No respite
Twenty women of the Adivasi Shakti Sangathan went on a hunger strike in Madhya Pradesh (MP) protesting the atmosphere of terror created by the local administration against its activists and supporters. The strike, which started on June 2, ended eight days later, with the National Human Rights Commission's (NHRC's) assurance to look into the grievances.
In the Kandipura hamlet of the village Sulgaon of district Khargone, the forest department had undertaken plantations on the grazing path of the villagers' cattle. Cattle was impounded by the forest department for "trespassing". As the villagers went to release the cattle, cases were filed against the villagers. Says Bhuribai of village Ukalasur, whose village is also in conflict with the forest department over the same issue: "The foresters take Rs 50-100 for releasing each animal."
The NHRC had asked the MP government to reply to the allegations. The state government's reply was forwarded to the tribal activists. The commission is awaiting the sangathan's reaction. After the intervention of the NHRC, an inquiry has been initiated by the deputy superintendent of police and statements of the adivasis are being recorded.
"The organisation is being victimised for undertaking struggle against illegal liquor vendors, non-implementation of the minimum wages to the agricultural labourers and hurting the vested interests in the area," says Rahul, an activist. The sangathan has antagonised the government as several villagers are asserting their right to the forests. "The local administration is filing false cases against the villagers and has even resorted to the brutal beatings to repress their agitation," says Subhadra Khaparde, who sat on the hunger strike.
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