Invitation of Tribal Maha Sammelan on 30th – 31th Jan. 2010 at Sonebhadra (U.P.)

Dear All,

Greetings from PVCHR.

Please find the invitation for your kind participation.

 

With warm regards,

Lenin

Advisor-GSS

--
Dr. Lenin
Ashoka Fellow
2007 Gwanju Human Rights Awardee
Convenor-PVCHR
Mobile:+91-9935599333
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My final words of advice to you are educate, agitate and organize; have faith in yourself. With justice on our side I do not see how we can loose our battle.. The battle to me is a matter of joy. The battle is in the fullest sense spiritual. There is nothing material or social in it. For ours is a battle not for wealth or for power. It is battle for freedom. It is the battle of reclamation of human personality….
Dr. B.R.Ambedkar
"If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. If an elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse and you say that you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality." (Desmond Tutu)

GRAMSWARAJYASAMITI, DUDHI, SONEBHADRA (U.P.)

       Tribal Women's Maha Sammelan

                                                 (Sankalp Diwas)

Ref.  : GSS/543 /2010                                                           Date:-30/1/2010

                              

 

Respected Sir,

We are pleased to inform you that on Mahatma Gandhi Shadiat Diwas 30^th-31^th Jan. 2010 Gram Swarajya Samiti, Duddhi is going to organize a big gathering over the issue of land rights and the question of displacement of tribal people, Education, right to work & right to food in Sonebhadra district of Uttar Pradesh. Twenty five local meetings have already been successfully organized and about five thousand people from the bordering areas of Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Sonbhadra district of Uttarpradesh are expected to participate in the meeting.

GSS is an organization rooted in the long tradition of Gandhian constructive intervention in the matters affecting common lives. It is pertinent to recall that this area is a long sufferer of the government's apathy towards the land rights of the people where thousands of villagers and tribal inhabitants cultivating the lands are being denied the ownership rights and are forced to live under the constant threat of being displaced by the forest department. The activists of the organization have been part of the now famous judicial intervention in the matter where Supreme Court constituted a survey team to assess the problem and assure the traditional land rights of the tribal people. It is really unfortunate that the government has not only failed to implement the judgment in its true spirit but also done nothing to stop tribal lands from being usurped by other classes.

Now the new government plan to provide 100 days Employment MNREGA Scheme for the livelihood of poor unorganized sector labour. GSS is committed for the implementation of all the government plans for the tribal's.

Your presence gives us morale support & also we get strength to solve the problems of the tribal's.

 

 

 

Regards,

 

Maheshanand Bhai               

Gram  Swarjya   Samiti

Duddhi, Sonbhadra, U.P. Pin- 231208

Ph. 9415233694/05447-222272

E-mail- gss_sonebhadra59@rediffmail.com,gramswarajsamiti@gmail.com,

 

                      Gaon ki Dharti Gaon ka Raj,

                                   Gaon  Gaon me  Gramswaraj

Note: Duddhi is 160 km from varanasi, via varanasi-robertsgunj-chopan-hathinala-duddhi.                                                                                                                                                 Hathinala                                         varanasi  

                                       Renukote – Shaktinagar Marg                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Dudhi

 

Tribal Women's Maha Sammelan

(Sankalp Diwas)

Venue : Suraji Sthambh Nagawa, Dudhi - Sonebhadra U.P.

Date: Saturday 30^th January -  2010

Program Schedule

12:00 – 12:15                      Welcome Address                    Mr. Maheshanand Bhai

                                                                                                Chief functionary GSS

12:15  - 12:20                      Inauguration

12:20 – 12:40                       Suraji Sthambh                       Mala arpan

12:40 – 01:00                      Keynote Address                      Mr. Prashant

                                                                                              Social Activist

01:00 – 01:15                      Speaker                                   Mr.Vishwanath Kharwar                  

01:15 – 01:30                      Speaker                                   Mr. Genda Prasad

                                                                                             Block Pramukh (Babhani)                

01:30 – 01:45                      Speaker                                    Mr. R.L. Tiwari Advocate                  

01:45 – 03:00                     Speaker                                    Mr. Jitan Kharwar

                                                                                            Upadhayachh Sonebhadra

03:00 – 03:15                    Speaker                                   Mr. Chitranjan Singh

                                                                                            PUCL (U.P.)

02:15 – 02:45                   Speaker                                     Mr. C.M. Prasad (EX, D.I.G.)

                                                                                           M. L. A.  (Dudhi)

02:45 – 03:15                  Speaker                                    Mr. Ashok Singh

                                                                                      All India Vice President INTUC

                                                                                       & Board Member of NCRI

03:15 – 03:45                Speaker                                    Dr. S.V. Prabhat

                                                                                        Chairman NCRI Hyderabad 

03:45 – 04:00                Rajo Devi Dalit Woman Award       Distribution  

                                         By Dr. S.V. Prabhat, Mr. Ashok Singh, Mr. C.M. Prasad                                                              

04:00 – 04:15                Consolidation & Valedictory Mr. Maheshanand Bhai

 

Secand Day

Tribal Kachhahari

Venue : Bhath Chhetr,Village - Jugail - Sonebhadra U.P.

Date: Sunday 31^th January -  2010

Program Schedule

12:00 – 12:15        Welcome Address            Mr. Rahul Srivastava

                                      Chief Viaro Hindustan  Distt Sonebhadra U.P.

12:15  - 01:15          Vichar Gosthi    Open Session Local Issues

                                Village INTUC Pradhan & MNREGA Member

01:15 – 01:45          Future Plan Address By Mr. Ashok Singh All India Vice President INTUC  & Board Member of NCRI, Dr. S.V. Prabhat Chairman NCRI Hyderabad 

01:45 – 02:00               Consolidation & Valedictory Mr. Maheshanand Bhai

02:00                                        Lunch                                

 

A ROAD ON WHICH LESS TRAVEL

GSS IN A DECADE

 

GENESIS-

                  The Secretary of the Organization, Sri Maheshanand Bhai, was closely associated with Banwasi Sewa Ashram for nearly two decades during which he developed a deep insight into the issues and problems the tribals of the area were daily subjected to. It was Bhoomi Haqdari Morcha, a CBO which had decided to ensure the tribal's access to and control over the natural resources of the region to which they had been wedded for centuries. After the death of Sri Prem Bhai, the founder member of Banwasi Seva Ashram, in order to intensify the efforts of the Morcha by providing it a more formal structure, Sri Maheshanand Bhai decided to establish Gram Swarajya Samiti (GSS) at Dudhi, a tehsil of Sonebhadra district (Eastern U.P.) in 1997. The operational areas are 100 Panchayats in 4 blocks of the district viz. Dudhi, Myourpur, Babhani, and Chopan.The thrust was on providing entitlements to the tribals, the main target groups. It was basically the demand of the CBO to form GSS to achieve the aim towards which they were striving.

 

VISION –

Gram Swarajya Samiti (GSS) envisions the establishment of a society based on Gandhian principles of Self-reliance, Self-sufficiency, and Social Justice where each has equal opportunities.

 

MISSION -

The mission is to facilitate the deprived and subjugated tribals to gain access to their entitlements, which is their right.

 

With a firm belief in the essential dignity of the community and in their capability to overcome the forces that exploit them, GSS views development as a process of empowerment, focusing on people's participation and the creation of groups and associations at the local level.

 

 

GSS has strengthened Bhoomi Haqdari Morcha (BHM), and formed Kanhar Bachao Andolan (KBA), and Mahila Shakti Panchayat (MSP). GSS is also associated with other networks viz. Voice Of People (VOP), Jan Kendrit Vikas Manch (JKVM), Right To Food (RTF) campaign, and Uttar Pradesh Voluntary Action Network (UPVAN), at the state level, and with National Alliance For Right To Education and Equity (NAFRE) and Human Rights Law Network at the national level. The CBOs formed by GSS also support, monitor, and strengthen the functioning of the Panchayats

 

The Strategy adopted by GSS is:

• Organizing training programmes, workshops, camps and meetings, and dissemination of information for awareness generation and sensitization.

• Organizing rallies, foot-marches, etc. for mass mobilization and action.
• Lobbying and Advocacy for raising assertive voices. and influencing policy- level decisions.
• Interface and interaction with Government Departments and other actors of Civil Society for collective action.

 

OPERATIONAL AREA -

The area is characterized by degraded land and poor infrastructural support. During periods of good monsoon, there are floods, and during poor monsoon, there is drought. Jharkhand in the east, and Chattisgarh surround Sonebhadra district in the south,  Madhya Pradesh in the south- west, and Bihar in the north- east. So the Naxalites have easy entry into the area and create law and order problems. Though agriculture is the major occupation of the tribals who comprise 80% of the population in the operational area, it is seasonal and non-remunerative and the tribals (Gonds, Panikas, Pathari, Agariya, Bhuiyas, Bagias, Kharwars, Cheros & Ghasias) are forced to obtain food and minor forest produce from the depleting forests to survive. There is a high rate of seasonal migration since there are hardly any alternative sources of income and employment. The rate of education is extremely low and there is a high dearth of awareness. This has a direct bearing on the status of health as the rate of Maternal Mortality and Infant Mortality is very high. The rate of mortality is enhanced by the occurrence of certain diseases like Malaria, Flourosis, Gout, Skin infections, and TB, which assume epidemic proportions. The rural non-farm sector has failed to provide employment and the poor tribals lack the education and skills required to take advantage of the opportunities available. This lack of awareness has prevented them from gaining access to the benefits they are entitled to thereby increasing the concentration of poverty and are  consequently cut off from the mainstream.

 

ISSUES ADDRESSED BY GSS-

• The organization started addressing the issue of providing Rights of Land (Land Entitlement) to the tribals. The fraudulent fiscal maps drawn up before the bifurcation of Mirzapur & Sonebhadra districts were not corrected nor checked. A lot of land was captured illegally by the Forest Department without following the Reserved Forest Act. (Article 4 & 20). As a result, the tribals were denied access to the land, which was rightfully theirs.
• The establishment of large-sized industries viz. Hindalco, NTPC & Konicaria Chemicals, etc. have robbed the tribals of their settlements & they have neither been rehabilitated nor adequately compensated. As a result they are denied access to sources of income & employment.

 

Bhoomi Haqdari Morcha – (Year of Inception-1995)- Bhoomi Haqdari Morcha (BHM) is a community-based organization consisting of village volunteers aimed to provide leadership to the Land Right movement. It organizes Protest Rallies, Sammellans, Dharnas, Road Blocks, Dialogue with authorities to attract mass attention on the issues of Land Right & create pressure on authorities to take appropriate action.. It enjoys massive support of the people, & the community funds all the activities. Bhoomi Haqdari Morcha has been constituted in 100 GPs with total memberships of 3300. While rest of the members join the protests  & marches as per the need , 360 members are intensively involved in BHM's  activities.

 

Accordingly, BHM has raised demands, sent letters to the Governor & concerned authorities, carried out an assessment survey, organized Kisan Sammelans, Padayatras & Meetings to facilitate mass mobilization & action.

 

Kanhar Bachao Andalon-

Kanhar Bachao Andolan (KBA) was a movement launched by the community against the construction of a dam on Kanhar River, which would displace 14 villages of U.P., 6 villages of Chhatisgarh, & 5 villages of Jharkhand. A number of initiatives were carried out viz. meetings, camps, rallies, etc. Support from Civil Society from other parts of the state was received. In fact, Chief Justice E.Z. Yakub from South Africa also came over, visited the area & participated in the meetings. Most of the work of construction of the dam had been completed.

 

Kanhar Bachao Andolan – (Year of Inception-2002)- This committee has been formed in 11 villages consisting of 22 members with equal participation of men & women. Out of these 11 committees has been formed with participation of 1 male & 1 female member from each committee. Thus there are total of 22 members in the Central Committee. The Central Committee has its office in Sundari village, the first village to be submerged in case Kanhar dam is constructed. The role of this Committee is to keep itself  informed of the  latest stand of the Govt. on the issue, keep the others informed, & decide the strategy & mode of protest. The General Committees keep consulting the people for their opinion & share information through organization of meetings & individual contacts. They organize meetings of the committee to discuss it & bring the issues & decisions to the Central team &  the decision of  the Central team is taken back to the village committee & the villagers. Thus these committees are the organization of people & it is  for the convenience of smooth communication & decision-making. The community itself funds the activities of the committees.

 

After a lot of deliberation, the community decided that construction of the dam should be stopped forthwith. It was the Women who took the lead in this Endeavour. Armed with whatever implements they possessed, they decided to launch a physical assault on the workers. The workers, fearing their safety and life fled from the site. The work of construction of the dam has automatically come to a halt. The machinery and spare parts have been dismantled and sold as scrap.

 

Mahila Shakti Panchayat -

Till the 1960s, the society of the tribals was matriarchal in nature. Thereafter, with the establishment of industries, there came about a gradual change in the attitude of the people. The society started becoming patriarchal and the women found themselves at the losing end. They no longer enjoyed rights to land, were not entitled to minimum and equal wages, did not have any share in the property, no power of decision-making, and were even denied participation in a number of events. Cases of domestic violence and other atrocities and exploitation were heaped on them and they were pushed to the lowest rung in all spheres: social, economic, and political.

Though gender was a inevitable component in all the activities/interventions of GSS, it was not formalized in a concrete manner. Therefore, to address the above issues, Mahila Shakti Panchayat (MSP) was established in 20 GPs.

 

Mahila Shakti Panchayat – (Year of Inception-2005)                   MSP is a membership- based women's organization formed with the objective of enhancing the capabilities of the women to undertake and solve issues related to women. Various awareness- generating programmes are carried out for women from time to time, with the help of formal and informal meetings. They are sensitized about their rights & privileges. MSP provides a common platform to the village women to share their issues, problems and collectively find out solutions to them. They are provided information about Central & State- sponsored schemes & programmes, amendments to the Panchayati Raj Act, policies formulated for their empowerment & legal rights. MSP also motivates elected women representatives to play a active role in the panchayats.

 

 

LINKAGES WITH OTHER NETWORKS-

GSS has established linkages with other networks at State & Central level, which are also intervening in the areas where the CBOs here are intervening in. This is facilitated by the like-minded basic principles shared by the GSS & the Networks.

• Voice Of People (VOP) is a state- level Network committed to creating a society where the poor, helpless & Dalit tribals enjoy a non-exploitative environment. VOP is waging a struggle where scientific techniques are being used to develop a structure where the farmers & labourers are provided opportunities to assume leadership roles. It's aim is to oppose the conspiracy to subdue emerging Revolutions, prevent Communalism, Fascism, Capitalism & Market forces, & create structures at the local level for the same.

      Comprised solely of villagers, they raised demands on issues affecting them    directly or indirectly on various themes. These issues were taken to the higher levels to be resolved & the resolutions were transferred back to the lower levels. VOP enables the needs & aspirations of "invisible" citizens to be heard & merit due consideration. VOP plans to address the following issues: -

1.      Right to employment through land development.

2.      Right to education.

3.      Right of community on PDS goods & resources.

4.      Campaign on Health Services Entitlement.

5.      Campaign against Liberalization, Privatization & Globalization.

6.      Displacement.

• Uttar Pradesh Voluntary Action Network (UPVAN) is a state- level network of NGOs working on various issues. UPVAN organizes workshops & seminars on issues for organizations affected by them. The main points which require policy level intervention, are tabled during advocacy workshops comprising government functionaries, civil society & stakeholders. UPVAN also brings out newsletters containing important information & the latest developments in the sector.

UPVAN provides educational support for strengthening capacities, solidarities through collective learning & action, mutual affinity & basically provides recognition to organizations. GSS & its interventions have received wide recognition at various fora at the state & national level through collaborative activities, especially in he area of strengthening PRIs.. 

• Jan Kendrit Vikas Manch (JKVM) is a forum at the state- level which takes up issues in the three sub regions of the state viz. Central U.P.- Drinking Water, Eastern U.P.- Floods, & Southern U.P.- Drought i.e. the major issue / problem facing that particular area. The operational area has been suffering from drought since last 3 years. The CBOs at the local level have been able to obtain a platform where they have highlighted their problems under the banner of JKVM at the regional level, which has been taken up for deliberation at the state level. The main issue that has been highlighted is Drought which is in its third consecutive year
• Right to Food Campaign (RFC) is a state- level campaign to ensure provision of food as a right to all. A core team has been constituted & GSS is a member of that team. Campaigns have been organized to provide state- sponsored schemes viz. PDS, Antyoday Anna Yojana (AAY), Food for Work, Employment Assurance Schemes (EAS), Ananapurna Scheme, etc. In recent times, a campaign on Right to Employment has also been organized.
• Manva Adhikar Panchayat (MAP) is a state- level body comprising Legal experts, Media, Social Activists & NGOs who are working for the implementation of Human Right Values at the grassroots. GSS is a member of MAP. It highlights cases of Police& Forest department atrocities on the poor tribals, violation of Human Rights at various levels, etc. to the higher levels for attention & redressal. A Campaign from 1^st to 10^th December, 2005 on Human Rights throughout the operational area was also organized
• National Alliance For Right to Education & Equity (NAFRE) is national- level forum, which envisions having a democratic, just & secular society, where every citizen irrespective of its caste, religion, gender, race, sect etc. can equally enjoy its' rights & practice its' duties without any fear. Though the focus is on Education, the Alliance also takes up other issues of local level networks and CBOs if they merit serious consideration. Organized at the national level, the interventions receive wide attention and a few issues affecting the operational area have also been taken up at the national level, like Right to Education of children, Right to Work for every Adult, representation of weaker sections at all levels, taking NAFRE's vision at grassroots level, & Advocacy for Equity in Education.
• Human Rights Law Network (HRLN) is a national- level forum providing legal support & assistance to organizations & individuals working for the disadvantaged sections of the society. GSS is an active member of HRLN. The forum organizes workshops & meetings from time to time where issues regarding Human Rights violations are discussed & legal angles are debated. Caselets of organizations & individuals are published in a journal, which is widely distributed. Learning materials are also made available to the members.   

 

The Chief Functionary of the GSS is a member of State Advisory Board European Union FnsT-PW & National Project for Prevention for Torture in India. He is also the recipient of National Foundation of India Award, Kabir Award & Janmitra Nayas Award.

 

PROGRAMMES: OUR VALUE ADDITIONS

 

Education Enhancement -

Education is Knowledge and Knowledge is Power. This has been our guiding force since our inception and we had formed 20 NFE Centers. This has now been reduced to 10 of which 5 are functioning as Resource Centers called Chetna Kendras. Since we do not plan to develop an alternative system of education, our aim is that the remaining 5 Centers also become Chetna Kendras to be managed by the community. We are making efforts to ensure that the Government schools in the area function properly i.e. teachers are regular, students are regular, the Shiksha Mitras are regular, the parents are serious about their children's education, the course curriculum is appropriate, etc. The CBOs at the local level and the PRI, especially the Education Committee are motivated to provide support and take up eventual responsibility.

Since the NFE Centers were a model where quality education was provided through joyful learning methods, the communities have imbibed the importance of education. As a result, on strident and sustained demand from the community and the CBOs, the numbers of primary schools and junior schools have increased. The community has also decided that the teachers will not be allowed to intervene in other activities like they are usually asked to by the Government. On 5^th September 2006, the government and private teachers were felicitated. 

 

Health and Care-

This area is rich in natural resources. The variety of medicinal plants available here qualifies this region as a fertile ground for endorsement of herbal medicines. GSS utilizes the services of external resource persons to identify the medicinal plants & to explore methods of preparing medicines through them. The idea is to revive and keep alive the tried and tested systems of medication with herbs, roots, etc. easily available, easy to prepare, and relatively cheap.

The community is motivated to organize Health Check –Up camps on their own since they now know the process and the staff. The CBOs and the Health Committees are mobilized for this purpose. The severe cases are referred to the district hospitals.

Awareness meetings and camps are organized to sensitize the community about the importance of nutrition, adoption of sanitation and hygienic practices, preventive measures for certain ailments, etc. A number of people are affected with flourosis since the sources of drinking water is full of chlorine. Cases of TB are also quite common as malnutrition is highly prevalent. Cases of Malaria are also common. Therefore the community is advised to ensure that the ANMs are regular in their visits.

80% to 90% of women and children have been immunized and there has been an appreciable drop in the rate of maternal mortality and Infant mortality. The GPs have started constructing low-cost latrines. In 20 GPs, certificates of Birth Registration have been issued to the children.

                                                           

Strengthening Local Self-Governance-

GSS had intervened in strengthening Panchayat Raj Institutions (PRIs) in the area of Governance only after the elections in 2000.Since the elections had already been carried out, GSS's interventions were limited to sensitizing the elected representatives about their roles, responsibilities, rights, duties, etc., trying to mobilise the Gram Sabha to play a more active role, mobilizing the sub-committees, motivating the women to participate in the meetings, and so on. A number of anomalies like booth capturing, vote fixing, coercion by illegal means, election of undesirable persons, lack of awareness about the act and its provisions, etc. had been noticed. Therefore, after the announcement of elections to the GPs in 2005, GSS decided to intervene more intensively from the pre-election phase itself so that the voters were able to understand the process and were able to exercise their franchise with a greater degree of awareness and reduce the shortcomings that were in existence earlier.  

 

• Pre Election Voters Awareness Campaign (Villages, Blocks & District)  – The whole process took the shape of a campaign where the community were educated about the election process, the reserved & unreserved categories including those for women, the potential candidates etc. Efforts had been made to ensure that no voter was left out. Local youths were mobilized to prevent any anomalies from happening during election. The voters were also informed about the eligible criteria for both voters & contestants. Audiovisual aids in the form of charts, posters, videos including Nukkad Nataks (Street Plays) & Puppet Shows were organized to educate the voters about the types of contestants they should vote for. Information camps were established where prospective contestants were assisted in filing their nominations. The voters were also educated regarding the voting form, colors & symbols. A number of CBO members also contested the elections.
• During the Election - The voters were mobilized to exercise their franchise & GSS along with the CBOs played the role of a watchdog to prevent any irregularities. Efforts were made to ensure that the whole process was peaceful & the elections were free & fair.
• Post- Election – After the results were announced, the elected representatives were felicitated. Training programmes were organized for the elected representatives. Since a number of them had contested & won the elections for the first time, the Act & its provisions were explained in great detail. The roles, responsibilities, rights & duties of the Pradhan & other elected members with regard to meetings, development of plans, role of panchayat secretary, role of sub- committees etc. were also explained. In the trainings, besides literature, a number of audio visual aids were used. Posters & charts were also pasted in the Panchayats Bhawan & other public places.
• Election to Nagar Panchayats & Nagar Palika Parishad – A campaign during the pre- election phase was organized for the urban local bodies in 5 Nagar Panchayats & 1 Nagar Palika Parishad. This intervention was also our first. The process was similar to the one followed during election to GPs. A novel feature was interface meetings between the prospective contestants & the voters. The prospective contestants were asked to relate their activities & functions they would perform if they were elected. This provided the voters a fair idea about the suitability of the contestants. Since most of the voters are fairly literate, not much intervention as regards awareness for filing nominations & casting votes was required.    

 

Janta Jungle – A Community Initiative 9 lakh trees, divided over 4 beats which were cut (but not uprooted) were once again regenerated from roots or stems. The community, dwellers of Nagwa village, about 15 kms. from the office headquarters, which have been wedded to the forests for centuries and who regard it as their own ancestral property decided to protect and conserve it. The youths of the village teamed up and formed groups who took turns to protect the large tract of forest where not only the community but also even the Forest Department cannot enter or initiate any interventions there. Anybody doing so will have to bear a heavy and even face social ostracisation. Janta Jungle is a rare model of a community's initiative to protect, preserve and enhance the environment.

 

 

 

Our Achievements - 

• The psychosis of fear among the community has been removed.
• The people are now making efforts to gain access to their entitlements on their own.
• The tribals have tried to preserve their cultural ethos & age-old traditions.
• The interventions of the CBOs have finally prevented the Forest Officials from perpetrating atrocities on the tribals. The Legal Rights will be obtained soon through the new Forest Act.
• The tribals have become aware that their environment is gradually being destroyed & will have a deleterious effect on their lives. They are deeply concerned about it & are trying out new & innovative experiments to safe guard the environment & ecology of the area.
• The work on Kanhar Dam has been stopped thereby  preventing displacement of a number of people from their villages.
• Owing to the interventions in strengthening local self-governance, Gram Sabhas have now started strengthening themselves.
• The people have finally realized the importance of good health & are taking measures for adopting adequate safe guards.
• The women labourers in certain areas have finally obtained gender justice through payment of wages equal to that of the men.
• An appreciable amount of awareness about Human Rights & Child Rights has been generated among the community & they have started raising their voice on the occasion of their violations.
• The Mahila Shakti Panchayats have provided the women social, economic & political strength to raise assertive voices & break the shackles of discrimination.
• The tribals have become aware of their rights to the basic necessities of life viz. Education, Health & Livelihood and have started demanding them.
•  The interventions have made the government more responsive & responsible in the discharge of their duties.
• The community has started searching for solutions to their problems themselves.
• The tribals have finally realized the challenges posed by Liberalization, Privatization Globalization, (LPG) & the exploitative market forces & started discussing them.
• The tribals have started demanding their involvement in policies being formed for them, in taking decisions on the policies being formed, & interventions in the political process.

 

 

Strengthening for Cadre Building. All the above achievements are result of collective efforts of a number of committed & dedicated individuals who, with a single-minded devotion to a cause & mission strived tirelessly to make the achievements a reality. Their association with the Organization has enabled to assume leadership roles. A thumb-nail sketch of the individuals is provided. Maheshanand  Bhai, a post-graduate, hails from Chandauli. A close associate of Sri Prembhai he has been working since the last 25 years. It was after the death of Sri Prembhai that he formed GSS to carry forward the struggle. He is experienced in Group Formation, Rural Entitlement, Project Formulation, Report Writing , etc.

Devnandan Pandey,a Graduate from Balia, has been associated with GSS even before it's inception. Associated  for 15 years, and a founder-member, he is a master  trainer in the areas of Literacy/Education and Rural Entitlement, and is looking after the management of GSS.

Ramlochan Tiwari, a law graduate, and a local person is a founder- member and has worked with GSS for 3 years in the area of Advocacy to redress the legal issues. He is still informally associated with GSS.

Rajesh Ranjan Singh,a graduate from Bihar has associated with GSS  for 10 years and has undergone  training in Literacy, Portfolio Management, and Child Rights. He is presently working as Supervisor in Education.

Iftikar Ahmed, hailing from  Chandauli has undergone training in the areas of Group Formation and Para-Health work. Associated with GSS for 10 years , he is supervising the management of Information Centres.

Ms. Anima Tikri, from Jharkhand, has received training in Group Formation of Women, Forest Management and Conservatio. Entrusted with the responsibility of  functioning of women's groups, and management of Janta Jungle, she has been associated with GSS for 10 years.

Ms. Manva Devi, a local lady who has been associated with  GSS for 10 years is looking after the functioning of Women's Groups. She has undertaken training as Dai(mid wife) and Women Leadership.

Ms. Chano Devi is also a local lady who along with Ms. Manva Devi has participated in the same trainings and has the same  responsibilities.She too has been associated with GSS for 10 years.

Jiten Kharwar , a local who has been associated for 8 years and manages  thetribal groups, land entitlement and organizes the Morchas has received training in Land Development and Group Formation.

Vishwanath Kharwar who has been associated for 10 years has obtained training in Displacement Policy, Rehabilitation and Group Formation. He is responsible for group formation to deal with issues related to Displacement.

Harikishun Kharwar, a local has obtained training  in Land  Survey and Group Formation. Associated with GSS for !0 years, he is looking after the area of Land Rights.

Dharamjeet Kharwar, a local, has been associated with GSS for 7 years and after obtaining training in Group Formation and Environment, he is responsible for strengthening the CBOs

Ms. Geeta Devi, a local lady and a graduate has undergone training in Group formation of Women and Livelihood. Associated with  GSS for 10 years, she is responsible for strengthening Women's groups..

The above are a few selected individuals who have been promoted by GSS during their association to assume leadership roles and carry forward the initiatives in the pursuance of the achievement of the  mission of GSS.

 

Our Future Plans –

• Even after ten years our operational area is very limited. Either we need to broader our scope or generate spread-effect of our activities. For this efforts at developing linkages with donors & institutions at the national & international level will be required. This is one area of focus in the near future.
• Efforts will be initiated to develop a model taking a small cluster where our present activities & other need based activities will be carried out. This model is expected to serve as a initiative of Sustainable Development to be replicated as where with suitable modifications. The sustainability of the model will be by transferring the ownership to the CBOs, especially the women & youth. 
• There are still a number of constraints and hindrances faced by the tribals, especially those living in the remote hinterlands which are undetected and unaddressed. Our initiatives will be to capture these problems with facts and figures and organize advocacy workshops with Government and Civil Society to bring about requisite policy changes and provide the tribals a definite identity.
• There are a number of small initiatives/organizations working in and around our operational area whose activities are more or less similar to ours. We will be supporting these organizations to become further strengthened so that we can initiate collaborate ventures together for greater impact.
• There are a number of people belonging to the lower strata of society who are unorganized. Their unorganized status robs them of recognition and identity in the society. We will be bringing these people together on a common platform and assist in enabling them to form themselves into organized groups to initiate collective action a improve their standard of living.
• An immediate objective will be Rural Entitlement where efforts will be made to reach the State and Centrally – sponsored schemes designed for them, and of which they are totally unaware of, to them. Awareness generation will be a major focus.
• Dudhi is the Gateway Of India for Child Trafficking. It is from here that children are taken to work as labourers, often in hazardous occupations robbing them of their childhood and stunting their physical and mental growth. Prevention of Child Trafficking and Child Labour will be a major area of intervention 

 

OUR  HIGHLIGHTS

 

Our inter ensuring children their rights have focused on right to survival through regular sensitization of the community on the importance and  benefits of family planning, it's measures, spacing of births, avoiding abortions and female foeticide emphasizing that right to survival is a fundamental right of every child.The focus is on 100% of birth and death registration, immunisation of pregnant women and children in different age-groups, activating PHCs, ensuring regular visits of ANMs,activating the Panchayat Health Committees, ensure issuance of BPL cards and implementation of Govt. schemes. The CBOs are also motivated to play an active role.  

It is ensured that the NFEs are regular, there is a demand for primary and junior schools, Govt. schools and formal schools. The PTAs, Panchayat VECs, and the CBOs are activated, and there is a special focus on 100% enrolment of girls.

Children involved in labour work, both at home and outside are removed and enrolled in schools. Special efforts are made to ensure enrollment of children who are physjcally and mentally challenged.Landless families are identified and provided land,landholders are provided possession, and efforts are made to protect forests through the Jante Jungle concept.

Regular meetings are organized and children are provided inputs on various issues, meetings are orgaised with villagers of the neighbouring states of Jharkhand and Chattisgarh. Meetings between the children and CBOs are also organized.

 

During the pre-election phase to PRIs, we intervened in all the  three tiers.Besides intervening in our designated area , we also roped in 25 other groups working in the area and issue and provided them with charts, posters, pamphlets, IEC materials, and alsomotovated them to distribute them extensively and display them at all the public places. A full-fledged campaign was launched with Information Centres to provide information and assistance to prospective contestants and voters. Video shows, Street Plays a nd  Puppet Shows were also organized.

We acted as watchdogs during the elections to ensure that the elections were peaceful, free and fair.After the elections, training programmes for the newly elected representatives were organized  and special attentio n was given to the role of women whoare expected to play a active role. The sub-commities also underwent raining and special inputs were provided to the Gram Sabhas. A happy fall-out was that quite a few CBO members also won the elections.

In the elections to the urban local bodies 5 Nagar Panchayats and 1 Nagar  Palika Parishad were taken up where the similar interventions and strategy were initiated. A special featore was 'Interface' meetings between the prospective contestants and the voters where th contestants related the activities/functions they would perform if they were elected. This gave the voters an idea to know what to expect from each and cast their votes accordingly.

 

In the campaign on Right to Food and Right to Work, the focus was on implementaion of NREGA in 60 GPs.19864 people have applied for job card out of which, after a lot of effort, 15,381 people have received them. Efforts to provide them employment and proper wages is going on Social Audit of quite a few GPs of the three blocks have been carried out and after dharnas at the Tehsil and Block level, they were able to receive minimum wages. Efforts are on to provide the Central ans State –sponsored welfare schemes with regard to food and work viz.ICDS, PDS, Mid-day  meals, as well as othe r schemes viz. Old age pension , Annapurna scheme, Antyoday Anna Yojana, etc to the beneficiaries.Camps, meetings, padyatras have been organized along with distribution of posters , pamphlets, literature and wall-writings to sesitize the community, viz. all actors of Civil Society as well as Government Functionaries and bring the issue of Right to Food and Right to Livelihood on the state and national agenda.

 

We are  trying to develop methods of Sustainable Agriculture in 3 GPs. The focus is on  regenerating  and preserving the old seeds which are still fit for germination. Besides, the farmers are being sensitized about using organic manure, bo-fertlisers, and construct compost pits, and avoid using HYVs and chemical fertilizers. The focus is not on preserving the production but on increasingthe productivity.

3 Kisan Schools have been established, one in each GP, where the farmers are being trained in preparation of Compost Pits, dosage of Organic Manure, preparaton of Bio-fertilisers, Vermicomposting ,  their application with regard to  amount and time , and measures of pest and rodent control.

However, this activity is not limited to the 3 GPs only. Radio Talks are organized, if required on FM band so that the entire state of Sonebhadra is covered. Other progressive farmers are litening to the programmes and a few have also paid visits to the sites to gain hands-on experience and exposure.

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

. .

 

FrontPage Publications

FrontPage Publications

Activist: Farmer suicides in India linked to debt, globalization - CNN.com

Activist: Farmer suicides in India linked to debt, globalization - CNN.com

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MALYSIAONLINE NEWS TODAY: Police tortured him to get “confession”Lone surviving Pakistani gunman Ajmal Kasab Even children are victims of the oppressive system

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Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development - INDIA - Give more power to armed forces? Abolish Armed Forces Powers Act!

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Interview with Naldo Rei

Countering violence, promoting peace in South Asia

 

ASSOCIATION FOR COMMUNAL HARMONY IN ASIA (ACHA)

www.asiapeace.org   &  www.indiapakistanpeace.org

4410 Verda Lane NE, Keizer, OR 97303, USA

 

Countering violence, promoting peace in South Asia

Pritam K. Rohila, Ph. D.

Growing intolerance, extremism, and violence in South Asia, but particularly in Pakistan & Afghanistan, must be a source of great concern to all those who desire peace and prosperity in South Asia.

Just condemning these evils or arguing with their perpetrators will not help stem them. However justified, blaming foreign interventions, colonialism, inept governments, and unfair social structure will not work either.  Participating in peace rallies and vigils, cross-border peace delegations and conferences will also be ineffective, since the major source of these threats lies within rather than from across our borders.

While our governments try to put out the wildfires of hate and violence which are engulfing our nations, peace workers need to urgently adopt a long-range, but sustained strategy to safeguard the rest of our assets and to protect the future our nations.

In each nation, we need to help build a culture of peace. We should train our children to become good members of their families, schools and neighborhoods, and good citizens of their countries. We should teach them respect for the rights of others, cooperative ways to solve problems, and the art of empathetic negotiation to settle difference. We should help them learn to respect for nonviolence, tolerance, harmony, peaceful coexistence.

__

Dr. Rohila is the Executive Director of the U.S.-based ACHA, the Association for Communal Harmony in Asia www.asiapeace.org and he can be reached at asiapeace@comcast.net

 

India Pakistan Peace Day
Association for Communal Harmony in Asia (ACHA)
www.asiapeace.org & www.indiapakistanpeace.org

List owner: Pritam K. Rohila, Ph.D./(ACHA)
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Sunitha Krishnan's fight against sex slavery | Video on TED.com

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Ghasia tribe live in acute misery - Varanasi - City - The Times of India

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Voice of voiceless: Glimpse of Peoples’ Tribunal on the situation of Muslim minority on 18th December, 09 at Paradkar Smriti Bhawan, Varanasi

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Police Tyranny in Dantewada, Chhattisgarh:a letter from Varanasi,India

Dear Mr. Raman Singh,

Greetings from PVCHR.

I am Lenin Raghuvanshi,founder and convenor of Peoples' Vigilance Committee on Human Rights(PVCHR) and alumni of UP Degree college as well as life member of old student association of UP college.

 

I am forwarding the open letter of Alban Toppo,which is recieved through Kamayani Bali Mahabal.It is serious concern in the context of rule of law,participatory democracy and non-violence.

Please ensure an appropriate action.

 

with warm regards,

 
Dr. Lenin
Ashoka Fellow
2007 Gwanju Human Rights Awardee
Convenor-PVCHR
Mobile:+91-9935599333
 Please visit:  
http://www.universalrights.net/heroes/display.php3?id=101
www.pvchr.org
www.youtube.com/pvchrindia
www.pvchr.blogspot.com
www.sapf.blogspot.com
www.antiwto.blogspot.com
www.dalitwomen.blogspot.com
www.lenin-shruti.blogspot.com

AN OPEN LETTER & APPEAL


I am a fresh lawyer coming from a tribal family of Jashpur, Chhattishgarh. I finished my law graduation in year 2008, got enrolled with Chhattisgarh Bar Council and started working for poor and underprivileged. For which I had a commitment since my college days. I started learning basics of human rights litigation at Delhi office of Human Rights Law Network and very recently had come to Chhattisgarh to do research for right to food case which is going on in Hon'ble Supreme Court of India and for this. I went to Dantewada, and met Mr. Himanshu Kumar, Director of Vanvasi Chetna Ashram, who has done some study on this issue and taking information, his advice and guidance. I was also providing some legal assistance to him during my stay in Dantewada.


On 10 December, 2009 at about 2:30 P.M. the Thana Incharge (TI) of Bhairamgarh Police Station Mr. K.S. Nand in civil uniform came to the Vanvasi Chetna Ashram (VCA) situated at Katiyarraas accompanied by approximately more than 25 SPO's in 5 cars. Director of VCA, Shri Himanshu Kumar and few other volunteers of VCA were present. I was also present there. TI spoke to Himanshu Kumar about taking Kopa Kunjam, s/o Lacchu Kunjam, resident of village Alnaar, Block – Geedam, P.S. Dantewada, who is a volunteer of VCA stating that they need him for some interrogation by the Superintendent of Police. He said, "SP Sahab ne bulaya hai, kuch puch tach karni hai". No notice was served for this. However on being asked by Himanshu Kumar to give some written notice about it, the TI Bhairamgarh immediately wrote on a piece of paper that, "Prati, Kopa Kunjam ! Apse thana Dantewada me kuch poonch thanch karna chahta hoon. Kripya ap mere sath sadar P.S. kotwali chalein." (I want to do some investigation with you at Dantewada Police Station. Please come with me to P.S. Kotwali). Being an Advocate present at the spot, I thought it to be my duty to accompany VCA Volunteer Kopa Kunjam to Dantewada police station. With the consent of Himanshu Kumar, Director-VCA I went alongwith Kopa Kunjam. At Dantewada police station we were asked to sit down. After making both of us wait for about half an hour, we were asked to come and sit in a vehicle . Thinking that we were being taken to the S.P. Office, we sat in the vehicle. As vehicle proceeded, I introduced myself to the IT Bhairamgadh saying that I am an advocate, having done my law course from Hidayatullah National Law University, Raipur and am associated with Human Rights Law Network. When the vehicle crossed Dantewada, we became suspicious and asked as to where we were being taken now, to which TI, Bhairamgarh, replied, "Kopa Kunjam is now being taken to Beejapur District". Kopa Kunjam refused to go further as he was not informed about being taken to Beejapur earlier. I also objected to it, stating that the police should follow necessary procedures under the law and should act as per guidelines of the Supreme Court and that they cannot take Mr.Kopa to Beejapur without giving any notice in this regard. By this time Kopa Kunjam came out from the Bolero vehicle and I also got out of the vehicle. The TI along with 2 others got hold of Mr.Kopa and with the help of around 15 S.P.O's bundled Mr. Kopa into another vehicle which was also coming along with them. When I again resisted to such behavior saying that it was illegal to behave in this manner, two S.P.O.'s started abusing and slapping me and bundled me also inside the car. Before being bundled into car, I somehow managed inform my senior Lawyer, colleagues and friends in Delhi about this incident. Noticing this two SPOs, started slapping and beating me and tried to snatch my mobile and, but I didn't give my mobile, but after this they force me inside the car and did not allow me use the mobile phone.
At about 5 P.M., we reached Bhairamgarh police station. The IT, Bhairamgadh asked me to give my mobile phone and also asked to switch it off and we were asked to sit there inside the police station. We were kept at a place inside police station with two S.P.O. keeping an eye on us. At about 8 p.m. we were taken for dinner in a nearby Hotel, from where we came in 15-20 minutes. At about 8:45 P.M. the officials of Bhairamgarh police station called me inside a room and tried to ask about the reason of me deciding to accompany Mr.Kopa. About three minutes later TI of Bhairamgarh started addressing me in an extremely rude and disrespectful manner and soon became violent and abusive. He started abusing me with slur and offensive language, which was followed by beatings with a thick bamboo stick and with a hard rubber cane, continuously slapping me while pulling my hair and kicking severely. After sometime he went out and started beating Kopa Kunjam. Kopa Kunjum was brought into the same room and both of us were beaten severely for 30 minutes by the TI Mr. Nand and an assistant constable Banjara, while some 15 other police staff & S.P.Os surrounded both of us. TI Mr. Nand also said that " No Advocate in Bastar dares to speak in my presence and you talk a lot. Now show me how much you can talk! Show me how much law you know?" Later I was taken to a separate room and was questioned about the purpose of my stay in Dantewada and association with VCA. At around 10 PM, I listened someone saying that , "Sala Bada Admi hai , Delhi se Sahab ka phone aya hai." Soon after this I was asked to write in a paper that I was brought to Bhairamgadh and as it has become late evening and there is no mode of transport and since the area is a very sensitive and unsafe, I decided to spend the night at Bhairamgarh station, where I am safe. In Bhairamgadh Police Station, they said that that Himanshu is a Naxalite and whoever is working with Himanshu is a naxalite and who stays with Himanshu it a Naxal supporter.
Mr. Kopa was very badly beaten and had received serious injuries on his chest, back and leg, due to which he was even unable to walk and sleep properly. I have got injuries on front portion of elbow of right hand, biceps and back causing severe pain and swelling. I was even not able to move my hands and back due to severe pain. I spend whole of night shivering and in pain, speculating what next is to happen.
On 11 December, 2009 at 9:30 a.m. I was send to Dantewada police station accompanied by 4 S.P.O.'s in a vehicle and one head constable of Bhairamgarh police station, while Mr. Kopa was kept detained. When they reached Dantewada Police Station, two volunteers of VCA were called and I was handed over to them.
After being released, next date day, I went to Ambedkar Hospital, Raipur to get a medical examination done, however I was asked make a compliant before the police and I was informed that the police will come after I make the complaint and then MLC will be conducted in the presence of police. I thought of going back to Dantewada to lodge the F.I.R. but because I was scared of being implicated in any false case this time, I did not go there.
However, being very much concerned about the trend of even lawyers not being allowed to function freely and being beaten up like this, I have no other option except to write this open letter-cum-appeal addressed to every body so that the issue could be taken up by the society itself. I have been subjected this kind of brutality for working for poor and powerless. It is against law, against democracy and even against morality to do this to an advocate. If such kind of treatment is given to young lawyers who want to work towards a better society, young generation will loose hope.

Kindly take appropriate step against those who have abused power vested in them to beat and insult me in this gruesome manner and help restoring the faith of young people in the democracy and rule of law.

Yours Sincerely

Alban Toppo
Advocate




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Open letter to Prime Minister of India and Member of Parliament in India

 

Greetings from PVCHR and Wide Angel.

The Government of India has been actively considering amendments to the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA). In this regard, the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Amendment Bill 2009 has been listed for discussion during the ongoing winter session of the Parliament.

Pertinently the proposed amendments have not been placed in the public domain for a discussion on the same. Peoples' Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR) and NATT alliance member Wide angle from Manipur  would like to urge that AFSPA should be repealed in totality and no part of it should be inserted in any other legislation of the country.

The AFSPA grants special powers to the armed forces of the union to operate in the States of Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Tripura,Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh since 1958, and in Jammu Kashmir since 1990. Once an area is declared 'disturbed' under this Act, the armed forces of the union can arrest and detain citizens without warrant, search and destroy properties without warrant, and even use force to the extent of killing citizens on mere suspicion.

Civil society groups in these regions as well as human rights groups outside the regions have documented gross violations of human rights under this Act and have been demanding its repeal. Ms. Irom Sharmila, a Manipuri poet, has created history as she enters the tenth year of her indefinite hunger strike against the Act, despite several attempts by the state to forcibly feed her. She has been uncompromisingly demanding the repeal of this draconian law.

· India: Please take immediate action to save the life of the Female Human Rights Defender in Manipur, India.

http://pvchr.blogspot.com/2009/08/india-please-take-immediate-action-to_19.html

· Thanks from the mothers of Manipur to you

http://testimony-india.blogspot.com/2009/08/thanks-from-mothers-of-manipur-to-you.html
· PVCHR actions against torture in Manipur
http://testimony-india.blogspot.com/2009/08/pvchr-actions-against- torture-in.html

· Open letter in the matter of Manipur
http://testimony-india.blogspot.com/2009/08/open-letter-in-matter-of-manipur_02.html

http://pvchr.blogspot.com/2009/08/petition-in-murder-in-plain-sight-at.html

http://www.tehelka.com/story_main42.asp?filename=Ne080809murder_in.asp

 

We wrote the open letter to Shri Rahul Gandhi for repeal of AFSA on 2 August 2009.Please visit:

 http://testimony-india.blogspot.com/2009/08/open-letter-in-matter-of-manipur_02.html

My personal experience in two times visits to Manipur, I gaze the behaviour of the military and the police with the common people and I also witnessed the frustration of the Manipurian people for the main land Indian. Torture and corruption by law enforcement agencies and violence by underground forces are eliminating the democratic space for democratic processes, which is converting in collapse of rule of law in Manipur fueled by the frustration and anxiety of common Manipurians.

I met the Irom Chanu Sharmila, co-awardees of Gwangju Human Rights Award from Manipur, a Northeastern province of India. Burning the fire of non-violence in the land of insurgents, Sharmila has made the extraordinary protest against a black law. She started 'fast unto death' six years back, demanding repeal of the draconian law 'Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act 1958' (AFSPA). The Guinness Book of World Records has already recognized Sharmila as the longest surviving fasting individual in the world. According to the Guinness Book, it is the longest protest on a social cause by a single individual anywhere in the world. Sharmila was also one of the '1000 Peace Women', who were nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, 2005.

In fact, the curly-haired, fair complexioned Sharmila has changed the face of protest in the insurgency torn Manipur. Located nearly 2400 km away from the national capital, the Myanmar (Burma) bordering state is home to 30 ethnic groups. Moreover Manipur nurtures near about 25 armed outfits, who are fighting New Delhi with demands ranging from sovereignty to self-determination. Sharmila completes six years of her non-violent protest on November 2. She started hunger strike immediately after the Malom massacre of November 2, 2000 in which the security personnel (of Assam Rifles) killed 10  innocent  people.

During her fasting days in Manipur, Sharmila was kept in a well-guarded ward of the Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital in Imphal. On November 20, 2004, Prime Minster Dr Manmohan Singh assured Sharmila that the government would review the controversial law to fight insurgents in the region. Later, a review committee was constituted by the central government to review the imposition of AFPSA. However, Sharmila remained unmoved. "I will continue my non-violent agitation until my demand is fulfilled," she told government representatives.

In August 2004, Chief Minister of Manipur, Okram Ibobi Singh, tried to persuade her to give up her fast as the state government had lifted the 'Disturbed Area Act' (this act is preliminary essential to impose AFSPA somewhere) from the Imphal municipal areas. But she refused to entertain the request of the chief minister, as the decision of the cabinet was 'not up to her expectations'.
It may be mentioned that, AFSPA that is applied only in Kashmir and Northeast empowers the security forces to arrest people and enter property without warrant, and to use excessive force (including shooting or killing, even if the lives of the members of the security force are not at imminent risk). The Act facilitates impunity because no person can initiate legal action against any member of the armed forces for anything done under the Act, without permission of the central government.

AFSPA was first applied to Assam (now Asom) and Manipur and later amended in 1972 to extend to all Northeastern states (of the country), including Nagaland, Tripura, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram. Insurgency-torn Manipur was completely placed under AFSPA in 1980. Manipur has witnessed innumerable killings ever since. Manipur chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh himself admits, "Over 12,000 security personnel and insurgents, and 8000 innocent people have lost their lives till date."

In the last decade, the armed forces have often been accused of committing brutalities under AFSPA. The brutal July 11 (2004) slaying of weaver Manorama Thangjam, 32, by the men of Assam Rifles sparked off a public outcry. When this failed to elicit any response from the authorities, grief-stricken angry women stripped naked and rattled the gates of Kangla Fort (headquarters of the Assam Rifles), demanding justice.

Born in 1972 to Irom Nanda and Irom Shakhi, Sharmila, the youngest of the 9 children, has always been considered to be very brave and sensitive. On the third day of her fast-unto-death, Sharmila was arrested by the state police and charged of attempting to commit suicide. Sharmila has been under judicial custody ever since.

In 2002, Chief Minister Singh told Sharmila that as the government would not be able to repeal the act, keeping in view the law and order situation of the state, she should withdraw her agitation. Sharmila said in reply, "I love peace very much, but first of all, we must have the right to justice." Later in the year, a frustrated Singh told the Manipur State Assembly that the state government had to spend around Rs 147,000 in two years to keep Sharmila 'alive'.
 The legitimate question that may be raised here, that how can India, which prides itself as the largest democracy in the world, ignore the spirit of non-violent movement that was initiated by none other than Mahatma Gandhi?

 So in this hostile situation, to provide the psychological support to the survivors of arms conflict area PVCHR – RCT with the support of Wide Angle a local organization of Manipur is organizing training of the trainer on the testimonial therapy from 10th August to 21st August, 2009. In the workshop Manual "Giving Voice" will developed in the context of the North –east region. 

The imposition of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958, a draconian law pressed to use in several parts of India, in the states of Manipur and Jammu and Kashmir in particular, provides statutory impunity to the state agencies. The vires of this law was repeatedly challenged before the Supreme Court of India. Each time the Court dismissed the petition. Caught between two equally inhuman forces, the underground militants and the state agencies, the people of Manipur live as if they are caught between the devil and the deep blue sea.

Concerns have been expressed about this situation by domestic and international agencies. For example, the National Human Rights Commission of India has repeatedly requested the Government of India and the state administration to deal with the situation of law and order in Manipur on several occasions. The annual reports of the Commission for the past four years consistently reflect this fact.
Justice B. P. Jeeven Reddy Commission, deputed to study and report to the Government of India about the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 has also highlighted this fact, in addition to recommending to the Government of India an immediate withdrawal of the law from the state. The Commission filed its report to the Government in 2005. The Prime Minister of India responded by stating in a press conference that the law will be withdrawn as early as possible. Since then nothing is heard about the governments' plan to withdraw the law. International human rights organizations have also expressed similar concerns.

 The PVCHR and wide angle therefore requests you to:

1) Encourage the Government of India to immediately withdraw the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958;

2) Suggest the government to constitute an independent agency to investigate and prosecute cases of human rights violations committed by the state agencies in Manipur;

3) Recommend the government to implement the recommendations made by the Justice B. P. Jeevan Reddy Commission submitted to the government in 2005;

4) Urge the government to simultaneously find a political solution to the problems affecting the rule of law in Manipur though a process of interactive dialogue with the people and their leaders, thereby creating an environment of mutual respect and understanding.

 

With warm regards,

Dr. Lenin

Ashoka Fellow
2007 Gwanju Human Rights Awardee
Convenor-PVCHR
Mobile:+91-9935599333
 Please visit:  
http://www.universalrights.net/heroes/display.php3?id=101
www.pvchr.org
www.youtube.com/pvchrindia
www.pvchr.blogspot.com
www.sapf.blogspot.com
www.antiwto.blogspot.com
www.dalitwomen.blogspot.com
www.lenin-shruti.blogspot.com

My final words of advice to you are educate, agitate and organize; have faith in yourself. With justice on our side I do not see how we can loose our battle.. The battle to me is a matter of joy. The battle is in the fullest sense spiritual. There is nothing material or social in it. For ours is a battle not for wealth or for power. It is battle for freedom. It is the battle of reclamation of human personality….
Dr. B.R.Ambedkar
"If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. If an elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse and you say that you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality." (Desmond Tutu)

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Voice of voiceless: PVCHR condemn on the Maguindanao Massacre

Voice of voiceless: PVCHR condemn on the Maguindanao Massacre

Peoples' Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR): Annual Report 2009 on Human Rights Defenders.

Peoples' Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR): Annual Report 2009 on Human Rights Defenders.

Varanasi police firing victim family honored at people’s tribunal | TwoCircles.net

Varanasi police firing victim family honored at people’s tribunal | TwoCircles.net

People's tribunal on human rights - Varanasi - City - The Times of India

People's tribunal on human rights - Varanasi - City - The Times of India

Wir über uns!

Wir über uns!

Peoples' Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR): Open letter to Prime Minister of India against terror strategy of SIB

Peoples' Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR): Open letter to Prime Minister of India against terror strategy of SIB

Invitation:“Peoples’ Tribunal on situation of Education and development among Muslim Weavers and Artisan”

You are cordially invited in the "Peoples' Tribunal on situation of Education and development with dignity among Muslim Weavers and Artisan" at 2:30 pm on 18^th November, 09 at Paradkar Smriti Bhawan, Maidagin, Varanasi, India.  The tribunal will be chaired by Ms. Sayed Hameed, Member of Planning Commission, Government of India.

 

This tribunal was organization by various organization PVCHR, VOP, BDAM, Nalanda, ERS, Citizen Front and sponsored by Sir Dorabji Tata Trust (SDTT) .

 Please see the link:

http://pvchr.blogspot.com/2009/11/india-police-savagery-continues-in.html

http://pvchr.blogspot.com/2009/11/republic-of-hunger.html

 

In Warm Welcome

Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi

Convener

Peoples' Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR)

 

Police savagery on Muslim weavers continues in Varanasi

Police savagery on Muslim weavers continues in Varanasi

Peoples' Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR): India: Police savagery continues in Varanasi

Peoples' Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR): India: Police savagery continues in Varanasi

Peoples' Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR): INDIA: Drug mafias don assaults Dr. Lenin and apathy of the police and health department of Varanasi

Peoples' Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR): INDIA: Drug mafias don assaults Dr. Lenin and apathy of the police and health department of Varanasi

A Remark at controversy on Nobel Peace prize to Mr. Obama Video by PVCHR - MySpace Video

A Remark at controversy on Nobel Peace prize to Mr. Obama Video by PVCHR - MySpace Video

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Right Livelihood Award: What is 'right livelihood'?

Right Livelihood Award: What is 'right livelihood'?