‘sustainable and from, with clear tenurial other means of livelihoods. equitable development’. right (esp. community rights) Several initiatives of It is also clear that to the land, within a year. decentralised economic and people, so far protesting Farmers, fishers, and political democracy democratically and peacefully, other local communities who (including on people’s are losing patience. Non- have been deprived of their economic zones, sustainable responsiveness and repression lands and resources should agriculture, rural industries, by the state is a recipe for be given back their lands renewable energy, and so possible violence and public and/or access to resources, on), that are being led by disruption in the future. If this as far as possible in their communities and civil society happens, it will only be the State original state, with clear organizations, should be which is to blame. tenurial rights (especially supported and encouraged. Recommendations community rights) to the The State’s power of The SEZ Act should be land and/or resources, eminent domain over land immediately repealed. within a year. and natural resources should All consideration of Developers must be made be brought in line with the pending applications should to remedy the ecological mandatory consent of local be stopped forthwith. damage, and health hazards, communities; this would All SEZs given approval created by their activities. include the replacement of so far should be reviewed A full investigation, with the Land Acquisition Act or through a participatory public involvement and other such laws of the centre public process. Where local transparency, should be and the states with laws that community consent is not conducted into allegations of are more democratic. obtained, they should be malpractice, illegality, and We were greatly inspired by withdrawn. Where they are misbehaviour on part of the voices, knowledge and to continue, they should be corporations, agencies, and resolve of the people from subject to all environmental, officials; and appropriate local communities who gave labour, tax and other laws, punishments given to those testimonies at the National converting them to normal found guilty. Audit. This provides hope industrial estates, and taking In place of SEZs, the that change can be peacefully back the excess lands. government must facilitate brought about for a more Farmers, fishers, and local the security of livelihoods of equitable and sustainable communities who have been communities living off the India. displaced should be urgently land, helping them enhance [email protected] 21 The Movement of India May - June 2010 October-December 2009 states, are helping destroy The Independent People’s Central India is home to the India’s vibrant natural Tribunal took place from Adivasis and Dalits, India’s heritage and mineral wealth. 9th to 11th April, 2010, at first people. It is also home to Human rights abuses by the Constitution Club, the richest concentration of police, paramilitary forces New Delhi. This was natural resources in the and state-sponsored militia organized by a collective country. Today, as powerful are spreading in the name of Indian and global of civil society groups, Operation Green Hunt, social movements, corporations race each other which seems to make it a war to gain control of the land, activists, academics and against the very citizens it concerned citizens in the water, forest and mineral promises to protect. wealth of the region, this Citizens and civil rights country under the banner natural wealth has become a groups who have voiced of Citizens Against curse to these indigenous but concerns against Operation Forced Displacement and marginalised communities. Green Hunt are being War on People. What comes between labelled as ‘Naxal corporate greed and natural sympathizers’ and are being bearing the brunt of resources are the tribals arrested. Journalists are being Operation Green Hunt. Our asserting their customary blocked from entering the country needs to know the rights, right to life and impacted areas to investigate truth about such a massive livelihood, as well as their these brutalities. A virtual war against our own people. constitutional rights over the information blockade It is in this context that an same natural resources. prevents information from Independent People’s Corrupt corporations, coming out of states like Tribunal (IPT) on these issues joining hands with corrupt Chhattisgarh which are was organised by several
22 The Movement of India May - June 2010 October-December 2009 individuals and groups, important proportion of Indian Extension to Scheduled Areas inviting a panel of eminent population and heritage. Not even (PESA) Act and the Forest jurists, administrative service ten countries in the world have Rights Act have been grossly personnel, social scientists more people than we have tribals violated. These violations have and writers. The in India. Not only are they crucial now gone to the extent where Independent People’s Jury components of the country’s fully tribal villages have been comprised Hon’ble (Retd) human biodiversity, but they are declared to be non-tribal. The Justice P. B. Sawant, Justice also an important source of entire executive and judicial (Retd) H. Suresh, Dr. V. social, political and economic administration appear to have Mohini Giri, Professor Yash wisdom that would be currently been totally apathetic to their Pal, Dr. P. M. Bhargava and relevant and can give India an plight. retired IPS officer Dr. K. S. edge. In addition, they understand The development model Subramanian. The people’s the language of Nature better which has been adopted and jury heard testimonies from than anyone else, and have been which is sharply embodied in the the affected people, social the most successful custodian of new economic policies of activists and experts working our environment, including liberalization, privatization and in these areas. forests. There is also a great deal globalization, have led in recent The jury heard the to learn from them in areas as years to a huge drive by the state testimonies of a large number diverse as art, culture, resource to transfer resources, particularly of witnesses over three days management, waste land and forests which are critical from the States of management, medicine and for the livelihood and the survival Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, metallurgy. They have been also of the tribal people, to West Bengal and Orissa as far more humane and committed corporations for exploitation of well as some expert to universally accepted values mineral resources, SEZs and witnesses on land than our urban society. other industries most of which acquisition, mining and It is clear that the country have been enormously human rights violations of has been witnessing gross destructive to the environment. Operation Green Hunt. violation of the rights of the poor, These industries have critically Abhay Sahu, a leader of the particularly tribal rights, which polluted water bodies, land, trees, Anti-POSCO movement, have reached unprecedented plants, and have had a Lingaraj Azad, a tribal rights levels since the new economic devastating impact on the health activist, in Niyamgiri, Orissa, policies of the 90’s. The 5th and livelihoods of the people. The Ajit Bhattacharjea, a Schedule rights of the tribals, in consultation with the Gram journalist, Gladson particular the Panchayat Sabhas required by the PESA Dungdung, a tribal rights activist, and Radha Krishna Munda of the Jharkhand Jungle Bachao Andolan were some of the activists who shared their experiences. Arundhati Roy too made a presentation and raised certain poignant questions.
Interim observations of the Jury: Tribal communities represent a substantial and
23 The Movement of India May - June 2010 October-December 2009 Act has been rendered a farce 4. Rehabilitate the tribals as has the process of forcibly displaced back to their Environment Impact Assessment The tribals are being land and forests. of these industries. This has targeted by the State and 5. Stop all environmentally resulted in leaving the tribals in a victimized. This has led to destructive industries as well as state of acute malnutrition and a total alienation of the those on land acquired without hunger which has pushed them people from the State as the consent of the Gram Sabhas to the very brink of survival. well as their loss of faith in these areas. It could well be the 6. Withdraw the paramilitary in the government and severest indictment of the State and police forces from schools in the history of democracy the security forces. and health centres which must anywhere, on account of the be effectuated with adequate sheer number of people (tribals) teachers and infrastructure. affected and the diabolic nature 7. Stop victimizing dissenters of the atrocities committed on State as well as their loss of faith and those who question the them by the State, especially the in the government and the actions of the State. police, leave aside the enormous security forces. 8. Replace the model of and irreversible damage to the The Government – both at development which is environment. It is also a glaring the Centre and in the States – environmentally destructive, example of corruption – financial, must realize that its above- iniquitous and not suitable for intellectual and moral – mentioned actions, combined with the country by a different model sponsored and/or abetted by the total apathy, could very well be which is participatory, gives State, that characterizes today’s sowing the seeds of a violent importance to agriculture and India, cutting across all party revolution demanding justice and the rural sector, and respects lines. rule of law that would engulf the equity and the environment. Peaceful resistance entire country. We should not 9. It must be ensured that all movements of tribal communities forget the French, Russian and development, especially use of against their forced displacement American history, leave aside our land and natural resources, is and the corporate grab of their own. with the consent and resources is being sought to be participation of the Tribal Recommendations violently crushed by the use of communities as guaranteed by police and security forces and the Constitution. Credible State and corporate funded and 1. Stop Operation Green Hunt Citizen’s Commissions must be armed militias. and start a dialogue with the constituted to monitor and The state violence has local people. ensure this. been accentuated by Operation 2. Immediately stop all 10. Constitute an Empowered Green Hunt in which a huge compulsory acquisition of Citizen’s Commission to number of paramilitary forces are agricultural or forest land and investigate and recommend being used mostly on the tribals. the forced displacement of the action against persons The militarization of the State has tribal people. responsible for human rights reached a level where schools 3. Declare the details of all violations of the tribal are occupied by security forces. MOUs, industrial and communities. This Commission Even peaceful activists infrastructural projects must also be empowered to opposing these violent actions of proposed in these areas and ensure that tribals receive the the State against the tribals are freeze all MOUs and leases for benefit of the government being targeted by the State and non-agricultural use of such schemes exist for them. victimized. This has led to a total land, which the Home Minister alienation of the people from the has proposed. [email protected] 24 The Movement of India May - June 2010 October-December 2009 adivasi youths recruited to battle Maoist insurgency in the state, with the full knowledge that the bus was carrying also a large number of unarmed civilian passengers taking no part in the ongoing armed conflicts between the insurgents and the state. This is morally utterly repulsive. We also, on this note, strongly disapprove the brutal summary executions of unarmed civilians, including adivasis and other sections of the poor and marginalized, by the Maoists tagging them as “informer”. At the same time, we also take note of the fact that a large group of SPOs, maybe Issued on 18th May 2010, a day around 20, elected to travel after brutal Maoist attack on a by a bus full of civilian bus carrying unarmed civilians passengers, plying through an area known to be prone to mine blasts and other forms of armed assaults by the Maoists, despite the fact they are engaged in an open and no holds barred war with the insurgents, killing A group of SPOs elected to travel by a bus full of civilian each other at the first passengers, plying through an area known to be prone to available opportunity. This armed assaults by the Maoists, despite the fact they are amounts to virtually holding engaged in an open war with the insurgents. This is a the civilian passengers as statement issued by a citizen’s organization condemning both helpless hostage and trying to Maoist violence and state’s response. At the end is the state’s use them as human shield for public warning that reflects its anti-democratic posture. their own safety. It is also just unacceptable. EKTA (Committee for Chingavaram on the While on this orgy of Dantewada-Sukhma road in gory violence, the reflexive Communal Amity), Mumbai cry of Sri Chidambaram in hereby strongly condemns Chhattisgarh in an overly the wake of these tragic the lethal attack by the successful bid to kill a group murders for more of the same Maoist insurgents yesterday of traveling armed Special (failed measures), asking for afternoon on a private bus at Police Officers (SPOSs) -
25 The Movement of India May - June 2010 October-December 2009 an “expanded mandate” i.e. also strongly condemn authentic and thoughtful permission to use air strikes Odisha government’s armed relook at the “strategy” being against the insurgents assaults on unarmed civilian pursued hitherto by it and operating in an area with resistors protesting against make serious attempts to deep forest covers and proposed mega projects by initiate inclusive and sheltering for ages large the Posco, and also Tata, participatory development to number of adivasi Vedanta etc., overriding all better the lot of the inhabitants is also ecological, social, and also marginalised adivasi unacceptably disturbing. So legal, considerations. It seems populations, in particular – is his vituperative verbal that the state is bent upon the main constituency of the assault on civil society groups sending the message, in insurgents, to cut them off committed to uphold unison with the insurgents, from their principal support democratic values and that in Indian democracy base. Mindless armed action norms so as to cover up his peaceful protests have no will only bring in more own dismal performance as reasonable chance of being tragedies it its wake. An the Union Home Minister. heard and the only way out internal disturbance fuelled The fact that the is armed banditry. by an overpowering sense of detailed recommendations At the end, we again alienation felt by a significant made by a body of appeal to the warring parties section of the population recognised experts appointed to immediately come to the born out of desperate poverty by no less than the Planning negotiating table and eschew and cruel oppressions cannot Commission of India to tackle blood spilling violence. be and must not be tackled Maoist insurgency have gone Obviously the “democratic” the way a war is waged completely unheeded despite state has a greater against a clearly identified persistent failures of the tried responsibility and just cannot uniformed external enemy. and tested repressive afford to emulate a band of measures deserves close armed outlaws. The sate must Contact: Sukla Sen, EKTA, attention. On this note, we also immediately have an Mumbai. Tuesday May 6 2010, Ministry of Home Affairs Press Release Government Asks People to Be Vigilant of CPI (Maoist) Propaganda
It has come to the notice of the Government that some Maoist leaders have been directly contacting certain NGOs/intellectuals to propagate their ideology and persuade them to take steps as would provide support to the CPI (Maoist) ideology. It is brought to the notice of the general public that under Section 39 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, any person who commits the offence of supporting such a terrorist organization with inter alia intention to further the activities of such terrorist organizations would be liable to be punished with imprisonment for a term not exceeding ten years or with fine or with both. General public are informed to be extremely vigilant of the propaganda of CPI (Maoist) and not unwittingly become a victim of such propaganda.This is being issued in public interest so that the general public are aware that the Communist Party of India (Maoist) and all its formations and front organizations are terrorist organizations whose sole aim is armed overthrow of the Indian State and that they have no place in India’s parliamentary democracy. CPI (Maoist) continues to kill innocent civilians including tribals in cold blood and destroy crucial infrastructure like roads, culverts, school buildings, gram panchayat buildings, etc. so as to prevent development from reaching these under-developed areas.
26 The Movement of India May - June 2010 October-December 2009 I appeared in public life through my human rights works, writings and speeches. However, I reached to a larger audience when I got a chance to appear in CNN-IBN and NDTV-24×7 debates on the issue of Naxalism last year. After these debates, I got immense positive and negative responses from across the country. I was upset for sometime precisely because of the most negative responses I got from some youth. They ruthlessly questioned me about whether I get money from Pakistan, Nepal A human rights activist from Jharkhand Gladson Dungdung, talks or China for speaking against the about his own experiences with development and how his demands Indian State. I responded to a few for constitutional justice has often resulted in people asking whether of them with detailed he is a Maoist. explanations, but many believe P Chidambaram’s theory of this side or that side; therefore they are because how can a person were snatched in the name of not ready to accept my rational suddenly become a Maoist development. But what do we arguments. ideologue without having an in- get out of it? Should we still keep Meanwhile, I continued depth study on Maoism? I have quiet? Are we not the citizens of my work of raising the genuine never read about Maoism. this country who need to be issues of the marginalized people I deliberately do not read treated equally? Do they care of India. Amidst, the so-called about any ideology because I about our sufferings? operation green hunt (OGH) was know that Maoists teach the I’m one of those also launched in the state of Adivasis about Maoism, unfortunate persons, who have Jharkhand in the name of Gandhians preach them about lost everything for the so-called cleansing the Maoists. I Gandhism, and Marxists ask them development of the nation and am passionately attempted to bring to walk on Marxism; but no one struggling for survival even today. out the truth of the OGH, bothers about Adivasism, which When I was just one year old, my intention of the state behind the is the best ‘ism’ among these, family was displaced. Our 20 OGH and sufferings of the which perhaps leads to a just and acres of fertile land was taken villagers caused by the OGH. As equitable society. I have been away from us in the name of a result, so-called educated raising questions about how the development. Our ancestral land people intensified personal Indian State has deliberately was submerged in a Dam which attacks against me. There are destroyed the Adivasism. The came up at Chinda River near also some e-groups where they Adivasi religion was not Simdega town in 1980. We lost attempted to coin me as a Maoist recognized by the Indian our house, agricultural land and sympathizer and supporter. constitution, traditional self- garden but we were paid merely Finally, they have portrayed me governance was neglected, Rs. 11,000 as compensation. as a Maoist Ideologue. I just culture was destroyed, lands When the whole village protested laugh, laugh and laugh. Precisely, were grabbed and our resources against it they were sent to
27 The Movement of India May - June 2010 October-December 2009 Hazaribagh Jail. Can a family of Unfortunately, on 20 June However, when I joined 6 members ensure food, clothing, 1990, my parents were brutally another firm, I was totally shelter, education and health murdered while they were going undermined and not given the facilities and rebuild their whole to Simdega civil court to attend a position which I highly deserved. life with Rs. 11000? case, and 4 kids were orphaned. I was racially discriminated After displacement, we Can anyone imagine how we against, economically exploited had no choice but to proceed suffered afterwards? The worst and mentally disturbed. Can towards the dense forest for thing is the culprits were not anyone tell me why I should not livelihood. We settled down in the brought to justice. Can anyone tell fight for justice? Can those so- forest after buying a small patch us why the Indian State, who called supporters of the unjust of land. We used to collect snatched our resource in the development process, who have flowers, fruits and firewood to name of development, did not not given even one inch of land sustain our family. We had deliver justice to us? Why there for the so-called national interest, sufficient livestock, which is no electricity in my village even and coin me as the Maoist supported our economy. today? Why my people do not get ideologue, sympathizer and The state suppression water for their field whose lands supporter, respond to me: why continued with us. When we were were taken for the irrigation should I shut up my mouth and living in the forest, my father was projects? Why there is no stop writing against injustice, booked under many cases filed electricity in those houses who inequality and discrimination? by the forest department (the have given their land for the I have lost everything in biggest landlord of the country) power project? And why people the name of development and alleging him as an encroacher and are still living in small mud houses now I have nothing more to lose, woodcutter. There was no school whose lands were taken for the therefore I’m determined to fight building in our village - therefore steel plants? for my own people because I do we used to study under the trees, It seems that the Adivasis not want them to be trapped in and when there was rain our are only born to suffer.After a the name of development. I have school was closed. But my father long struggle, we all got back to taken the democratic path of taught us to fight for justice. life but my pain and sufferings did struggle, which the Indian Though he was struggling to not end here. When I was Constitution guarantees through sustain our family, he never working as a state programme Article 19. A pen, mouth and mind stopped his fight for the officer in a project funded by the are my weapons. community. European Commission, a senior I’m neither a Maoist nor a government officer and an editor Gandhian but I’m an Adivasi who When we were living in the of a newspaper (both from the is determined to fight for his own forest, my father was booked upper caste) questioned my people, whom the Indian State under many cases filed by the credentials saying that being an has alienated and dispossessed forest department (the biggest Adivasi, how could I have gotten from resources and is continually landlord of the country) into such a prestigious position? doing it in the name of alleging him as an encroacher Similarly, when my friend had development, national security and woodcutter. There was no taken me to meet a newly wedded and national interest even today. school building in our village couple of upper caste in Ranchi, - therefore we used to study I was not allowed to meet them Gladson Dungdung is a under the trees, and when there saying that being an Adivasi if I Human Rights Activist and was rain our school was closed. meet the couple, they might Writer from Jharkhand. But my father taught us to become unauspicious and their [email protected] always fight for justice. whole life would be at stake. 28 The Movement of India May - June 2010 October-December 2009
What is the Posco Project? On June 22, 2005, the State of Orissa signed a memorandum of understanding with the Pohang Steel Company (POSCO) of South Korea. The MoU envisaged Rs. 52,000 crores of investment by Posco, making this the largest FDI project in India. Posco committed to building a steel plant with 12 million tonnes capacity, a captive This factsheet about POSCO’s mega steel project in Orissa and port at Jatadhari – 7 km from chronology of certain important events has been compiled by several the Paradip port, an activists working in and outside Orissa to expose the unjust integrated township and industrial project that will displace people and harm the environment water supply infrastructure for private profits. from the Jobra and Naraj Barrage in Cuttack. The liters from river Mahanadi, eliminate tax revenue from project is supposed to create affecting drinking water the project entirely! an employment of 45,000. supply of Cuttack and irrigation to four districts. What will be the other Supporters of the project Land: 4004 acres (for plant), impacts? often trumpet these figures 2000 acres (for township), Displacement: as if they justify the project. 13000 acres (for mines), 25 At least 11 villages in Kujag But what is the truth? What acres (for office at Tehsil belonging to three is the Government of Orissa Bhubaneshwar); Total: Almost panchayats, Dhinkia, giving Posco? 20,000 acres, not including Nuagaon and Gobindpur, Posco is being granted the land for railways, roads and will be directly displaced by resources of the State and its mines. the steel plant (displacement people practically for free. Coal: Captive coal mines will by mine expansion, These are some of the things be granted to Posco, the first township, port etc. will be that Posco has been time any private company is even more). The government promised: taking control of coal mines; claims that of these villages Iron Ore: 600 million tonnes The amount of coal that will only 471 families will be of ore given to Posco at Rs. be extracted is unknown. affected, but this is because 130 per tonne, whereas the The Orissa government they only count the area market rate is more than Rs. claims that this will be under private title. The 2600 per tonne; Subtracting ‘repaid’ in the form of the government land (more than extraction cost and royalty, enormous tax revenues that 1200 hectares) is assumed to the company is earning a will accrue to the Central and be free for use by Posco – minimum profit of Rs. State governments through whereas the reality is that, 96,000 crores – simply as a Posco’s “investment”, but the this land is under betel leaf gift from the Government of same government is pushing cultivation, used for pasture, Orissa. for Posco to be granted SEZ firewood, cashew, forest Water: 12,000 to 15,000 crore status – which will essentially produce etc. and is a crucial
29 The Movement of India May - June 2010 October-December 2009 component of the livelihood likely to affect the drinking plant, of which 30% will be of people there. In this case a water supply of cities of “exchanged” through big chunk of the land is yet Cuttack and Bhubaneshwar export. A further 400 million to be regularized under the and the irrigation of the tonnes will be removed for Scehdueld Tribe and Other surrounding districts. In the use of Posco’s South Foest Dwellers (Forest addition, the building of the Korean factory. This is a total Rights) Act, 2006. It is our port will disturb the drainage of 1 billion tonnes of iron ore estimate that at least 4,000 of the Jatadhari river, raising - roughly 15% of the families – a population of the risk of floods and siltation country’s entire proven iron 30,000 – will be directly of the river. The damage to ore reserves (6.9 billion affected by the plant alone, the coastline forests will likely tonnes), and close to 60% of the majority of whom will increase the risk of cyclone Orissa’s reserves, all to be receive no rehabilitation damage. The area of the handed over to a single whatsoever. The port at steel plant includes areas corporation for a pittance. Jatadhari, in turn, is likely to used for pisciculture, fishing, The private company has displace another 20,000 paddy, coconut, betel, been given preferential people. cashew, pineapple and other treatment over other Public Eight Gram crops. Additionally, the area sector companies like KIOCL. Panchayats with more than has 2.8 lakh trees. All this will Despite the existence of a 50 villages within a 10 km be lost. Public Sector Port (Paradip radius of Khandadhar Hills The proposed mining Port) within 12 kms, the on the Sundergarh and area Khandadhar hill range company has asked for a Keonjhar border will be is a part of the Eastern Ghats captive port. The decision to directly and indirectly and extends from Suakanthi allow the captive port seems affected by the mining in Keonjhar to Bonai in to have been made on activity to be spread over Sundergarh. The hill range is considerations that do not more than 6000 hectares. more popularly known for its include maximizing existing These Panchayats include – forests and two enormous infrastructure. Talbahali, Kuliphose, waterfalls, one on the Phuljar, Haldikudai, Keonjhar side in Bansapal A Chronology of and the other, taller one, Saskekla, Bhotuda, Khutenga Events and Kouida. almost 244 metres, in August 2004 – Posco and As per the government Lohanipada Block, Bonai BHP Billiton of Australia, and company (as mentioned tehsil of Sundergarh District. jointly approached the in the MoU) the plant will Emerging from a perennial Orissa government with a create 13,000 jobs directly stream, Karapani Nala, the proposal to set up a 10 million and 35,000 “indirectly.” But waterfall on the Sundergarh tonne per annum capacity such estimates have failed to sides feeds into the Brahmani steel plant in the state. materialise in the case of river less than 5 kms away. April 2005 – MoU called off every such project. Further, These will be entirely as Ministry of Commerce not the loss of livelihoods will destroyed and polluted by happy with the iron ore probably be much more than the iron ore mining activity. linkages in the project. the gains. Exports and Natural 22nd June 2005 – Signing of the MoU between the Orissa Water and Environment: Resource Base: Government and POSCO as The project will draw such a The government is allowing a fresh proposal is worked large amount of water from Posco to remove 600 million out for the project. the rivers of the area that it is tonnes of ore for use for the
30 The Movement of India May - June 2010 October-December 2009 July 2005 – The three 14th February 2007 – KIOCL violations of Public Hearing Panchyats that were to be files writ petition in the HC procedures. affected in Kujang Block in of Orissa issue stay order on 21st June 2007 – MoEF grants Jagatsinghpur, came together the recommendation of the Environment Clearance to under one umbrella state government, which has the plant and Port. organization called POSCO favored Posco in issuing “No 11th November 2007 – 500 Kshatigrasth Sangarsh Objection” and favorably people guarding the entry Samiti (PKEM) to oppose the recommending the proposal points of the area day and project. for PL. night. They started a January 2006 – a split as February 2007 – Police and community kitchen. some key members of PKEM local administration started 14th November 2007 – started speaking in favour of raising rows with the locals Supreme Court’s Centrally the project. The opposition on barricades set up in the Empowered Committee however, continued under proposed plant and port area. recommends linking and the banner of POSCO Not a single official survey joint environment Pratirodh Sangram Samiti could be carried out in the assessment of all three (PPSS) under the president area. components of mining, steel ship of Abhay Sahu, the state March 2007 – Announce- plant and captive port. committee member who ment for an Environment 29th November 2007 – BJD comes from the area close to Clearance Public Hearing for and company hired Goondas Dhinkia). the project. from the nearby areas threw January 2006 – 2007 – PPSS 15th March 2007 – A farcical bombs at the protesters’ tent mobilization, picketing, public hearing for at Balitutha. Within few rallies and blockading of the environment clearance held hours the police entered area to prevent forced at Kujang, 20 kilometers from Nuagaon village, erected acquisition. the plant as hundreds of road blockade at Balitutha January 3 2007 – KIOCL heavily armed police and established a camp at the filed a writ petition in the prevented people from same site where the Orissa High Court to make entering. The PPSS protesters were sitting for the null and void the unilateral boycotted the hearing. last 2 months, barricaded the decision of the state May 2007 – Activists and road and the police government favoring Posco NGOs send memoranda to establishing check point near for mining lease in the Ministry of Environment Trilochanpur, with two Khandadhar. and Forests raising the platoons staying in a camp in the Trilochanpur school. l16
31 The Movement of India May - June 2010 October-December 2009
Eight Gram Panchayats with more than 50 villages within a 10 km radius of Khandadhar Hills on the Sundergarh and Keonjhar border will be directly and indirectly affected by the mining activity to be spread over more than 6000 hectares. These Panchayats include Talbahali, Kuliphose, Phuljar, Haldikudai, Saskekla, Bhotuda, Khutenga and Kouida. Recognition of Forest days and then handed over individual and Community to police unhurt. As per the government th and company (as mentioned Rights in the area under the 8 August 2008 – The Forest Rights Act 2006. Supreme Court of India in the MoU) the plant will st create 13,000 jobs directly 1 April 2008 – Massive Grants clearance to the and 35,000 “indirectly.” But Rally by PPSS, villages and project and asks the Ministry such estimates have failed to supporters from across of Environment and Forests materialise in the case of Orissa; Breaking of 4 month to take an appropriate every such project. Further, old police barricades and the decision on the matter as a the loss of livelihoods will area is reclaimed by PPSS; large number of trees are probably be much more than resolve to continue protests likely to be felled on this. the gains. strengthened on the day of 30th August 2008 - The Orissa Utkal Diwas. Forest Department officials 20th June 2008 - People in the tried to enter Nolia Sahi and area under the banner of Nuagaon to conduct the platoons of armed police PPSS start digging out the forest survey. They were were stationed in the area mouth of River Jatadhari as stopped by the people and including 3 women platoons government did not do it and were forced to return. A 24 and occupied all the schools large area of agricultural hour check post has been and public places of the area. lands was under water revived. 4th December 2008 - the because of this. 4th September 2008 - A rally Police requisitioned l5 more 21st June 2008 - When the was held in the area by PPSS platoons. Late in the night of villagers were returning after opposing this move. 4th December 144 was finishing the dredging work 12th October 2008 – Abhay clamped 2 kilometers around faced an attack from the Sahu, President of PPSS is Balitutha. POsco goons supported by a arrested and put in judicial January to March 2008 – few pro-posco villagers in custody. News Reports on Ground Govindapur village. Dula 13th October 2008 – Breaking Ceremony by Mandal was killed in the Additional police force POSCO at the plant and port st bomb attack. Dhruba Sahani deployed in the name of law site to be held on 1 April was critically injured who is and order situation. 2008. yet to recover. But Abhayaji 13th October 2008 – PPSS 23rd March 2008 – did not allow people to intensified its struggle on the Resolutions Passed by the retaliate , rather the attackers ground. Dhinkia Panchayat for were held in hostage for two 32 The Movement of India May - June 2010 October-December 2009
The National Alliance of Government must live up to outrage over the verdict from People’s Movements is the promise it made to the all sections of the society is shocked and enraged at the victims and their supporters nothing but an expression of recent judgment on Bhopal across the world in 2008 by disgust with a deeply rotten that not only comes 26 years setting up an Empowered political class which seems too late but also makes a Commission on Bhopal to incapable of doing anything complete mockery of the look into relief and except shedding crocodile concept of justice and the rehabilitation. tears. value of human lives. This judgment is an Despite being in The Government of insult to those who died and positions of power and India can undo this gross continue to die, and rubs salt responsibility at the Centre injustice only if it presses on the unhealed wounds of and in Madhya Pradesh all more severe charges on the those who survived and the Political parties cutting accused and brings Warren struggled in the face of across party lines, whether it Anderson and others to unsurmountable odds for all is Indian National Congress, book. In addition, the these years. The public Bharatiya Janta party or any
33 The Movement of India May - June 2010 October-December 2009 other, have always preferred which people’s lives are disaster including relief and to ignore the demands of the dependent. It is time that the rehabilitation. survivors for justice by GoI, in consultation with We are also concerned bringing a fair trial on UCIC, people and their at the seeming collusion of Dow Chemicals (present organisations, enact a new the judiciary with the owner) and others involved. law making the corporations Government that amounted Instead of working towards liable for the damages they to reducing the charges in the the prosecution of Warren incur on people and Bhopal Case, at the Anderson, the Indian environment and send a inordinate delay in delivering government in fact strong message that people’s the judgment and finally pressurized CBI to go soft on lives and justice are failure in delivering justice. the Corporation and dilute paramount. We need to remember that the charges. The result of this We endorse the the role of the Bhopal effort is now for the entire demand of the Bhopal gas Memorial Hospital Trust, world to see in form of the disaster survivors and urge headed by Justice Ahmedi Bhopal Verdict which would the Prime Minister to: who delivered the judgement perhaps only be remembered • Create a Special in 1996 absolving UCC from for how a country was Prosecution Cell in the CBI criminal liability, has time compromised for petty for timely action on and again come under interests. extradition of foreign criticism for discrimination It is a shame that our accused and collection of against the gas victims and government continues to evidence against the foreign financial mismanagement. baulk under pressure from accused. We demand a thorough and the US government and • Direct CBI to move on impartial inquiry into this tirelessly works towards extradition of authorized matter. shielding the interests of US representative of UCC and We would like to corporations as is evident resend extradition request for remind that even today we from the Civil Nuclear Warren Anderson. are sitting at the verge of Liability Bill in its current • Direct CBI to follow the many potentially Bhopal-like form. Perhaps our assets of Union Carbide disasters at Koodankulam, Government will do better by Eastern Inc. to ensure that Jaitapur, Haripur, Nayachar learning from the handling the representatives of the and other such chemical and by US government itself of accused corporation face nuclear hubs all across the unfolding tragedy in the Gulf criminal trial. country. The GoI must stand of Mexico due to massive oil • Direct CBI to take by the stricter spillage leading to death of 11 action on illegal trading of implementation of US citizens and irreparable UCC technology in India. Environment Protection Act environmental damages. We • Direct CBI to take legal to monitor various projects in believe Corporate Social action so that summons the country. Responsibility is not the way issued against Dow No More Bhopal ! Salute to forward but instead Chemical, USA can be the indomitable spirit of corporate accountability is. delivered. struggle of Bhopalis... Corporations, however big • Set up the Empowered they are, cannot muddle with Commission on Bhopal to National Alliance of People’s people’s rights and destroy look into all aspects of the Movements (NAPM) the natural resource base on [email protected] 34 The Movement of India May - June 2010 October-December 2009 PPPartho Sarathi Ray met the villagers who faced attack by security forces for peacefully protesting the attempt to forcibly takeover their lands for POSCO project…
The situation in the three villages of Dhinkia, Gobindapur and Nuagaon is grim. Three days after the 15th May assault by police forces on the peaceful assembly of villagers in Balitutha, nearly every household in these three villages have people who are injured and traumatized. And because since 15th May all the exit points from the villages, through Balitutha and Trilochanpur have been sealed by the police, nearly no one has received medical treatment for their wounds. Oriya television channels. bicycle ball-bearings, which With festering wounds and Now the entire area is have been fired in thousands. fractured limbs, many teeming with police forces Many people have five or six people, including the elderly, and their special operations of these painfully embedded are suffering their ordeal vehicles, and they are under their skins. Without silently in the confines of their preventing anyone from the availability of doctors and homes. besieged villages from unable to reach hospitals, Balitutha, where the stepping out. many people are being forced police assault took place on The villagers’ wounds to extract the pellets at home the 15th, is a scene of and their description of what using knifes and blades. destruction. The police, happened on 15th April in Women seem to have exhibiting a disturbing sign of Balitutha is a grim testimony been especially targeted for wreaking vengeance, not of what the state can inflict assault and humiliation. only burnt down the on peaceful protesters. There Most of the wounded we shamiana under which the are around two hundred saw were women. dharna was being held for injured people in the three Mounabati Das, in her fifties, the past five months, but also villages. Wounds are from who after being hit by a set fire to all the roadside rubber bullets, lathis and, rubber bullet on her leg and shops, eateries and thatched something that I had seen for falling on the ground, houses on one side of the the first time, from pellets described how she was Balitutha bridge. This has fired from shotguns. These dragged around by her hair been vividly shown on the are small spherical pellets, like by the police who threatened
35 The Movement of India May - June 2010 October-December 2009 her in filthy language that day. The women had been the bridge, fired at will on the this would be the sitting in dharna in front of people assembled on lower consequence of resisting the the bridge. The police, who ground at one end of the government. She has a large were on the bridge, ordered bridge. When the women subcutaneous blood clot from them to move away and were running away, the the rubber bullet which hit clear the path. After around police descended from the her thigh and walks around two hours, when they had bridge and assaulted them with great difficulty. Tikki got up and turned to move with lathis and dragged them Bardhan, whose foot seems to away, the police attacked by their hair. Five of them have been fractured after with tear gas, rubber bullets were dragged into police being hit by a rubber bullet, and pellet guns. Many of the vans and taken away. Their cannot even walk. There has elderly women, including relatives do not know till been no doctor to see her and herself, choking on the tear now what has been their fate. plaster the fractured foot. gas, somehow moved away These stories were Her husband, Bharat from the spot and reached repeated in every home. The Bardhan, was hit by a rubber what they thought to be a people are now awaiting an bullet and a shotgun pellet safe distance, where they imminent attack on the on his face. He barely missed tried to gather together. But villages itself which the losing his right eye, but the the police turned their fire on administration has already bullet broke a tooth and a this group and kept firing on threatened. However, they blood vessel in his nose their backs as they tried to say that these wounds have because of which he was run away. This is clearly only strengthened their profusely bleeding from his shown by the fact that she resolve to resist, and there nose. The shot gun pellet is was hit by rubber bullets on will be a blood bath if the still embedded in his left her back. The police, who had police enter their villages. cheek. the advantage of being But 72 year old Gujuri Shantilata Mahapatra situated on higher round on Mahanti had a question was hit by a rubber bullet addressed to Naveen and a shotgun pellet on her Mounabati Das has a Patnaik, “Would he treat his leg. She could barely walk. I large subcutaneous blood mother in the same way that extracted the pellet with clot from the rubber bullet the police had treated her?” difficulty from her leg and which hit her thigh and As Naveen Patnaik, with his dressed up the wound and walks around with great masters at Tata and POSCO, gave her a course of difficulty. Tikki Bardhan, tries to bring “development” antibiotics which I had taken whose foot seems to have to Orissa with rubber bullets with me. Gujuri Mahanti, a been fractured after being and shotgun pellets, this is the 72 year old grandmother, hit by a rubber bullet, question that confronts him has been hit by three rubber cannot even walk. from poor village women bullets on the back of her who are resolved to resist this head, on her back and aggression on their lives and behind her waist. She finds livelihoods. it difficult to sit or even lie down, except on her side. Partho Sarathi Ray is an She described how the activist who is involved in the assembled women were anti-SEZ struggles and is a part attacked by the police on that of the Sanhati collective. [email protected] 36 The Movement of India May - June 2010 October-December 2009 Judicial Commission of A Trbute to Ashish Mandloi Inquiry under (Retd.) Justice S.S. Jha instituted to inquire into the various aspects of corruption and illegalities. His team of farmers was also awarded the NDTV-PCRF National RTI Award for using the RTI as a weapon to expose corruption. Ashishbhai also played a prominent and leading role in the recent fortnight-long Jeevan Adhikar Yatra of the thousands of Sardar Sarovar and Jobat oustees, through which, the people issued an coupled with his extensive ultimatum to the Narmada Shri Ashish Mandloi, networking with the villagers valley authorities to ensure fondly remembered as and passion to go into the land-based rehabilitation to Ashishbhai by the villagers of depth of every single issue at the oustees. Badwani (and Babloo by his hand – be it exposing the Over the past one family), started on the inaccuracies in government year, Ashish was also fully heavenly abode on the 20th surveys and data or involved in the construction of May, 2010. He passed unearthing crores of of NBA’s own office. away in his ancestral village corruption in the Ashish was a very Chhota Barda in Badwani rehabilitation of the project resourceful person who district due to a cardiac affected families, through performed the role of a friend arrest. fake registries or bogus claims and a guide on many Born and raised in a of alternative rehabilitation occasions and was always farmer’s family in the fertile made him challenge many available for any need and plains of Nimad, after illegalities and injustices. literally shared the sorrow education and graduation, His investigative and happiness of the people. Ashish spent the early years efforts, with the help of other He stands as an of his youth volunteering for farmer-activists, have saved inspiration to every youth the Narmada Bachao thousands of dam-affected today by working for the Andolan, when the struggle families from being cause of the Andolan with against the gigantic Sardar misguided and cheated by his exemplary dedication, Sarovar Project was at its the nexus of corrupt officials selflessness and commitment. peak and later contributed his and their agents. It was due Ashish has immortalized the time and energy; full-time to to his relentless investigative spirit of a true activist by NBA as a key activist in the campaign, that the massive literally living the slogan Nimad and Pahad (hilly public interest case against ‘Sangharsh hee jeevan hai’. adivasis areas). corruption could be filed and Every family in the argued for two-full years Narmada Bachao Andolan affected villages knew him by before the High Court of and National Alliance of name. His innate sensitivity, Madhya Pradesh and a People’s Movements 37 The Movement of India May - June 2010 October-December 2009
A Tribute Acharya Ramamurti
Veteran Gandhian and Dheerendra Sarvodayi Leader Acharya Majumdar Ramamurti passed away on called May 20th after long illness in him for Patna. He was 97 years old. the He was born on 22nd Bhoodan movement in 1951. He He also wrote January, 1913 in Thane to extensively on Gandhian Inspector Raghunath Singh. wanted to be a part of history, wanted to make that thought. He was the editor of He had the chance to see the ‘Gaav ki baatein’, ‘Bhoodan nation’s miserable condition change to society. His ideology inspired Raj’ and the author of several as it was, in its bare form. books. During the term of VP During the earthquake in by Marx, his methodology by Gandhi, and the discipline Singh, he was the Chairman Bihar in 1934 he formed a of the Education Group. group of Bihar students to and commitment by Vinobha Bhave. This made the perfect For past many years provide relief in the affected he was living in Patna and in areas. This move was package for a new sense of revolution in society. In the spite of his old age remained remembered a long time active in various social after the earthquake Bhoodan movement, he had to take the position of the political movements and occurred. championed the cause of As he was eager to do important religious teacher (Acharya) as Dheerendraji masses. A supporter of more and more for the people’s movements he society, he wanted to go said that education had to be the tool for revolution. extended his support to beyond just acquiring NAPM as and when needed. education to get the change. The whole of 1957 was marked by various He leaves behind a So, he went to impart adult grand legacy of Gandhian education to the nearby education campaigns to bring about the change he and Socialist political thought Harijan colony. and action. His death marks He was brilliant in wanted to see. The field of work got smaller later the closure of a big chapter studies as well. He received of the movement. A person a gold medal for topping in because the effectiveness was such that the villages started with such conceptual clarity his MA from Lucknow and thought about the University. He went to having self governing bodies. They started having movable society breathed his last. become a professor at the Time has snatched away Queen’s university, Varanasi schools, woman campaigns, etc. another important pillar of after that. As a teacher, he support in the movement to was very close to his students Also, he was a veteran freedom fighter and make a better to society for and wanted the welfare of everyone to live in. his students, along with being a key aide to Jayprakash an intellect in political Narayan and Vinoba Bhave in later years. He tirelessly National Alliance of People’s science and history. He left Movements (NAPM) the plush job after worked for the cause of Sarvodaya ideals. 38 The Movement of India May - June 2010 October-December 2009 from People’sss Movvvements
June 15, Mumbai: Centre for Women Studies, TISS an allegation the police have denied. According to & Ghar Bachao Ghar Banao Andolan organises a the villagers, they were picked up on May 9, as part Panel discussion on Maharashtra Domestic of a joint operation conducted by the Orissa and Workers Welfare Board Act at the Conference Hall Andhra Pradesh police along the inter-State border, of TISS, Deonar-Mumbai. airlifted to a police station in Andhra Pradesh and June 5, Kinnaur: The people’s movements of held in custody for three days before being released Kinnaur valley organised the environment day on May 14. celebration at eReckong-Peo. People’s movements, May 19, Mumbai: A group of slum dwellers under human right defenders, environmental and civil the banner of Ghar Bachao Ghar Banao Andolan society activists from throughout country and from Anna Bhau Sathe Nagar gheraoed Shri. Kripa activists of Himalaya Niti Abhiyan along with local Shankar Singh, at Kurla, where he had come to people participate. inspect the progress of Mithi River cleaning. The June 3, Badwani: Independent people’s tribunal slum dwellers challenged the silence of the congress takes place on displacement, rehabilitation, party over the gross violation of their rights. He environmental compliance and cost-benefits of was questioned as to why till date none of the Sardar Sarovar Project before the panel of Justice representatives of the congress party had visited (retd.) A.P. Shah (Chief Justice Delhi High Court), the slum area. To which, he assured that he would Dr Devender Sharma, agriculture policy analyst; personally visit the demolition site tomorrow. Prof. Jaya Sagade, Indian Law Society (Law College). May 17, Anna Bhau Sathe Nagar: The Satyagraha May 21, Jabalpur: A Division Bench of Justice Shri by slum dwellers of Rafi Nagar, Shivaji Nagar led K K Lahoti and Justice Shri Ajit Singh, by Ghar Bachao Ghar Banao Andolan continued issued notices to the Principal Secretary, General for the fourth day. It was joined by slum dwellers Administration Department and Principal from different bastis in opposition to forceful Secretary, Department of Finance of the Government eviction of the area by the Mumbai Police. Seeing of Madhya Pradesh to show cause and reply to a the huge opposition to the move, the Mumbai letter from Justice S S Jha Commission of Inquiry Municipal Corporation and the Shivaji Nagar regarding the lack of adequate funds and support police had to declare that they would not evict the being provided to the Commission to carry out its slum forcibly. Just a day before this, more than 1500 investigative work into the massive corruption of slum dwellers had visited the slum as part of the hundreds of crores in the rehabilitation of the Sardar Visthapan Virodhi Yatra that ended with a vow to Sarovar Project affected families. challenge the unjust and illegal demolition drive of May 21: State wide demonstrations held on Friday, the government. 21 May 2010 (in front of District Forest Offices) May 17, Khandwa: With 80 per cent work done protesting regressive amendments to the Karnataka and only 5 per cent of the affected rehabilitated, Tree Preservation Act by environmental and social retired Delhi High Court chief justice Rajendra action groups, local communities and concerned Sachar, veteran journalist Kuldip Nayar, socialist people. In Bangalore, Environment Support Group leader Surendra Mohan and World Council of Arya and Hasiru Usiru (a voluntary network of Samaj president Swami Agnivesh urges Prime progressive individuals and organisations) Minister Manmohan Singh to ensure that people organised the protest in front of the Headquarters affected by the Maheshwar dam project in Madhya of Karnataka Forest Department, Aranya Bhavan. Pradesh get justice. May 18, Bangalore: Around 100 People participate May 17, New Delhi: Expressing concern over the in protest against forceful eviction and police plight of farmers whose rights are affected when Brutality in Orissa at Gandhi Statue, MG Road, their land is acquired for development, the Supreme Bangalore. Court in a judgement said there is need for May 1, Orissa: Seventeen Adivasi villagers of Parliament and the Law Commission to revisit the Samna in Orissa’s Narayanpatna block claim that Land Acquisition Act, 1894, which is more than a they were brutally assaulted in custody last week, century old. Writing the judgment, Justice
39 The Movement of India May - June 2010 October-December 2009 Raveendran said the Act required the urgent grassroots democracy at Asha Ashram, Village attention of the State governments and development Lalpur, Post Atrauli, District Hardoi, U.P., India authorities with reference to: absence of proper or May 13, Mumbai: More than 500 hutments were adequate survey and planning before embarking illegally bull dozed and burnt down at Sathenagar on acquisition; indiscriminate use of emergency in Mumbai. The Additional Collector Shri Danajay provisions; notification of areas far larger than what came along with a contingent of more than 250- is actually required, for acquisition, and then armed policemen and 6 Bulldozers to demolish making arbitrary deletions from the acquisition; more than 3000 houses. The Demolition squad was offer of a very low amount as compensation and fiercely resisted and opposed by the slum dwellers, delay in payment necessitating references to court especially the women but the police used force to in almost all cases and the absence of rehabilitation enter the slum and started the demolition drive. To measures. facilitate that, fire was kindled at 3-4 places. Slum May 16, Madban: protests stalled a public hearing residents lost most of their belongings. 40 slum of the Jaitapur Nuclear Power Project (JNPP) at activists were detained by the Deonar Police and Madban village in Maharashtra because three of released only later in the night. the affected viallages did not receive the EIA report. May 13, Kalinga Nagar: Tension gripped Only after officials acknowledged their mistake of Kalinganagar area in Orissa following a clash not providing copies of the environmental impact between villagers and policemen over land assessment (EIA) to the affected villages, it was acquisition for Tata Steel’s million-tonne steel allowed to go on under protest. About 2,300 people project, in which one person was killed and about have lost land to the project. sixteen others injured. The deceased has been May 15, Jharkhand: Gladson Dungdung Human identified as Laxman Jamuda, a 60-year-old resident Rights Activist, writer and convener of Jharkhand of Chandia village. Indigenous people’s forum, Joy Raj Tudu; May 12, New Delhi: The Narmada Bachao Programme Head Jharkhand Initiatives, Vijay Andolan (NBA) urges Prime Minister Manmohan Munda – DBSS; Arvind Kishku volunteer Singh to send a high-level Group of Ministers to the Jharkhand Initiatives of CNI-SBSS, Photographer Narmada Valley to assess “the true scale of Gopal Paswan; and Badal Sardar convener of rehabilitation of project-displaced people, Khutkati Raiyat Bhumi Raksha Samity were taken corruption and non-compliance of environmental to police custody because of their opposition to the measures’’ in the Narmada dam basin states of Bhushan Steel Project. Bhushan Steel and Power Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. Limited had purchased 135 acres of private land May 11, Vijaywada: The Hind Swaraj Yatra that secretly from the villagers belonging to the business began in Kerala to celebrate the centenary of community of Potka which comes under East publication of the seminal work by Mahatma Singbhum district in Jharkhand. Gandhi, reached Vijaywada. Participants of the May 15, jagatsinghpur: More than 20 people in yatra will express solidarity with Manipuri writer Orissa’s coastal Jagatsinghpur district were injured and social activist Irom Sharmila, who has been on after thousands of armed police fired rubber bullets Satyagraha for the last 10 years against the and lobbed tearges shells to disperse about 1000 repressive laws. villagers who had blocked a road protesting the May 10, Imphal: Sinlung Indigenous Peoples setting up of 12 million tonne greenfield steel mill Human Rights Organisation demands that the by South Korean steelmaker Posco in the area. Since Government of Manipur and its colluding partners last four months, people of 6 villages under the immediately declare the recent MoU signed by the banner of Posco Pratirodh Sangram Samiti, an anti- Government of Manipur with the National Hydro Posco body opposing the project had blocked the Power Corporation (NHPC) and Shimla-based road at Balitutha, the key entrance point to these Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited (SJVN) on April villages. People in these 6 villages in 3 28, 2010 at Faridabad, for building the controversial grampanchayats inside the proposed project area 1500 MW Tipaimukh Hydroelectric (Multipurpose) have dug their heels in since last 4 years refusing to Project which is without the prior, informed consent negotiate with the State government or Posco. and approval of the Sinlung-originated Hmar May 14-19, Hardoi: A workshop for activists and indigenous peoples who has been peacefully co- students of social movements was organised during existing with river Tuiruong and Tuivai since time the Convention of Asha Parivar to empower immemorial.
40 The Movement of India May - June 2010 October-December 2009 May 8, Kerala: Hind Swaraj Yatra begins from the Forest Rights Act (FRA) and allegations of Cherthala in Alappuzha Dt, Kerala to Imphal in violence inflicted by forest department on women solidarity with Irom Sharmila’s decade-old hunger and tribals. The team comprises Arundhati Dhuru, strike demanding repeal of Armed Forces Special advisor to the right to food commissioner to the Powers Act in the north-eastern states of India. As supreme court; Kalyani Menon-Sen, senior a part of this journey, they perform a play written researcher and activist on women issues; Prof by Civic Chandran called ‘Meira Paibi’ (women with Surender Nischal, reader, JVJ Jain College; Sanjay torches) in various Indian cities on their way to Upadhyay, supreme court advocate; Nathu Kol, Imphal. After performing in Bangalore, Chennai, member UP State Level Monitoring Committee on Vijayawada, Pune and Bhopal, the team will be in FRA; and Ramchander Rana, member of UP State Delhi on May 16. Level Monitoring Committee. May 6, Dantewada: Project-affected villagers May 5, New Delhi: Supreme Court accepts right to boycott National Mineral Development land-based rehabilitation and compensation at Corporation public hearing because it was held 50 today’s market-value for Narmada canal-affected. km away from the project site. The protest was led In an interim order passed today in the Special by Adivasi Mahasabha, fighting for the rights of Leave Petition in appeal against the judgement of the adivasis. the High Court of Madhya Pradesh High Court in May 6, New Delhi: Home Ministry in a press the case of Narmada Bachao Andolan, SC rejected communiqué warns the civil society groups that the claim of the Government of Madhya Pradesh those who speak in favour of Maoist guerrillas will that the canal-affecetd families of Indira Sagar (ISP) face legal action and 10 years imprisonment. It said, and Omkareshwar (OSP) canals, being the ‘any person who commits the offence of supporting ‘beneficiaries’, have no right to rehabilitation, while such a terrorist organisation (like Communist Party NBA asserted their rights for land as per the of India (CPI)-Maoist) with inter alia intention to Rehabilitation Policy for Narmada Project affected further the activities of such terrorist organisations families. would be liable to be punished with imprisonment May 5, Chhatisgarh: A mob of about 100 slogan for a term not exceeding 10 years or with fine or shouting supporters of the ruling Bharatiya Janata with both’. Party barged into the public meeting of eminent May 5-8, 2010, Chattisgarh: March for Peace and citizens, including space scientist Yash Pal, veteran Justice held from Raipur to Dantewada by 35 Gandhian Narayan Desai and former UGC concerned citizens from 13 states including chairman Ramji Singh, a day before they embarked prominent scientists, veteran Gandhians, upon a peace march from Raipur to Dantewada in journalists, professors, engineers, social activists, Chhattisgarh. youth and women passing through Jagdalpur, May 4-7 and 12-14 Orissa: An all India independent Dantewada, Kanker and Dhamtari. Peace - justice fact finding team comprising of Dr. KS Subramanian, marchers through press conferences, public retd. IPS, Prof. AK Ramakrishnan (JNU), Ms. meetings and talking with small groups of people Nandini K Oza (activist-researcher), Mr. Harsh gave the message that the problem will not be solved Kapoor (new media activist), Mr. Madhuresh Kumar by violence and counter violence. The chain of (Researcher and NAPM activist) and Ms. Shazia violence must stop and talks should start. Nigar visited Kalinganagar, Bhubaneshwar and May 5, Lucknow: The Taungya forest community Cuttack and investigated the firing and police in Saharanpur inches closer towards the land repression in April and May by Jajpur District ownership title under the Forest Rights Act (FRA) Administration 2006 with the district administration accepting May 4, Lucknow: Urban poor people start an claims of around 600 Taungya families for scrutiny. indefinite demonstration from 4th May 2010 A major hurdle, however, is furnishing the proof of onwards at the Shaheed Smarak, Lucknow against residing in forest for 75 years. The forest department non-allotment of houses, to two slum dwellings that (FD) could ‘find’ evidence of only 60 years. But were bulldozed last year in Lucknow, under the Taungyas and FRA activists are still hopeful of Kanshiram Urban Poor Housing Scheme. crossing the obstacle created by the FD. May 4, New Delhi: 35 Bhopal gas tragedy survivors May 5, Lucknow: An independent fact-finding gathered outside the Prime Minister’s Office in team comprising of social activists and lawyers South Block to file Right to Information requests arrive at Sonbhadra district for a two-day visit to regarding the civil nuclear liability bill and its investigate irregularities in the implementation of 41 The Movement of India May - June 2010 October-December 2009 relationship with the lessons of the Union Carbide April 28, New Delhi: Union Ministry of Mines held disaster in Bhopal. a meeting in the Sashtri Bhavan on the possibility May 4, Manipur: Women’s team from Delhi and of lifting the current technical ban on mining Mumbai hears voices of peace in the Naga Hills of chrysotile asbestos, amidst Kerala Human Rights Manipur. Commission’s order banning use of asbestos in May 3, Mangalore: Mammoth protest by religious schools and a pending case in the National Human leaders and social activists on the forceful Rights Commission in the same matter. acquisition of land of a farmer Gregory Patrao for Occupational and environmental groups present the expansion of Mangalore Refinery and at the meeting called for complete ban on asbestos Petroschemicals Ltd. of all kinds because asbestos fibers cause incurable May 2, Mao Gate: In the midst of the tension around diseases like cancer and sought Mines Ministry’s the proposed visit of NSCN-IM leader, Th. Muivah support in getting a ban imposed on import to the Naga Hills of Manipur, the border between chrysotile asbestos. Manipur and Nagaland became a site for state April 28, Badwani: Devendra Pandey Committee belligerence as well as protests. Security forces submitted to the Ministry of Environment and Forest moved into the territory in large numbers on the (MoEF) its 3rd interim report, especially on the evening of 2nd May 2010 and pulled down the Command Area Development (CAD) Planning and traditional welcome gate at Mao Gate, and Section canals of Indira Sagar, Omkareshwar (Narmada 144 imposed on Ukhrul and Senapati areas. Dams), which brings out unbelievable non- April 30, Anna Bhau Sathe Nagar, Mumbai: Ghar compliance by Govt of MP and Narmada Valley Bachao Ghar Banao Andolan starts a computer Development Authority (NVDA) on CAD planning. centre in the slums of Mumbai in addition to the The report says only draft report on CAD plan in already running two Tailoring Centres for slum Indira Sagar Project (ISP) & a brief interim report on women and three schools for slum children without Omkareshwar Project (OSP) are submitted and not any funding but only support and donations from even the final plans what is submitted are not CAD the individuals who believe in the struggle of the plans but ‘Expression of Interest’. The “plans” slum dwellers for transforming Mumbai into an cannot be approved and no further construction at inclusive city based on principles of equity and the cost of environment should be permitted till justice. compliance on prerequisites is obtained. The SC April 30, Khandwa: NBA slams State Government order dated 25-02-2010 said the canal work can for favouring Maheshwar dam promoters S Kumars proceed only with approval by the Devendra and for opposing its own people. It was a surprise Pandey Committee and MoEF. It granted maximum to know that the letter of the Chief Minister Madhya of six week time to Pandey Committee and four Pradesh to the Prime Minister of India on 28.04.2010 weeks to MoEF. opposed the Order of the Union Ministry of April 27, New Delhi: Delhi police detained the Environment and Forests suspending the work on couple, Gopal Mishra and Anu, trade unionists on the Maheshwar dam until completion of suspicion of having Maoist links. On April 4, Sunil rehabilitation and resettlement measures. Mandiwal, an assistant professor with Delhi April 28-29, Bhutan: SAARC Summit held in University’s Dayal Singh College, was detained for Thimpu, Bhutan focussed on climate change. his suspected links with Maoists, including April 29, Karachi and Porbandar: Pakistan arrested leader Khobad Ghandy. He was released Fisherfolk Forum (PFF) in Karachi and National after questioning. Fishworkers Forum, Boat Owners Association, April 26, Indore: After 13 days stay at the Office of Porbander and World Forum of Fisher People, the Narmada Control Authority (NCA), Indore, Indian chapter took out a big rally jointly in the hundreds of adivasis and farmers, with fisher port city in India, demanding safe release of people and potters from the Sardar Sarovar affected fishermen languishing in Pakistani and Indian jails. villages in the Narmada valley left after Mr. V.K. April 29, Dhaka: Rights activists in Dhaka on Jyoti, Executive Member and Mr. Afroz Ahmed, Wednesday urged the governments of SAARC Director (Rehabilitation) admitted that the people’s member states to create a visa free South Asia. They demands are within the framework of the Narmada put forward a 16-point demand, including for Water Disputes Tribunal ward (NWDTA), state’s redesigning and immediate operation of the SAARC R&R Policies and the Supreme Court’s Judgments. food bank so that it could feed the hungry in the The previous developments of the dharna were: region. Chula jalao andolan on the 12th day, highlight of 42 The Movement of India May - June 2010 October-December 2009 the 11th day was the return of the 15 member team Block. The adivasis have been fighting against the that travelled to Delhi to warn the two central environmental degradation and the exploitation by Ministries of Social Justice and Empowerment and these stone quarries under the leadership of adivasi Ministry of Environment and Forests and also the organizations called the Birbhum Adivasi Gaonta burning of the effigy of Member (Civil) of NCA, Mr. and Majhi Pargana Baisi. M.K. Sinha who has committed a fraud by changing April 21-22, New Delhi: Civil society the back water levels (BWLs), which is against the organisations, peoples movements and social Narmada Water Disputes Tribunal (NWDTA) and action groups from South Asia organise Assembly scientific framework. of a Union of South Asian Peoples at Jawaharlal April 23, New Delhi: PUCL, NAPM and many Nehru University as a counter to the official SAARC other civil liberties groups condemn the most savage meeting to be held in Thimpu from 28-29 April 2010. incident of killing of a physically challenged girl, April 20, New Delhi: The Right to Food Campaign Suman, and her 70 years old father, Tara Chand, in expresses its disappointment with the “narrow Mirchpur village of Hisar district in Haryana on manner’’ in which the proposed food security Bill April 21 by setting on fire several houses belonging was being formulated and sought a public debate to the Dalit community by miscreants of caste on the subject. At a meeting with Union Food and Hindus. Groups demand immediate arrest of the Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar, a delegation culprits and also of the policemen who were on of activists said the proposal to provide 25 kg of duty there and in whose presence the incident took foodgrains to a limited number of Below Poverty place. Line households was meaningless in the face of April 23, Kalinganagar: Tata Steel Plant high malnutrition and spiralling prices of essentials. Foundation being led with Mysterious Murders & April 19-20, New Delhi: National Peoples Audit of Forceful Demolitions in Kalinga Nagar. SEZs held at Nehru Memorial Museum and Library, April 23, New Delhi: In light of negligible progress Teenmurti House, Delhi. on rehabilitation and resettlement and advanced April 17, Mizoram: The Hmar Peoples Convention- dam construction, the Ministry of Environment and Democratic (HPC-D) in its press statement urged Forests suspended the work on the Maheshwar the Mizoram government to reconsider its policy dam under the provisions of the Environment on the construction of the controversial Tipaimukh (Protection) Act, 1986, until the study of Dam project to be built near the Mizoram and submergence to be caused by the dam is made Manipur border. The HPC-D stated that it is firmly available, until agricultural land for allotment to committed not to seek separation from Mizoram but the oustees is identified, and the villagers to strengthen it against outside actors who are rehabilitated and resettled. planning to steal and grasp the rich natural April 22, New Delhi: Around 1000 oustees of the resources and land of the people of Mizoram. Maheshwar dam began a satyagraha and indefinite April 15-19, New Delhi: The Right to Food fast demanding that the Environment Ministry must Campaign organized a Dharna cum relay fast immediately suspend the construction of outside parliament at Jantar Mantar from 15th April Maheshwar dam under S.5 of the Environment to 19th April, 2010 to oppose the draft National (Protection) Act, 1986 until a comprehensive Food Security Act. This event was also an Rehabilitation Plan is submitted, and over 70,000 opportunity to reiterate the demands of the Right to oustees are rehabilitated and resettled according to Food Campaign. More than 2500 people from the conditions of the environmental clearances and different parts of the country participated in this the approved rehabilitation policy. Representatives five day event. of the oustees of Omkareshwar, Indira Sagar, Man April 14, Srikakulam: Sandeep Pandey, National and Upper Beda dams also participated in the Convenor, NAPM, visited Srikakulam districts, on struggle. an invitation by the Movement against Thermal April 21, West Bengal: violence broke out in Power Plant, Somepeta, Srikakulam district. He was Birbhum district of West Bengal where the adivasis joined by B. Ramakrishna Raju, State Convenor, of the surrounding villages have been fighting NAPM, Saraswati Kavula (Movement against against the stone quarry industry in the area over Uranium Projects), K Prasad (Forum for Good the past six months. The stone quarries are owned Governance), Dr. Y. Krishna Murthy and by outsiders, who control a big mafia network, and Deenabandhu of the MTPP, Sompeta. This trip was are well connected with political parties such as coordinated by JV Ratnam, journalist and the CPI(M), Trinamool Congress and Forward environmental activist from Visakhapatnam. 43 The Movement of India May - June 2010 RNIOctober-December No: MAHENG/2006/18083 2009
April 2, Assam: In Dhemaji, Assam, the Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti, a people’s organisation, April 12, Chhatisgarh: Chhatisgarh Police Mulls organised a protest of 12,000 people on March Action Against Arundhati Roy based on the 30th. Their demands: Implement the Forest Rights complaint lodged by Vishwajit Mitra at the Act, clean up the PDS and halt the construction of Telibanda police station in Raipur, pointing out big dams. The government’s response: The CRPF that the contents and photographs of Arundhati fired in the air; used tear gas and lathi charged the Roy’s essay ”Walking With The Comrades”, protesters. More than 100 were injured and 23 published in the March 29 issue of Outlook could admitted to hospital, of who two are in critical attract action as an offence under Chhattisgarh condition. The district KMSS president was Special Public Security Act-2005. arrested and slapped with various false non- April 11, Narmada valley: More than two thousand bailable cases. The KMSS general secretary, Akhil adivasis, farmers, fish workers, labourers, potters Gogoi, faces a series of false cases and has been and other Sardar Sarovar Project affected persons described by the government as a “Maoist.” from the Narmada Valley assembled at Rajghat today morning to embark on an indefinite Jeevan Upcoming Events Adhikar Yatra to challenge unjust political moves July 28-August 14: 2nd India-Pakistan Peace to push the giant dam ahead despite the failure of Caravan from Mumbai to Karanchi planned by the dam having been fully exposed and also in the peace activists in India and Pakistan - to push face of gross environmental non-compliance and further for greater people to people interactions and unprecedented corruption, causing forced and keep the peace momentum strong. illegal displacement of the two-lakh population in August 6-8, Orissa: Fourth National Convention on the valley. the Right to Food and Work to be held in Orissa from April 8, New Delhi: Hundreds of Pavement 6-8 August 2010. Among the main issues to be Dwellers march to Azad Maidan demanding early discussed at the convention are: the National Rural settlement of the issues raised by the displaced Employment Guarantee Act; the Public Distribution people of Zakaria Bander. For the past 400 days System; children’s right to food; the agrarian crisis; the displaced people were on an indefinite Dharna social discrimination in the context of the right to at Azad Maidan demanding proper rehabilitation food; food security of vulnerable groups such as after being displaced from the pavement of Zakaria the elderly, disabled, and widows; farmer’s Bander. suicides; coercive change of land use; displacement April 6, Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh state of people and its impact on food security; legal government decides to review over 51,000 claims action for the right to food; and filed under the Forests Rights Act (FRA) but rejected organisational aspects of the Right to Food by the authorities. The decision, according to Campaign. This will be an action-oriented event, sources, was taken following complaints that large structured around a series of parallel number of claims filed by the forest dwellers were workshops, plenary sessions, cultural activities, rejected at the local level by the Forests Right and more. For further information, please check the Committees (FRCs) dominated by people of feudal campaign website (www.righttofoodindia.org) or mindset. contact the Right to Food Campaign secretariat at April 5, New Delhi: NAPM writes to Shri Tarun 011-26499563. Gogoi, Chief Minister of Assam condemning police September 25-30, Narmada Valley (tentative): 8th action against Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti bi-annual national convention of NAPM to be held activists and their continued harassment and in Narmada valley. demands action against erring officials, provide relief to those injured, and withdraw all false charges. The Movement of India
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