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dam-l LS: NBA To Serve Legal Notice On Maharashtra CM
NARMADA BACHAO ANDOLAN
B-13, Shivam Flats, Ellora Park, Baroda-390007 (Ph. 0265-382232)
Camp: 16, Ashoknagar, Dhule- 424001 (Ph. 02562-34519, 37367)
_____________________________________________
Press Note October 3, 1999
NBA TO SERVE LEGAL NOTICE ON MR. RANE FOR DEFAMATION AND THREAT.
TRIBALS FROM JAIL CHALLENGE THE CHIEF MINISTER TO SHOW LAND FOR RESETTLEMENT
Indefinite fast by Medha and others continues on 2nd day - Ninth day of Dharna
As indefinite fast of Medha Patkar and her 5 colleagues in Dhule jail
entered its second day on Sunday (Oct.3). The jailed tribals from the
Narmada valley have challenged the Chief Minister of Maharashtra,
Mr.Narayan Rane, to come and show them the land for resettlement.
Meanwhile, the Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA) will be serving a legal notice
to the Chief Minister for defaming the Andolan and threatening the tribals'
struggle.
Strongly reacting to the utterances of the CM that the Government has 2200
ha. of land for resettlement of the tribal oustees from Maharashtra, the
tribal detainees asked him why is he not responding to the call of
discussions on the basic issues of Resettlement and Rehabilitation of the
oustees who are in the jail since Sept. 23. They reminded him that the
Deputy Collector of Nandurbar had admitted on 19th March this year that
there was no land for resettlement, and the resettlement officer in Rozva
rehabilitation site, had given the same in writing in May 1999. Despite
these facts, they asked in "on what basis the CM has been claiming about
this mysterious 2200 ha? Why is he talking all about it from Nashik, Mumbai
etc. pray? Come to Dhule, and if you have the courage, show us the land and
the amenities."
They also reminded the CM of the stand taken by his counterpart in Madhya
Pradesh, where the latter has asked for the review of the Narmada Tribunal
and stoppage of the dam citing the non-availability of the land for
resettlement. The people lamented that the CM did not keep his oft-made
promise to come and inspect the status of resettlement and has depended on
the misinformation provided by the officials who have been acting as the
agents of contractors.
Legal Notice to Chief Minister
NBA has decided to issue a legal notice to CM, Mr.Narayan Rane, for his
irresponsible and highly defamatory utterances regarding the Andolan made
during the past week. He has alleged in his press conferences in Nashik and
Pune that the NBA has appropriated the land meant for the project affected
people. According to him, there is a foreign hand behind the agitation and
Medha Patkar has been continuing the agitation for self-projection. The
Andolan also deiced to issue notices under Section 3 of Prevention of
Atrocities on Tribals Act. Mr. Rane has threatened of finishing off the
Andolan in his numerous interviews. This is nothing but a direct threat to
the tribals' movement struggling for their rights. Immediately after one of
those threats the police had unwarrently beaten and arrested hundreds of
tribals and activists in Dhadgaon on Sep.23rd. This incident has taken
place immdiately after the CM had issued such a threat through a section of
press. The Andolan had repeatedly challenged the CM to prove these charges
and put all the informations regarding this charges before the public. It
has charged the CM of trying to divert the focus on the issue of
displacement and resettlement and of proving his claims.
The Dharna & Indefinite Fast
Meanwhile, one more detainee from Dhule jail has joined the indefinite fast
against the injustice of the State Government. Ms.Komal Patidar, launched
her indefinite fast on Sunday along with Medha Patkar, Sitarambhai Patidar
( Kadmal), Doorsingh Vasave (Domkhedi), Naharsingh Pavara (Savariya),
Mahadeo Patidar ( Chhota Barda) and Dadliya Munda Vasava (Domkhedi). Five
others Dedlybai Vasave, Geeta Vasave, Manja Padvi, Vanita Padvi and
Shakuntala Kanera observed 24 hours fast inside the jail. This was
complimented by relay fast by 4 comrades from the Narmada valley and
outside participating in the indefinite dharna for the last 9 days outside
the jail. The supporters from Delhi, Kerala, Gujarat joined the hundreds in
the dharna today. Mr. Subash Lomte, the convenor of the union of
agricultural labourers in the country, Mr.Vishnu Dhoble, president of state
unit of Samajwadi Jan Parishad and others today expressed solidarity with
the Narmada struggle. They condemned the utterances of Mr.Rane. "This shows
the level to which this person can stoop. Andolan should not take him
seriously."
Maharashtra Governor Agrees to meet
The Governor of Maharashtra, Dr.P.C .Alexander has agreed to meet a
delegation of representatives of NBA supporters in Mumbai on 6th Oct. NBA
has been appealing to the Governor of the state and the President to use
their prerogative under Schedule 5 of the Constitution - to protect the
lives of the tribals and stop the work on the dam.
(Sanjay Sangvai)