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dam-l Maheshwar update 13.6 1/3
490 ARRESTED ON 10TH JUNE. NATIONAL WOMEN'S COMMISSION REPORT RELEASED.
DIGVIJAY SINGH TO MEET NBA IN MANDLESHWAR ON 17TH JUNE
It may be recollected that On 10th June 490 people were arrested from
one of the "people's check points". One activist, Jagannath Chaudhari
from village Mardana was stripped naked in front of public by 10 police
men. Women were threatened that it will be their turn next time and they
will be stripped and trampled if the action continues. Some people,
injured during the arrest had to be hospitalized. All the arrested
people were released on the same day, late in the evening. They had a
rally in Mandleshwar after the release and gathered at the police
station to file a FIR. Police refused to file the same. Immediately
people have started a relay fast in front of the Mandleshwar police
station which is going on since the 10th. The check point was resumed.
In the mean time, the report of National Women's Commission which
visited Maheshwar valley to investigate police atrocities on peaceful
protestors on 22nd and 23rd of April 98, has been released. The
conclusion and recommendations of the report are as follows.
Quote From Report Begins ________________________
1. The investigation so far reveals that violence was used extensively
against peaceful demonstrators on 22nd and 23rd April 98 at the
Maheshwar Hydle Project site.The violence was not provoked by self
defence or used a means to control an unruly mob. This violence was
perpetrated against people who were protesting peacefully against the
breach of promise by the Government which has gone back on its order to
stay all construction till the report of the task force is complete.
2. This violence, accompanied by vulgar and sexual abuses, is a big blow
to the empowerment of women who have, for the first time, come out of
their homes to protect their right to life. Their right to life cannot
be equated with financial losses which may have ensued if there was any
damage to the pits.
3. It is pertinent that administrative circumstances under which the
police has acted be investigated formally. This is not the first time
that the NCW has been requested to step into investigating excesses by
the State in the Khargone district. The last incident was just about
seven months ago and comprised of large scale violence looting and
displacement of tribal women. Even at that time the NCW had warned the
Government that unless the method and the means to deal with the demands
of the people were modified and their grievances handled in a just and
fair manner there was every chance of creating massive discontent and
unrest.
4. There is every need at this point to handle the review process in a
just and fair manner. The Government has to abide by its own promise to
wait until the report of the Task Force is submitted. Even if the
project gets a clarence, a genuine effort has to be made to rebuild the
life of the people. They should not be left exposed to blasting and free
access to their fields, if and when construction starts again.
Alternative arrangements have to be made before any displacement occurs.
The Government has to be pro-active and not wait for struggles to be
launched before taking cognizance. In the entire process the government
should continue to involve the NBA.
5. Every effort needs to be made to repair the breach of confidence and
to redress any injustice done. Doctors should be instructed to examine
anyone who comes to them with a complaint. Similarly the police must
register the complaints no matter who complains.
6. The district administration should not be given the responsibility of
maintaining law and order without being involved in decisions which are
bound to create problems. It needs to be understood that the costs and
benefits of a project cannot be seen in isolation from sacrifices being
demanded from some of the people.
7. These recommendations are being made with a view to seeking a
solution which prevents the recurrence of such events in the future.
It must be recognized that unless status quo is restored with respect
to staying all construction work pending the recommendations of the task
force in this regard, violence will become a continuing reality in this
otherwise peaceful valley.
Recommendations
1. That the State Government stops all constructions including the
construction of the safety wall until the task force submits its report.
2. That people of Jalud must be provided with immediate access to their
fields and to their river by dismantling the fencing.
3. That the State Government must first institute a time -bound Judicial
inquiry and take action against those responsible for wide spread
violence against people.
4. That the State Government should investigate the circumstances under
which people spend their time in jail and take action against those
responsible for making them provide bonds for their release.
5. That the State Government provides compensation to those who have
suffered injuries and loss of jewellery and belongings. Jail and hospital
records should be used as the basis for compensating people. An
ex-gratia amount of Rs. 500 should be paid to all those who were
imprisoned, Rs. 5000 should be paid to women who have reported a loss of
jewellery and those hospitalized. Cost of medical treatment should be
reimbursed to those who have filed FIRs.
6. That the state Government should take action against those
responsible for non delivery of release orders which lengthened the
detention of hundreds of people.
7. The State Government should ensure that the presence of police at the
dam site is there to protect people, the police should be prevented from
becoming a private army working against people.
Dr. Syeda Saiyidain Hammed.
Member,
National Commission for Women
26-5-98.
End of Quote From Report____________________________
The release of this report and the continuing struggle by the people has
brought pressure on the State Government. The NCW insisted that Digvijay
Singh, the Chief minister of MP talk to the people, and so he is coming
to Maheshwar to talk to the NBA. Dr. Mohini Giri, Chairperson of
National Women's Commission and Dr Syeda Hammed too will remain present.
Medha Patkar, Alok Agarwaal and Chittaroopa Palit, activist of NBA
along with the people of Maheshwar will remain present in the talks.
Though the CM has announced that he will be talking on the
rehabilitation issue, people are determined to talk on the fundamental
questions of the project and the breach of promise by the State.
Nandini Oza, NBA