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DAM-L LS: NBA PR on Bhopal fast; Statement from Baba Amte (fwd)
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subject: LS: NBA PR on Bhopal fast; Statement from Baba Amte
Press Note 28.10.2000
Sender: owner-irn-narmada@netvista.net
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NARMADA BACHAO ANDOLAN
B-13, Shivam Flats, Ellora Park, Baroda, Gujarat. Telefax: 0265-382232
58, M.G.Road, Badwani, M.P. Tel: 07290-22464
----------
Press Note 28.10.2000
Bhopal fast enters 4th day: Support from different parts pouring in
Entering the penultimate day of the symbolic 5 day fast by 8 comrades of
Narmada valley and outside, more and more people are joining it from
different parts of the country. Veteran journalist and socialist thinker
Shri.Prabhas Joshi has come from Delhi to extend his unfettered support to
the cause of Narmada Bachao Andolan. Educationalist Prof.Anil Sadgopal,
over 15 others, representing other organisations too have reached from
Delhi to extend their support. Earlier, organisations trade unions,
educationists, people's movements from Bhopal, by coming to the
dharna-sthal, joined others to deplore the anti-people judgment of the
Supreme Court. They include Bhopal Gas Peedith Mahila Sangathan, Eklavya,
and others.
Medha Patkar, along with Mamata Rajesigh (Vill. Ekalwara), Manorama Patel
(vill. Balgao), Gita bahen and Mahadev Patidar (vill. Badada), Kamala
Patidar (Vill. Pathrad, Mahesshwar dam affected), Leela bahen (Vill.
Nisarpur) and Mohan Kumar (supporter of the Andolan from Kerala) are on a
5-day fast from 25th October onwards in protest against the Supreme Court
Verdict on the Narmada case and also to appeal the Civil society to stand
by justice and people.
People in the Narmada Valley held different programs, questing and
challenging the unjust verdict. In Ekalvara village of Nimad, people
rallied to the banks of the Narmada, resolving to save the river Narmada
and the life that she nurtures. Instead of the usual ceremonial painting
the horns of bullocks with bright colours, this year's Balipratipada day of
Diwali saw the horns of bullocks painted with Black. Men in Nimad observed
fast yesterday, while the women are observing fast today. People from
Nisarpur, Kadmal, Khaparkheda, Bajarikheda marched to the Narmada Valley
Development Authority (NVDA) office in Badwani with black flags.
Reports from abroad says that people in different countries didn't observe
Diwali and joined the people of Narmada Valley in celebrating it as black
day. More and more people are also observing fast on different days of the
Bhopal action and there are even some who are fasting to the entire stretch
of 5 days.
Alok Agarwal Joe Athialy
-------------
Statement by Baba Amte
Baba Amte
Lok Biradari,
Kasrawad,
Dist Badwani,
Madhya Pradesh
For Press
COURT MUST ADHERE TO THE CONSTITUTION OF AMBEDKAR AND GANDHI
ENCOURAGE RULE OF LAW AND NOT THE RULE OF CORPORATES: BABA AMTE
The majority verdict of the Supreme Court about the Sardar Sarovar dam is
beyond the rule of law and only reinforce the government's oppressive way
against the people. The judges should have seen the facts for themselves;
and not as Government agencies. The judgement has entrusted the monitoring
work of rehabilitation to the Narmada Control Authority (NCA) while giving
the go ahead to the project. This so-called watchdog are but the government
bodies and have no teeth to protect the interests of Adivasis and peasants.
The Judges could have gone in depth about the merits of the project,
whether it really solves the problem of Kutch and Saurashtra. Instead it
went on singing hyperbole for the project without any scrutiny.
It has been observed that the judiciary, at times, wearing the cloak of
priesthood, suffocates the human rights of the poor. Corruption and Capital
are given legitimacy instead of adhering to the rule of law. But, we have
different expectations from Indian judiciary. The Constitution of India,
created basically for the protection of the rights of the poor and
depressed, inspired by the values that Mahatma Gandhi cherished and drafted
with the egalitarian passion by Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar, lies sacrificed at
the altar of the corporate interests and their crafty plans. Our
Constitution makers envisaged the equality, democracy and the protection of
the fundamental rights of the depressed classes, as the utmost values,
which the Judges should have heeded.
The dissenting judgement by Jst. Bharucha is a face-saver for Indian
judiciary and it does vindicate the issues raised in the court. He has
asked the stopping the dam and having a new environmental clearance for the
dam. It is unfortunate that his judgement is considered as minority
judgement. The majority-minority issue should not have been allowed to be
used against the rights of the have-nots in India.
The Judgement against the people in the Narmada valley heralds a new battle
ahead for the poor and dispossessed of this country. It requires tremendous
effort and resilience on the part of the people and activists in the
Narmada valley to rise and fight again after such a blow from the system.
When one sees the death procession of the human rights of the marginalised
people, it is imperative that the President of India must intervene as his
Constitutional duty. I call unto the youths with sharp teeth of this
country to take bites of this injustice and restore the sanctity of the
Constitution. It is a time that we strengthen another Freedom struggle for
a sane, just, non-violent and sustainable society.
From my sickbed, remembering the pristine flow of Narmada and the warmth
of life around it, I still hope that the judiciary recognises its
commitment to the values in the Constitution as given by Ambedkar and
Gandhi. Do not sacrifice the life of the last person of India for the sake
of the corporate powers. The protectors should not become connivers of the
crime against the depressed classes.
Baba Amte
Anandvan, October 26, 2000.
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>>>>> CAPITAL PUNISHMENT for Narmada Valley <<<<<
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