Friday, December 26, 2008
Monday, December 22, 2008
Landright actvists and Ashoka fellow John in Danger
Dear Friends
Many of us know John Abraham, Ashoka Fellow from Ahmednagar, Maharashtra and
his on-going struggle for Adivasi rights. He and his colleagues are
several false cases in various courts insituted by the non-tribals in
collusion with local officials. Presently, he is undergoing a trial at
Kopargaon Sessions Court along with other Adivasis where the charge is of
attacking a police station with arms and attempt to murder. Ashoka has
already helped by finding him a lawyer. However, in my discussion with John
I realised that he is going through a severe financial crunch due to high
lawyer's fees, legal expenses and travel expenses for lawyer.
I am enclosing his address below with a sincere request that Ashoka fellows
should contact him and also help financially (or any other way you can).
This is about friendship and solidarity in real tough times. Please do
respond.
Best regards
Paromita Goswami
Ashoka Fellow, 2001
John may be contacted at
John P. Abraham
Puntamba
Taluka: Rahata
Ahmednagar
Maharashtra - 413707
email - jpuntamba@hotmail.com
Phone:-09860538915
Friday, December 19, 2008
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Folk School of weaver at Bajardeeha,Varanasi
Dr. Lenin talking in folf school of weavers organizaed at Bazardeeha, Varanasi
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
The Bangalore Declaration
The Bangalore Declaration
Adopted Unanimously By
All India Consultation: For A New Course of Cultural Politics of Indigenous People towards Critical Social Action for Transformation
Organised by
NAFRE –People’s Movement Held at, Bangalore between 13-15th of October 2008
We the representatives and social activists from NAFRE peoples movement, assembled at the All India Consultation at Bangalore between 13-15 October 2008, to deliberate on the origin, machination and implications of the Contemporary Cultural Politics of Social Exclusion, Religious Marginalisation and Communal Fascism as experienced by the vast majority of indigenous people of this Indian Sub-Continent:
Declare our belief in establishing a democratic society based on the culture of Justice, Equality, Liberty and Fraternity, as envisioned by Buddha, Mahatma Jyothi Rao Phule E.V.R.Periyaar, and Baba saheb Ambedkar,
Reveal that for centuries our Children from marginalised communities are snatched of their potential childhood where they are continued to be deprived, divided, excluded, enslaved, victimised and continued to be imposed with worst forms of violence unleashed by every structure of oppression/exploitation and exclusion which are sustained and controlled by the politics of hegemony.
Understand the ploy that Brahmanism has already laid strong foundation in the larger Indian mindset with Varnashrama Dharma, it polarises the entire society and ascribes caste, religious, gender, national, cultural based identities that becomes the source of all forms of discrimination, segregation, exclusion and persecution.
Recognise that the hegemonic ideology of Brahmanism is born out of the segregation of society into various unequal social groups with graded inequalities, destined by the birth of a person attaching with the notion of purity-impurity in order to produce, reproduce and sustain power, hegemony and control ,
Understand that the various streams of native philosophical structures basing itself with the common chord of materialism starting from Shramanism to Buddhism have been either co-opted or wiped out based on its levels of resistance against Brahmanism,
Identify that the contemporary crisis as imposed by the cultural ideology of Brahmanism and its functions through structured institutions like Caste, Patriarchy, Religion and Nation State.
Recognise that contrary to Brahmanical cultural Ideology, the indigenous cultural streams have promoted the Dignity of Individuals and Community, belief in Collective Ownership, Collective Wisdom, Collective life, celebrating symbiotic relationship with nature and belief in non-exploitative and non-hegemonic cultural fabric for thousands of years,
Recognise that Women, Dalits, Adhivasis, coastal communities all other Indigenous communities who continued to uphold the mantle of anti-Brahmanic, anti-Varnashrama cultural politics are the ultimate critical mass who will create and lead the alternate political culture ,
Analyse that the institutions of family, caste, religion, culture, politics where women from various social strata are subjugated to different levels of violence, discrimination, intimidation, cultural slavery and persecutions, including the dehumanised practice of prostitution are the creations of Brahmanical patriarchy.
Recognise that women especially from Dalit communities face multiple forms of discrimination and marginalisation including caste based, religious based and patriarchal ideology and practices,
Recognise that under the yoke of caste system, the entire social groups as Scheduled Castes (Dalits) are denied of any civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, and are destined to live in servitude,
Recognise the fact that the theory of one Nation was promoted by the dominant caste groups led by the ideology of Hinduism (Brahmanism),curtailing the aspirations and natural evolution of several independent nations/nationalities in this sub-continent,
Understand that Brahmanism that got consolidated during the period of British Colonialism has also entrenched itself as Hinduism in state, Politics, Governance, Economics, culture and continue to rule and divide the people into imaginary majority and minorities to discriminate and persecute members of other religions like Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, etc
Understand that in the name of Religion what is attempted by the protagonist of Hindutva is not an issue of faith alone, but more the politics of polarising communities one against the other like Hindu vs Muslim, Hindu vs Christian, Hindu vs Dalits, Hindu vs Adivasis, etc in order to consolidate the Brahmanical Political hegemony,
Identify that the politics of Brahmanism and its culture of intolerance have already played havoc, more so in the post-independence period by unleashing communal tensions, wars where loss of life and blood shedding has seriously broken the canvass of cultural harmony resulting in communal fascism leading to mass murder and xenophobia
Recognise the fact that the remaining tribals across the sub-continent are under perennial and heavy pressure of the same Brahmanical forces to come under the system of slavery and in collusion with imperialist forces has been massively depriving not only their livelihood, resource base but also tribal’ culture and religious distinctness,
Recognise the ongoing war on the Nagas, Mizos and others of the North-Eastern Region is the ploy of the same Brahmanical Exclusion and in opposition to that the People’s aspiration towards self-determination to be upheld and implemented,
Understand the fact that the very intent of our constitution - equality, Democracy, freedom and Secularism – have been defeated by the successive governments and instead promoted the politics of hegemony in every structure and systems like - governance, legal and judicial system, economy, politics, education, infrastructure and control over natural resources and therby denying life with dignity to all historically marginalised communities.
Understand that the historical ploy of excluding the vast majority of the indigenous people from accessing quality education is to deprive human development by excluding them from knowledge and scientific/rational thinking, and this ploy creates the fertile ground to advance the rule of hegemony basing itself on mass illiteracy and ignorance ,
Recognise the fact that today the neo Brahmanism has colluded with the Neo-imperialism has brought draconian development policies (like SEZ, CMZ, all round privatisation) have further marginalised and excluded the historically disadvantaged communities, and imposed acute conditions of human existence (malnutrition, suicide and hunger deaths), livelihood crisis, deprived human development, forced migration, large scale displacement, etc have all resulted in shattered community life of vast majority of the indigenous people,
Recognising this form of vulgar development has opened the gate for restriction of development of people’s science, technology, art and literature and massively repressed individuals of all communities from the natural flow of healthy development but emerged as a source of Brahmanical version of capitalism, industry, trade, banking and all other branches of human life,
Analyse that clearly that the political hegemony of Brahmanism today has undermined the spirit of Socialism- being the core of our Constitution and enacted wholesale Privatisation blatantly denying the right of the vast majority of Indigenous Communities, from the access and control over the natural-common property resources and their rightful share in the country’s wealth (Land, Water, Forest, Coastal and Marine, mines and Minerals, Energy sources,) including Market,
Recall the struggles that innumerable leaders like Jyothiba Phule, Narayanguru, Ayothidas Pandithar, Periyar EVR, Babasaheb Ambedkar, Paditha.Ramabai, Rettamalai Srinivasan, have waged valiant struggles for the emancipation of the indigenous people of this country fighting the conspiracy of Brahmanism,
We, the undersigned unanimously consider these declaration vital keeping the future of our children at centre , Resolve to re-dedicate ourselves to take forward the struggle of the indigenous community to end all forms of domination, oppression, exploitation and achieve the human liberation and a life with dignity for all..
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Uttar Pradesh: Diary of Gahru Musahar
http://www.mynews.in/fullstory.aspx?storyid=4056
Uttar Pradesh: Diary of Gahru Musahar
Shruti Nagvanshi/Tara 24/4/2008 7:59:44 PM(IST)
My village is Belwa, Badepur in Varanasi district of Uttar Pradesh, there are two brick kilns in my village, but I don’t work there. One brick Kiln owner is of Ramashraj Singh and the other one is Rajendra Tripathi. I had a dispute with Tripati.
I have a pending case against him, where I was working. There were many labourers with me, out of which my sister in law dies, she required money, I was the head of labour, and on getting no money from Tripatti. Then I went to another brick kiln, in Prem Nagar of Nand Nal Chaurasia’s brick kiln. There is one vehicle Tiwari’s 10-12 people came to abuse me, and surrounded me, and then I told them that you have abused my mother. If you go ahead to abuse my sister or daughter, it will not be right. You are more people and we being less, then what? We will hit you with brick-stone whatever we will get.
Then I said it’s all right if you want, I should accompany you and warn for you. So I am ready, then I returned to Belwa. I was not well. I was sleeping at home. Tiwari’s advocate and police came to my home. They asked me if I worked at brick kiln. I said, “yes”.
They said come along Saheb (officers) has come and calling you. SDM (Sub-divisional Magistrate) did not visit Tiwari’s home and there were some of my relatives who were labours. Magistrate asked whether they had any problem. They did not reply under fear as to they had no problems. When he asked me, I narrated all my problems as to I have to work forcibly. On asking our wages, they say as to whether I have worked for him and earned. I answered, “I have worked as a laborer there, why I am demanding money?”
There was recorded in writing, my 1420 Rupees was due, magistrate to get down to police station, all went to police station Ajay Rai (Mafia MLA), Baba Singh influential Ex.block chief (Block Pramukh) were present from Tiwari’s side. They were staring me, I was afraid. I still face them -----. SDM the magistrate said that from the time I was posted in Mirzapur since then I was hearing complaints about Tiwari Pradhan (village chief).
I said we are working since years for him. Had he cared us, he would have improved condition. But the barren Pond, lake all has been taken possession by him. Tiwari said, “I will give money tomorrow. Then the magistrate said you give money just now, and then his cashier went and brought money and gave us. After this I change my way for reaching home. On the way I thought few people are moving around to kill me, on the other side Patel’s of my village worried about me whether they might kill me, I narrated the whole story then they got relief.
My elder brother Bhothu Musahar when asked for wages from Tiwary, Tiwary in front of his door and hardly gave Shabby abuses and beated him, and threaten to kill him of which a complain was made to Dr. Lenin of P.V.C.H.R. by my elder brother due to this administrative people come. When those people surrounded us, I told my brother that we are only two and they are around fifty so here we have to keep quite otherwise we would be in danger.
Tiwary used to say that his money was due on the other hand we people use to make 1200 to 1400 bricks per week then where was our wages? At that time I with my family use to work there. Every week they pay for fooding allowance where the rest wages, rest wages is with him. If we take 4000 rupees in advance then we will reimburse them after the few weeks of working but owner always showing deficit on us. We also calculate our wages that now we reimburse all advance now its my earnings but owner fails our calculations and we were remain in deficit. This year my health is not good that’s why I don’t want to work there but I have advance amount by the owner that is why I am here for reimbursement.
From police station our case closed then I go to P.V.C.H.R.’s office with my brother Bhothu then case started again now it is pending in court.
After this I went to Chanddigarh [capital of Haryana and Punjab] in a meeting there were many peoples talking about rights.
I don’ have good relation with Ramashray Singh earlier I worked with him around one year, my wife was pregnant at that time and she was severely ill, for her treatment I demand my wages with him he refused, from that day I never use to go in his brick kiln. He didn’t pay my wage, he was just giving 75 rupees to me what can we do with 75 rupees. Then I put the jewelry of my brother in laws wife as security and got 1200 rupees and then went to my father in laws home there I saw my wife gave birth. After that I went with my family to Deen Dayalpur where my sister is living, there we start working and there also dispute due to improper payment of wages that’s why we left that place also. After that I went to Surat for six months there I worked in mango orchard and getting fix amount of rupees 2500 per month.
There people quarried by me that how much you earn per month then I told them then one man ask to me that if you collect the fallen mangoes from ground and you sell them in market you earn more money. I used this and I earn 1000 rupees. But I was not feeling well there because my 4-year-old daughter died named Rani due to Diarrhea, within two hour she died I couldn’t do anything for saving her life. Due to this I turned unconscious. If I did not left my place then certainly I turned to mad, there I feel that another daughter (Jeera) is not well. Then I talked with my employer if you don’t give me leave then I must ruined your orchard with stick. Then he tried to convince me and said ok after some day I will arrange your ticket then you go back to your home. My ticket was of general class and I sat in sleeper class, due to this I was penalized by TTE in train. The rupees, which were earned by me of selling mangoes, spent there. Neither had I bought cloth for me not for my family members. When I reached home I heard that draft for rehabilitation is there amount of rupees 20,000 for me. Then I quarried with my brother why you didn’t receive that draft? He replied that he will come back then I give him. Same day I went to Dr. Lenin’s place and from then Lenin and I went to labour office. Lenin consulted with assistant labour commissioner. On second day shruti and I went to labour office and received the draft. There ALC quarried with me, what do you do with these Rupees? I replied sir neither I use to drink liquor nor I gambler and not a cheater also. We are hard working people’s and we follow the way of truth due to this we are deprived. I want to graze goat from this amount then officer objected no goats died due to diseases then I said I graze pig. I bought two pig kids of rupees 5000, and from rupees 2000 I bought husk and other eatable materials for pig kids. Up to now I spent nearby 12000 rupees on pigs, when I sold them then I recovered my investment, if I sell them now I can’t recovered my investment now its time to feed them properly and sell them after one or two year. In home every people demand money from me but I denied and reply them that I daily wage labour I am working and earning I can’t withdraw that money you people eat and enjoy with my wage. I have to return some money to moneylender but I am not using this money for return them. I promised with labour commissioner that I would graze pig I am grazing pig only from that money. When I opened my bank account at that time I with drawled 500 rupees for medicines and food for family after that nothing with drawl. I have to pay back loan of Chunnu singh and Pancham.
I had to pray on 9th day of navratri, one priest meted with me and he suggested me for special prayer I made arrangements by taking loan, but priest didn’t come he ditch me, then I will make prayer by myself and give back money to Chunnu singh and Pancham Singh rupees 500 each. Now I give them some money with joined hand, sir please receive this much rest I will give you later if you want now please make us bonded we will work at your home. I took 1500 rupees by Pancham for prayer. And by Chunnu Singh for giving bribe to village development officer (village secretary) at Gazipur district. That fellow was dalit and he promised to me I will arrange loan from bank to you then you start your some business but you have to spend some money before. I thought if I got loan then I do some business. For this 1000 or 2000 if I have to invest then its ok. I took 5000 rupees by Chunnu singh and give him, I had some fix deposit I withdrawal that also and give him. During receiving loan we five people use to go there because the amount is 80,000 to 85,000 rupees, we are afraid of robbery on way, for this I have to bear fare and other expenditures of way like eating and smoking and we are not working those days.
My brother sold his land, we have two sisters, and I bear all expenditure of their marriage by my wages then after selling land my brother gives money to me I refused and said keep it in your account then brother said no marriage of sisters is your responsibility that’s why you keep this money. Due to the village secretary my fix deposits spends and on my head there is loan also.
The land was 10 biswa having name of lalchand, there is another 10 biswa land having name of Ramdular but on that land muscleman are possessed.
I don’t have good relation with my upper caste villagers, they can’t pay properly. Other place if I got less 10 rupees I fought for that, here in this brick kiln I am watching if they don’t pay properly I will make powerful legal case against owner. Owner knew that I am associated with P.V.C.H.R. that’s why he behaves with me kindly but he use to misbehave with other peoples. Alternate day he comes to the brick kiln and we have gossip also and once I helped him in his problem.
I will tell you later when it will right time to tell. If he follows the right way then its ok otherwise we will see. Here at this brick kiln I am working for makeup the loan this year, if I will success in makeup then from next year I will work at my home and I will increase my pig grazing.
My other villagers took the loan but they didn’t come to work that’s why I am working here for makeup, when I will go back then there must be quarrel with my neighbors that here I am working in such hot and crucial situation and they are enjoying at home.
I am very transparent in account some time I had dispute with my father, I always use to say take money with me and give me the particulars it doesn’t matter whether you enjoy with money or do something.
At 12 or 2 am I awoke, as the soil is wet and start working up to the sun become hottest during this I can’t take rest of little bit. From 10 am to 12 pm preparing the food and after eating take rest up to 2 pm then again started smashing and wetting soil for tomorrow it will take 5 hours then manage the dry bricks and up to 9 pm after taking the dinner I go to bed for rest. Its very tough task you can’t talk with any one if you talk then you have to work late night. No any spare time sleeping is possible is in noon only. Due to very hot no sleepiness at night.
Shruti Nagvanshi is founder of Savitri Bai Phule Women Forum(SWF) and Ms. Tara is associate of SWF.
www.dalitwomen.blogspot.com
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Testmony at Varanasi
Honour ceremony of survivors of Police torture (3rd session of testimonial model)
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Appeal
Against the injustice and victimization of right less forest villagers of Katerniaghat Wild Life Sanctuary in Bahraich District of Uttar Pradesh in INDIA
Nyaya Adhikaar Satyagrah: Why….?
The Location of the story
The story begins from a cluster of 8 forest villages (The villages inhibited on forest lands.) named- Bhawanipur, Bichhia, Bichhia Bazar, Kailash Nagar, Gokulpur, Mahboob Nagar and Gokulpur (Dafadargaurhi) fall under a forest sanctuary named- Katarnia Ghat Wild Life Sanctury situated at Indo-Nepal border region in Mihinpurwa block of Bahraich district in the Uttar Pradesh state of India.
The Previous History
All these forest villages known as “Vangram”, were inhibited by the British rule in the year of 1865 when the Forest Management was taken over by them to develop forests. At the same time the “Land Sattlement Act” was executed by the Govt. under which all the farmers have to pay the land tax in “cash” instead of grains and it was too high. As result, a big number of small and marginal farmers became land less.
To develop the forests against “no cost”, the British officers have planned to inhibit these landless farmers on forest lands with some terms and conditions like:
• they will not allowed for “pucca” houses and cemented constructions but they can built hey-huts and allowed to use forest products for this purpose.
• they will do “begaar”(work without any wages) in the projects implemented for the development of forests or when ever it needed.
• they will be free to graze their animal in forests, collect fuel wood and wood for necessary furnitures.
• they will pay a land tax amount of Rs. 0.39 per beegha or Rs. 1.95 per acre of land to the forest department.
• they will provide free calves to British officers at the time of hunting.
• they will never be given any govt. facility for the development. And………..
• the land will not be transferred to the next generation.
All the landless laborers were helpless to accept these terms and they accepted.
Even after the 62 years independence, all the terms and conditions are continued and all the dwellers of forest villages are living like “slaves”.
The conditions became worst in comparison to British rule after the independence. We can see as under:
• All the facilities given by the Britishers were finished by the Indian Forest Department but the exploitation described above was still continued.
• In the year of 2000, they were declared encroachers.
• No Govt. schemes, programmes or facilities even residence/ caste or income certificates were given to these forest villages.
• The intensive prevalence of severe poverty, starvation deaths, malnutrition, seasonal epidemics.
• The atrocities were increased by the forest officials on the villagers.
• The forest officials started taking grains, milk, milk products and all the agriculture products at the cost of the existence of the family.
The Initiative of Movement
In the year of 2002-03, a study was conducted on this issue by a youth social activist named-Jitendra Chaturvedi whose childhood was passed through the forest villages. After the study, on the basis of the findings he decided to start a movement for the basic rights of the forest villagers.
He motivated them to united themselves in an organization and named it-“Vangram Adhikaar Manch” . All the families residing in the forest villages joined “Vangram Adhikaar Manch”.
Opposition of the violation
All the forest villagers were given trainings on important issues like-Indian Constitution, Forest and Wild Life Protection Acts, IPC/CRPC, Human Rights, Right to Food, Child Rights and leadership development.
After the trainings, the forest villagers became empowered and started to oppose atrocities, taking bribe against using forest products like hey for huts, fuel wood etc., charging illegal money (100 Times more than the legal provisions), “Begaar” (Work without wages) by the forest officials. They have also started to demand their basic rights as all the other Indian citizens are availing by writing demand letters to higher authorities, policy makers and others, demonstrations, rallies and dharanas.
The villagers Initiatives in the protection of Forest and wild life
They also started to protect the forests and wild life through their own interventions like forming “Van evam Vanya Jeev Suraksha Samiti” in each forest villages.
In the mission of protecting forests and wild life they find that the majority of the forest and wild life crime cases are promoted by the forest officials and it is for gaining the money. Actually, this was not new for the forest villagers but before, they were afraid of forest officials that they will demolish them and now they were organized.
They have started to file applications under the Right To Information Act on the provisions of their rights, reasons for the deprivation of forest villagers, informations related to forest villages etc.
They have made the several efforts in which the role of forest officials in the forest crimes and wild life loss was proved. Some examples are given below:-
1. One Watcher was caught with 3 labourers and wood cutter equipments near Katarnia Ghat railway crossing when all making wooden sleepers after cutting a Teek tree on 8th April, 2006 and handed over to SSB.
2. On 20st May-2006, a leopard was killed by the forest officials in the exercise of capturing. This leopard was stalking on the villagers. The whole process was recorded in a video CD by the youths of forest villages. Next day the forest officials file the complaint against 24 villagers in the Sujauli Police station. When we presented the CD in the Police Station as the proof of villager’s innocence, Police decided not to proceed against the villagers.
3. On 27th November 2007, the forest officials cut down 51 green trees of teak and eucalyptus just on 30 meters distance from a forest barrier named-Bichhia under Katarnia Ghat range and a FIR laws against 6 forest officials(Case No. 206).
4. On 4th November, 2007, we have informed forest officials about some unknown suspicious persons inside the forest area at the north bank of river Gerua. But no action was taken by the officials.
On 6th October, 2007, a criminal of Bawaria Poachers Gang caught red handed by the youths of “Vangram Adhikaar Manch” with the organs, meat and skin of a Tiger at Bichhia Railway station.
The Return
Due to these efforts, the forest department started to victimize the forest villagers by filing the fake cases on them.
Mis-use of the legal rights to forest officials
The forest officials are given the right to register the forest cases under Forest Act and Wild Life Protection Act and these cases are directly entertained by the court. They misused this right with vested interest and registered 14 fake cases under Forest Act and Wild Life Protection Act on more than 500 forest villagers along with named 123 all those innocent forest villagers who have taken initiatives in all the efforts mentioned above or opposed the atrocities of forest officials.
4 youths named – Jung Hindustani, Saroj Gupta, Fareed Ansari and Samiuddeen of them are in District Jail, Bahraich since 1 month. They have surrendered in a false case by honoring court and after 23 days the bail was granted by the Honourable Court. But at the same time the forest department pursued the case and issued 4 more warrants in other fake cases time. Hence, the duration of their imprisonment is gradually increasing.
The Previous Efforts against false/fake casesThe forest villagers demanded so many times to higher officials, policy makers, PM and President also for the investigation of all the matters through the Judiciary. But the result was always zero.
The local MLA of BSP Mr. Waris Ali had tried to withdraw the cases through the Chief Minister’s intervention. But the District Magistrate has also sent adverse report without the deep investigation to the Govt. As result, this application has dismissed.
We felt that every official of each sector taking the salary from the Govt. is biased in all the above matters. No body listens to the poor forest villagers. No bail is given by the Judiciary in the cases of forest or wild life act without imprisonment.
And now…………………………..The “Nyaya Adhikaar Satyagrah”
Due to all the above reasons, all the forest villagers have decided to expedite a long movement against this injustice named- “Nyaya Adhikaar Satyagrah” since 1st September, 2008. The programme is as follows:
1. Niraparaadh Atma-samarpan Pad Yatra from Motipur to Bahraich court (65 Km.) will be organized since 1st Sept. 2008. In which, all the 123 innocent forest villagers named under Forest cases along with 500 villagers with the hands bounded with ropes and a black tape on the mouths. The named persons will surrender themselves in the Honorable Court.
2. Dharana and Anshan/Hunger Strike will be organized by the 2000-3000 villagers in Bichhia Bazar for unlimited duration.
3. Evening “Chulha Bandi” [No food taking and cooking in the evening] in all the households in 8 forest villages.
4. Hunger strike by the 123 surrendered persons in the District Jail.
We request you to favor us for Justice. So that all the youths and residents of the forest villages could be mainstreamed with the nation.
On behalf of Forest villagers,
Dr. Jitendra Chaturvedi
Mobile: 094150 54079
E-mail: jitendra_c1@rediffmail.com
Friday, August 15, 2008
folk voice from Raup to touch Delhi based activist
from Bibhu Mohapatra
to ji.parul@gmail.com
cc pvchr.india@gmail.com
date Apr 29, 2007 3:19 PM
subject what the children of Raup village looked like
mailed-by gmail.com
Dear Parul Sharma, It was so very interesting to talk to you. I have been hearing about you from lenin and shruty a lot.Since I work on issues concerning governance, I was a little intrigued about your methods of working. yestrday was my third visit to the Raup village. As we entered the village, a whole bunch of women and kids started running in our direction. soon we were surounded by a dancing mob. They were celebrating their voter cards which gave them an identity and an address. Now no one can kick them out of this place. The pride and joy were infectious. The children were playing in the neighbourhood. I went there and realised that in this 48 degree heat how could you play on the iron railings. I asked a little one who did not have clothes on him, how did he manage to sit on the damned railing. The fellow smiled and played on. His mother explained that the children were continuously playing and would not get down till 2.30 am at night. I felt tears in my eyes. Hats off to the one who thought of the children and their hunger for play things. Parul, you and Lenin became a parcel of a memory which would last as long as I live, THANKS. warm regards, Bibhu
--
Bibhu P. Mohapatra
Association for Democratic Reforms,
237, Munirka Vihar,
New Delhi -- 110067
Off- 91-11-65901524
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Sunday, July 27, 2008
John from Maharastra
From: "john,p,abraham"
Dear Lenin
Not that there was no development here that we did not send you an update. The movement is smaller but stronger than before.
Our struggle has taken a new turn after the Revenue officers visited most of our occupations and took down the statements of the encroachers. The spot inspection has given new vigour to the movement.
It was during our routine attempt too establish our rights that we bumped into a stunning scam that is taking place in the region. The landlords who had lost their land in the ceiling act is claiming back the land by manipulating records. The government of Maharashtra had consented to the claim of the landlords and is planning to return forty thousand acres of land.
We are awaiting more documents which are overdue under RTI We are planning to move the high Court against this mega land grab..
The trial resumes tomorrow..Let us see what is in store for us.
john
Monday, July 21, 2008
Uttar Pradesh: Manipulation of police against marginalized
http://www.mynews.in/fullstory.aspx?storyid=6365
Uttar Pradesh: Manipulation of police against marginalized
Anjana/Neeraj 1/7/2008 7:59:04 PM(IST)
My name is Munni Devi. I am resident of house no. S. 18/149 Rajabazar, Nadeshar in Varanasi district. I have three sons and two daughters but only one son is left for marriage. Both sons are separately living. I send my younger son to Mumbai with my honest neighbor when he was only 7-8 years. He sells toys and also sends some Rupees to me. He was brought up in Mumbai meanwhile he did not attend in the marriage of his elder brother because my son only returns when my neighbor come.
My son came to attend marriage party in Lanka (a name of place) Varanasi while returning from there police trapped my son and another boy in murder case. On next day after reading in newspaper people inform me that your son is charged in murder case and now he is in police custody. I did not believe on my ears and also after reading this news in paper. My husband is useless and he did not have any attention towards family from last 10-12 years. On next day hurriedly I went to civil court and came to know that two boys are charged in murder case and one boy name is Guddu that time it was very painful for me then death, as my son was involved in fake case. However he was but is my child and he earns some money for his livelihood.
Earlier I stitches clothes and any how nourish my children. My son also becomes helping hand to me. After that I started encircling the court. In my life I had never experienced these things. I took debt sell my land spend my time in court for bail of my son. I took debt from other people and I also sold small piece of land. Anyhow after two years my son was released from prison and I felt relief. I send my son to his brother in law relative house as he will be safe there.
Police came in civil dress took my son and Ashok Pradhan in custody from my relative house. One boy gave telephonic information to my daughter. I felt why they are trying to involve my innocent son, for four days I was continuously searching for my son.
I came to know my son is in Bhelupur police station then I immediately rush there. Firstly they did not allow to meet my son. I beg to police constable and they allowed.
When I saw my son in Police station I feel what I am looking. How I am living alive. Now I feel I should die. In winter season I sat entire night in front of police station. After 6-7 days my son was prosecuted in fake case of drug business. My son spends two and half month in prison in this case. I was afraid when I heard my son is charged in drug business. When I recall this incidence then I have headache.
Doctor advised not to think too much. If you will died who will look to your son. After two and half month my son was released and I believe police make people’s criminals. After bail I send my son to Mumbai and everyone in my family feared with police.
15 days before police came and asked my grandson where your uncle is? He said in Mumbai. That time my second son was in the home. Police abused us by using filthy words and took my son with themselves. I immediately followed him to police station but they release him after investigation.
Police is continuously threating me to call my son otherwise your house will be confiscate. Two days before I with my grandson went to buy Jalebi (an Indian sweet dish) he saw one police men on that shop and said “Grandmother let us go from here, see police men is standing in that shop, now I did not want jalebi.” I live my life in fear that police can arrive any time. I cannot sleep in the night. My grandson is also terrorized. I feared with uniform and abuse of police.
I always feel fear in mind that police can take my son in custody as he goes. After thinking my hand and legs start shivering and now I am feeling some strength from inside.
Uttar Pradesh: Testmony of Kaju
http://www.mynews.in/fullstory.aspx?storyid=5795
Uttar Pradesh: Testmony of Kaju
Karmanya/Daya Shankar Patel 11/6/2008 11:06:22 AM(IST)
My name is Kaju. I am 20 years old and I resident of Bagwanala, Post – Nakhighat under jurisdiction Jaitpura, Varanasi. In year 2000 I was playing Kabaddi in my village and while playing Mintu t-shirt ragged. He brawl me for the t- shirt. I returned home as Mintu was demanding t-shirt from me. Mean while Maya came and she meditate in our dispute. However Maya is a bad woman. She involves in wrong work and she defame entire village.
Approximately after 15-20 days in the morning Mintu father came and asks me about Mintu. As from last two days Mintu’s father did not have any information about him. I said I did not have any information about him.
On same day evening a boy informed in the village that one dead body is jammed near Narkhoi River Nakhighat. With the villagers I also went to see the dead body. I feared with the dead body as it was very much swell and looking very horrible. At that time two policemen came and they returned back after inspecting. Again two policemen came and in the night they took dead body to Saraiya police chowki.
On next day Paru was coming from the market. He stopped when he saw Ms. Maya and Pintu parent in Saraiya police chowki. Where Mintu father asked did you have any information about Mintu as most of the time he was spending with you. Then Paru answered Mintu spend most of his time with Kaju. Kaju might have information about him. Maya instruct Mintu mother to disclose the name of these two people, otherwise you will be rapt. Paru was taken in police custody near old market bridge as he was returning back from the police station. Maya informed police these people took life of Mintu.
After investigating with Paru 7-8 police constables with motorbike and auto rickshaw came to my village. At that time I was doing fishery on the bank of the river. Two police constables came on one way. They ask my name from 100 meter away. I replied my name is Kaju. After that I was taken in police custody and they gave me two - three slap. They took me to Saraiya police chowki by auto rickshaw.
-- Dead body was kept on the trolley. They took us near the body and call Mintu father to recognize the dead body. Is he your son? Mintu father did not recognize dead body as his son body. I said Mintu is younger than me but dead body is of elder person.
Meanwhile Mintu mother came and said he is my son. I recognize him. He is my son as I nourish him nine month in my womb. She said, “I know this people kill my son.” Maya is bad character that’s why police believe in her fake statement and we were imprisoned.
-- In night two policemen in alcoholic condition came. They tie my hand and leg with wire. When they hit on my back with leg I feel down on mouth side. They took me to Jaitpura police station with jeep.
-- I was kept in lock up for two days. I was brutally beaten by lathi in the police station continuously for two days. I between they ask did you beat him. This time I am feeling very sad. I am trying to pour myself but I am unable to do so. I feel entire picture is going in front of my eyes. My body is shivering. This time also I have fear.
-- After this I was sent to prison and I get bail after 14 days. When I went to Mumbai then police come to my home and threat my mother for confiscate. Then my mother makes telephonic information to me and I immediately arrive and present myself in the police station and went to prison.
-- In the prison both police and prisoners abused to do work like sweeping and doing the massage of their body. After spending one year in prison, I returned home.
-- Police also create problem while returning home. They regularly call for investigation; I get release with assistance of Shanti didi and other villagers.
-- What happened to the condition of poor people if doctor sahib is not there.
-- Being innocent Maya and policeman involved me in this case. I cannot sleep in the night with the entire incidence. Always I live my life in fear any time police can take me in custody and send to prison. I am very much feared with police torture. When I think only police and its torture is going in my mind. I want alleged police should be punished so they cannot create problem to innocent and poor people.
Uttar Pradesh: Feeling of pain and agony due to colonial police act
http://www.mynews.in/fullstory.aspx?storyid=6011#
Uttar Pradesh: Feeling of pain and agony due to colonial police act
Upendra Kumar/Vijay Bharti 21/6/2008 6:55:30 PM(IST)
My Name is Paru alias Paras is resident of village Bagwanala under jurisdiction Jaitpura, Varanasi (U.P). Before 20 -22 years I was living in my paternal house in village Rasulgarh I left and permanently settled in Bagwanala as my relative fought with me. I was happily living with my wife Chamela and three children – Usha (7 years), Resham (2 years) and Gudia (1 year). I interest in weaving so I engage myself in this work. However now I drive rickshaw to manage my family need.
One day a dead body was found in Bagwanala which was identified as Mintu body by his parent. Before that Mintu parent were asking me where is Mintu I did not answered to them as I did not have any information about him. Maya a woman of my hamlet said to Mintu parent that few days back they were fighting with Mintu and they had only killed Mintu.
On 29th December, 1999 I was going with bicycle meanwhile police took me in custody on Mintu parent’s statement. I was put in prison where entire night I was beaten by six police constable and S.I (Mr. Anil Mishra). I feel pain of 20-25 lathi but after that I become faint and they kept me in another room. In this case police also call Kaju and beat him. While beating police incessantly ask why did you kill Mintu, I said I did not kill him even though I don’t know whether he is dead or alive. The dead body they show me it was not of Mintu. However police and Mintu’s parent proved it as body of Mintu. I only recognize his clothes. For three days entire day and night they torture me by using various means. Some time they tie me in iron chain and they beat until voice come out from my mouth. In the name of clothes only black baniyan was left in the body. I lost many tooth as they beat with butt-end of the gun on my both jaws. I am only able to take semi solid and liquid item like rice and Halwa. In police station they make me to lie down in ice slab and tie my both hand and I feel difficulty in removing my hands. They also keep ice slab between my hand and stomach. They beat with lathi in my entire body and even in falanga also this was really painful for me. I have eye sight problem as they beat by lathi in falanga. When I get in conscious policeman continuously make pressure on me to accept the crime and also threat me for plucking my nail and punching pin on my feet then you will forget mischief which you are doing. That time I thought they will kill me but after three days charge sheet was filed and I spend 15 days in prison. After 15 days I was released on bail and I have pain in my entire body. My right hand finger gets fracture as police beat me and still I feel pain in winter season. When I was taken in police custody then they deposit my gold chain, bicycle and watch, seven hundred Rupees. When I released I asked police constable about these items, he said go and take where you kept and to whom you gave.
When I was in prison my children and family member were crying they only eat rice and sleep. From then my life ruined and still I am not feeling calm from inside.
Again after 15 days police took me in custody, this time they involved in another case of firing on S.I. I spend 1 ½ year in prison based in Chaukaghat. In Prison I read in newspaper that S.I Anil Mishra and other policeman were killed while struggling for Naxal encounter. Then I realize that people who do injustice get punishment one day and I feel relief from inside. Now I did not have any complaint against police department. In prison I learn how to read and write. When I get release from prison as I was unable to work so my brother (Kailash) and his wife (Radhey Sonkar) with rickshaw took me to home. That time I felt as everything is ruined and my leg was shivering and I feel fear inside. When I return home everything was looking unresponsive. I fear with darkness and I lost my interest in many things after spending my time in prison. Still now police trouble me and for five year everything my life was smooth. However from one and half years police take me in custody in mid night. Often S.I and police came to my home they asked officer has called in police station by using abusive word. They also threat me to come in police station otherwise be prepare for the results. Whenever I present myself in police station a new case is imposed on me like hitting with knife and robbery etc. How can we poor fight with injustice. With the behavior of police my entire family is afraid. Now my family members leave me alone and I alone struggling with this case. I did not have belief in home, family and relatives.
Police constable suggests why you can’t settle at another place. I said police will not leave me if I am in any part of Uttar Pradesh. Your corruption is everywhere then police constable replied that you become very intelligent then I said because of you all. My family members also suggest the same as police constable. However I did not left this place because police will create problem to my brother and other family members. After recalling entire incidence in mind I feel I should die but know I want to be alive as I have to face all this things. One day S.O Mr. Heera Lal Jaiswal ask me why are you blaming that police misbehave with you. I said however S.I and S.O by using abusive word ask me to come in police station S.O sir has called you and when I present myself there I was charged with another new case. He said don’t disclose to anyone that police is abusing or beating you.
Now I want to spend my rest life with my family member in peace. Any how I am managing my need with driving the trolley. I am always feared with the next step of the police. It has became part of my life from last 15 days I am very much troubled and feeling very suffocation that police may kill or vanished me. These days 7 -8 times police call me and illegally detained me in police station they ask me about Bharat Sonkar. I inform them as much I know about him then they release me. Bharat and Kanhaiya are charged with dacoity, snatching and shooting. When this incidence happened I was in prison then also police detained me to investigate in their case. 3 -4 days before an encounter happened nearby my house. I will be free after my death but what will happen to my family member. I want to be alive after thinking about my family. I want to free myself from police. Police know Bharat house then also why he takes me. When I denied then police said what is problem in going with him but four and five hours is ruined like that.
Police officer Heera Lal 15 days before came and said you are charged under new case. Give me 500 Rupees we will deposit your fine. He said nothing will happen to you now leave your life in peace. However yesterday night again police took me to Bharat Sonkar house they release me when they did not find Bharat
Translated by Ms. Shabana Khan of PVCHR. www.pvchr.org
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Uttar Pradesh: Manipulation of police against marginalized
http://www.mynews.in/fullstory.aspx?storyid=6365#
Uttar Pradesh: Manipulation of police against marginalized
Anjana/Neeraj 21/6/2008 6:55:09 PM(IST)
My name is Munni Devi. I am resident of house no. S. 18/149 Rajabazar, Nadeshar in Varanasi district. I have three sons and two daughters but only one son is left for marriage. Both sons are separately living. I send my younger son to Mumbai with my honest neighbor when he was only 7-8 years. He sells toys and also sends some Rupees to me. He was brought up in Mumbai meanwhile he did not attend in the marriage of his elder brother because my son only returns when my neighbor come.
My son came to attend marriage party in Lanka (a name of place) Varanasi while returning from there police trapped my son and another boy in murder case. On next day after reading in newspaper people inform me that your son is charged in murder case and now he is in police custody. I did not believe on my ears and also after reading this news in paper. My husband is useless and he did not have any attention towards family from last 10-12 years. On next day hurriedly I went to civil court and came to know that two boys are charged in murder case and one boy name is Guddu that time it was very painful for me then death, as my son was involved in fake case. However he was but is my child and he earns some money for his livelihood.
Earlier I stitches clothes and any how nourish my children. My son also becomes helping hand to me. After that I started encircling the court. In my life I had never experienced these things. I took debt sell my land spend my time in court for bail of my son. I took debt from other people and I also sold small piece of land. Anyhow after two years my son was released from prison and I felt relief. I send my son to his brother in law relative house as he will be safe there.
Police came in civil dress took my son and Ashok Pradhan in custody from my relative house. One boy gave telephonic information to my daughter. I felt why they are trying to involve my innocent son, for four days I was continuously searching for my son.
I came to know my son is in Bhelupur police station then I immediately rush there. Firstly they did not allow to meet my son. I beg to police constable and they allowed.
When I saw my son in Police station I feel what I am looking. How I am living alive. Now I feel I should die. In winter season I sat entire night in front of police station. After 6-7 days my son was prosecuted in fake case of drug business. My son spends two and half month in prison in this case. I was afraid when I heard my son is charged in drug business. When I recall this incidence then I have headache.
Doctor advised not to think too much. If you will died who will look to your son. After two and half month my son was released and I believe police make people’s criminals. After bail I send my son to Mumbai and everyone in my family feared with police.
15 days before police came and asked my grandson where your uncle is? He said in Mumbai. That time my second son was in the home. Police abused us by using filthy words and took my son with themselves. I immediately followed him to police station but they release him after investigation.
Police is continuously threating me to call my son otherwise your house will be confiscate. Two days before I with my grandson went to buy Jalebi (an Indian sweet dish) he saw one police men on that shop and said “Grandmother let us go from here, see police men is standing in that shop, now I did not want jalebi.” I live my life in fear that police can arrive any time. I cannot sleep in the night. My grandson is also terrorized. I feared with uniform and abuse of police.
I always feel fear in mind that police can take my son in custody as he goes. After thinking my hand and legs start shivering and now I am feeling some strength from inside.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
From victim to human rights defender
http://www.rct.dk/sitecore/content/Root/Home/Link_menu/News/2008/India_testimony0608.aspx
RCT - Borgergade 13
DK-1300 Copenhagen K
Phone 3376 0600 - Fax 3376 0510
Email: rct@rct.dk
« Back to 2008
From victim to human rights defender
6. juni 2008
Good news from a training programme in testimonial therapy in Varanasi, India.
The training programme was concluded by a ceremony in front of government head quarters where survivors of police torture were honoured after their testimonies had been read out to the public. The training programme is part of an RCT pilot study where brief therapy methods for use by community workers and non-professionals are tested. The process from theory to practice to political manifestation experienced in this training programme illustrates one of the major objectives of testimonial therapy: to empower the victim and support his or her development from victim to survivor to human rights defender.
The struggle against police torture and other organized types of violence in India is mostly centred around political and lawful initiatives. In the human rights organizations of India resources have been scant for providing short-term psychosocial assistance to survivors suffering from psychological problems. This type of assistance has mostly been provided by trained psychologists or psychiatrists in medical centres, which have been difficult to access for most of the survivors of torture. It is, therefore, necessary for the organizations working at the grass-roots level to develop their capacity for brief therapy assistance, which can be carried out by non-professional staff and offered to people all over the country and not only in the urban districts.
A healing down-to-earth approach
Dr. Inger Agger, Psychologist and RCT consultant here explains the approach being tested by community workers and human rights defenders from the People's Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR) in Varanasi.
"Testimonial therapy has been used for survivors of human rights violations in different parts of the world during the last 25 years starting in Chile. By giving testimony about the torture, telling "the self suffering story"as they say in India, to an empathic listener who records the story, the survivor can heal his or her trauma and also use the testimony document in the struggle for justice".
First workshop
In May 2008 a workshop on testimonial therapy was organized with the joint collaboration of the RCT and PVCHR. In the workshop 12 human rights defenders from PVCHR were trained by Dr. Inger Agger and the participants thereafter took the testimonies of 23 survivors under supervision.
"During two sessions, one community worker acts as the interviewer while another community worker acts as the note-taker. Together with the survivor they create a coherent story about the human rights violations suffered by the survivor. They help the survivor remember the suffering and feel the emotions at that time and in the present. Corrections might be made before the testimony is prepared in elegant paper and signed by the survivor and the interviewer.As a new element in the testimonial method, each session was concluded by ten minutes of mindfulness meditation", says Agger.
At the third session, an honour ceremony is organized where the testimony is handed over to the survivor. If the survivor agrees this ceremony can be public and the testimonies of several survivors might be handed over on the same occasion. This happened in Varanasi where the PVCHR arranged for the survivors to gather in a ceremony in front of the District Government Head Quarters of Varanasi. The ceremony was widely covered by the local and national media.
The private becomes political
"I am very satisfied with the process. It has been an extremely creative experience to work together with PVCHR and develop an Indian version of the testimonial method. It was also very moving for me to attend the ceremony where the results of the training and the therapy were developed into social action", says Agger.
A copy of the testimony will be used for further advocacy with the acceptance of the survivor. The testimonies of survivors can also be used in folk school meetings, community meetings, programs related to human rights, as part of a people's movement and in workshops for the police to prevent torture.
Giving Voice
During the workshop a special manual for the use of Testimony Therapy in India was created. The title of this manual is "Giving Voice". The manual will be translated into Hindi.
The pilot study will be evaluated in order to see whether this method could be beneficial in other regions and other organisations.
« Back to 2008
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Uttar Pradesh: Feeling of pain and agony due to colonial police act
http://www.mynews.in/fullstory.aspx?storyid=6011#
Uttar Pradesh: Feeling of pain and agony due to colonial police act
Upendra Kumar/Vijay Bharti 14/6/2008 4:12:50 PM(IST)
My Name is Paru alias Paras is resident of village Bagwanala under jurisdiction Jaitpura, Varanasi (U.P). Before 20 -22 years I was living in my paternal house in village Rasulgarh I left and permanently settled in Bagwanala as my relative fought with me. I was happily living with my wife Chamela and three children – Usha (7 years), Resham (2 years) and Gudia (1 year). I interest in weaving so I engage myself in this work. However now I drive rickshaw to manage my family need.
One day a dead body was found in Bagwanala which was identified as Mintu body by his parent. Before that Mintu parent were asking me where is Mintu I did not answered to them as I did not have any information about him. Maya a woman of my hamlet said to Mintu parent that few days back they were fighting with Mintu and they had only killed Mintu.
On 29th December, 1999 I was going with bicycle meanwhile police took me in custody on Mintu parent’s statement. I was put in prison where entire night I was beaten by six police constable and S.I (Mr. Anil Mishra). I feel pain of 20-25 lathi but after that I become faint and they kept me in another room. In this case police also call Kaju and beat him. While beating police incessantly ask why did you kill Mintu, I said I did not kill him even though I don’t know whether he is dead or alive. The dead body they show me it was not of Mintu. However police and Mintu’s parent proved it as body of Mintu. I only recognize his clothes. For three days entire day and night they torture me by using various means. Some time they tie me in iron chain and they beat until voice come out from my mouth. In the name of clothes only black baniyan was left in the body. I lost many tooth as they beat with butt-end of the gun on my both jaws. I am only able to take semi solid and liquid item like rice and Halwa. In police station they make me to lie down in ice slab and tie my both hand and I feel difficulty in removing my hands. They also keep ice slab between my hand and stomach. They beat with lathi in my entire body and even in falanga also this was really painful for me. I have eye sight problem as they beat by lathi in falanga. When I get in conscious policeman continuously make pressure on me to accept the crime and also threat me for plucking my nail and punching pin on my feet then you will forget mischief which you are doing. That time I thought they will kill me but after three days charge sheet was filed and I spend 15 days in prison. After 15 days I was released on bail and I have pain in my entire body. My right hand finger gets fracture as police beat me and still I feel pain in winter season. When I was taken in police custody then they deposit my gold chain, bicycle and watch, seven hundred Rupees. When I released I asked police constable about these items, he said go and take where you kept and to whom you gave.
When I was in prison my children and family member were crying they only eat rice and sleep. From then my life ruined and still I am not feeling calm from inside.
Again after 15 days police took me in custody, this time they involved in another case of firing on S.I. I spend 1 ½ year in prison based in Chaukaghat. In Prison I read in newspaper that S.I Anil Mishra and other policeman were killed while struggling for Naxal encounter. Then I realize that people who do injustice get punishment one day and I feel relief from inside. Now I did not have any complaint against police department. In prison I learn how to read and write. When I get release from prison as I was unable to work so my brother (Kailash) and his wife (Radhey Sonkar) with rickshaw took me to home. That time I felt as everything is ruined and my leg was shivering and I feel fear inside. When I return home everything was looking unresponsive. I fear with darkness and I lost my interest in many things after spending my time in prison. Still now police trouble me and for five year everything my life was smooth. However from one and half years police take me in custody in mid night. Often S.I and police came to my home they asked officer has called in police station by using abusive word. They also threat me to come in police station otherwise be prepare for the results. Whenever I present myself in police station a new case is imposed on me like hitting with knife and robbery etc. How can we poor fight with injustice. With the behavior of police my entire family is afraid. Now my family members leave me alone and I alone struggling with this case. I did not have belief in home, family and relatives.
Police constable suggests why you can’t settle at another place. I said police will not leave me if I am in any part of Uttar Pradesh. Your corruption is everywhere then police constable replied that you become very intelligent then I said because of you all. My family members also suggest the same as police constable. However I did not left this place because police will create problem to my brother and other family members. After recalling entire incidence in mind I feel I should die but know I want to be alive as I have to face all this things. One day S.O Mr. Heera Lal Jaiswal ask me why are you blaming that police misbehave with you. I said however S.I and S.O by using abusive word ask me to come in police station S.O sir has called you and when I present myself there I was charged with another new case. He said don’t disclose to anyone that police is abusing or beating you.
Now I want to spend my rest life with my family member in peace. Any how I am managing my need with driving the trolley. I am always feared with the next step of the police. It has became part of my life from last 15 days I am very much troubled and feeling very suffocation that police may kill or vanished me. These days 7 -8 times police call me and illegally detained me in police station they ask me about Bharat Sonkar. I inform them as much I know about him then they release me. Bharat and Kanhaiya are charged with dacoity, snatching and shooting. When this incidence happened I was in prison then also police detained me to investigate in their case. 3 -4 days before an encounter happened nearby my house. I will be free after my death but what will happen to my family member. I want to be alive after thinking about my family. I want to free myself from police. Police know Bharat house then also why he takes me. When I denied then police said what is problem in going with him but four and five hours is ruined like that.
Police officer Heera Lal 15 days before came and said you are charged under new case. Give me 500 Rupees we will deposit your fine. He said nothing will happen to you now leave your life in peace. However yesterday night again police took me to Bharat Sonkar house they release me when they did not find Bharat
Translated by Ms. Shabana Khan of PVCHR. www.pvchr.org
Monday, June 9, 2008
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Uttar Pradesh: Testmony of Kaju
http://www.mynews.in/fullstory.aspx?storyid=5795#
Uttar Pradesh: Testmony of Kaju
Karmanya/Daya Shankar Patel 7/6/2008 4:24:18 PM(IST)
My name is Kaju. I am 20 years old and I resident of Bagwanala, Post – Nakhighat under jurisdiction Jaitpura, Varanasi. In year 2000 I was playing Kabaddi in my village and while playing Mintu t-shirt ragged. He brawl me for the t- shirt. I returned home as Mintu was demanding t-shirt from me. Mean while Maya came and she meditate in our dispute. However Maya is a bad woman. She involves in wrong work and she defame entire village.
Approximately after 15-20 days in the morning Mintu father came and asks me about Mintu. As from last two days Mintu’s father did not have any information about him. I said I did not have any information about him.
On same day evening a boy informed in the village that one dead body is jammed near Narkhoi River Nakhighat. With the villagers I also went to see the dead body. I feared with the dead body as it was very much swell and looking very horrible. At that time two policemen came and they returned back after inspecting. Again two policemen came and in the night they took dead body to Saraiya police chowki.
On next day Paru was coming from the market. He stopped when he saw Ms. Maya and Pintu parent in Saraiya police chowki. Where Mintu father asked did you have any information about Mintu as most of the time he was spending with you. Then Paru answered Mintu spend most of his time with Kaju. Kaju might have information about him. Maya instruct Mintu mother to disclose the name of these two people, otherwise you will be rapt. Paru was taken in police custody near old market bridge as he was returning back from the police station. Maya informed police these people took life of Mintu.
After investigating with Paru 7-8 police constables with motorbike and auto rickshaw came to my village. At that time I was doing fishery on the bank of the river. Two police constables came on one way. They ask my name from 100 meter away. I replied my name is Kaju. After that I was taken in police custody and they gave me two - three slap. They took me to Saraiya police chowki by auto rickshaw.
-- Dead body was kept on the trolley. They took us near the body and call Mintu father to recognize the dead body. Is he your son? Mintu father did not recognize dead body as his son body. I said Mintu is younger than me but dead body is of elder person.
Meanwhile Mintu mother came and said he is my son. I recognize him. He is my son as I nourish him nine month in my womb. She said, “I know this people kill my son.” Maya is bad character that’s why police believe in her fake statement and we were imprisoned.
-- In night two policemen in alcoholic condition came. They tie my hand and leg with wire. When they hit on my back with leg I feel down on mouth side. They took me to Jaitpura police station with jeep.
-- I was kept in lock up for two days. I was brutally beaten by lathi in the police station continuously for two days. I between they ask did you beat him. This time I am feeling very sad. I am trying to pour myself but I am unable to do so. I feel entire picture is going in front of my eyes. My body is shivering. This time also I have fear.
-- After this I was sent to prison and I get bail after 14 days. When I went to Mumbai then police come to my home and threat my mother for confiscate. Then my mother makes telephonic information to me and I immediately arrive and present myself in the police station and went to prison.
-- In the prison both police and prisoners abused to do work like sweeping and doing the massage of their body. After spending one year in prison, I returned home.
-- Police also create problem while returning home. They regularly call for investigation; I get release with assistance of Shanti didi and other villagers.
-- What happened to the condition of poor people if doctor sahib is not there.
-- Being innocent Maya and policeman involved me in this case. I cannot sleep in the night with the entire incidence. Always I live my life in fear any time police can take me in custody and send to prison. I am very much feared with police torture. When I think only police and its torture is going in my mind. I want alleged police should be punished so they cannot create problem to innocent and poor people.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Self suffering story(Testomony) of Kaju
My name is Kaju. I am 20 years old and I resident of Bagwanala, Post – Nakhighat under jurisdiction Jaitpura Varanasi. In year 2000 I was playing Kabaddi in my village and while playing Mintu t-shirt ragged. He brawl me for the t- shirt. I returned home as Mintu was demanding t-shirt from me. Mean while Maya came and she meditate in our dispute. However Maya is a bad woman. She involves in wrong work and she defame entire village.
►Approximately after 15-20 days in the morning Mintu father came and asks me about Mintu. As from last two days Mintu’s father did not have any information about him. I said I did not have any information about him.
►On same day evening a boy informed in the village that one dead body is jammed near Narkhoi River Nakhighat. With the villagers I also went to see the dead body. I feared with the dead body as it was very much swell and looking very horrible. At that time two policemen came and they returned back after inspecting. Again two policemen came and in the night they took dead body to Saraiya police chowki.
►On next day Paru was coming from the market. He stopped when he saw Ms. Maya and Pintu parent in Saraiya police chowki. Where Mintu father asked did you have any information about Mintu as most of the time he was spending with you. Then Paru answered Mintu spend most of his time with Kaju. Kaju might have information about him. Maya instruct Mintu mother to disclose the name of these two people, otherwise you will be rapt. Paru was taken in police custody near old market bridge as he was returning back from the police station. Maya informed police these people took life of Mintu.
►After investigating with Paru 7-8 police constables with motorbike and auto rickshaw came to my village. At that time I was doing fishery on the bank of the river. Two police constables came on one way. They ask my name from 100 meter away. I replied my name is Kaju. After that I was taken in police custody and they gave me two - three slap. They took me to Saraiya police chowki by auto rickshaw.
►Dead body was kept on the trolley. They took us near the body and call Mintu father to recognize the dead body. Is he your son? Mintu father did not recognize dead body as his son body. I said Mintu is younger than me but dead body is of elder person.
Meanwhile Mintu mother came and said he is my son. I recognize him. He is my son as I nourish him nine month in my womb. She said, “I know this people kill my son.” Maya is bad character that’s why police believe in her fake statement and we were imprisoned.
►In night two policemen in alcoholic condition came. They tie my hand and leg with wire. When they hit on my back with leg I feel down on mouth side. They took me to Jaitpura police station with jeep.
► I was kept in lock up for two days. I was brutally beaten by lathi in the police station continuously for two days. I between they ask did you beat him. This time I am feeling very sad. I am trying to pour myself but I am unable to do so. I feel entire picture is going in front of my eyes. My body is shivering. This time also I have fear.
► After this I was sent to prison and I get bail after 14 days. When I went to Mumbai then police come to my home and threat my mother for confiscate. Then my mother makes telephonic information to me and I immediately arrive and present myself in the police station and went to prison.
► In the prison both police and prisoners abused to do work like sweeping and doing the massage of their body. After spending one year in prison, I returned home.
► Police also create problem while returning home. They regularly call for investigation; I get release with assistance of Shanti didi and other villagers.
► What happened to the condition of poor people if doctor sahib is not there.
► Being innocent Maya and policeman involved me in this case. I cannot sleep in the night with the entire incidence. Always I live my life in fear any time police can take me in custody and send to prison. I am very much feared with police torture. When I think only police and its torture is going in my mind. I want alleged police should be punished so they cannot create problem to innocent and poor people.
Survivor Interviewer & Note taker
Kaju Karmanya Kumar & Daya Shanker Patel
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Folk Voice of weaver
In undermentioned link,folk voice of weaver Vishambhar came in potical logical struggle against NAMA and WTO.Amplfying the voice of marginalized, a strategy of PVCHR is working very well.
See Link:
http://www.newint.org/features/2006/04/01/wto/
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Voice of a weaver in Lohta area
I Rahmat Ali age 43 years old son of Mohd. Ismaile residing in Dhamariya (Lohta), Varanasi Uttar Pradesh. I have two children-
• Haider Ali age 10 years old
• Sadab Alam age 8 years old
I am physically so weak that always I am unable to do work. Due to weaving it is worst condition and now I am not finding work. I am suffering from tuber closes from last 5 years. I have already expensed 1000 Rupees for treatment of tuber closes in Jamia Hospital in Pilikoti. I get some relief but know I am suffering a lot. I have yellow (Above poverty line card).
I went for the treatment on weaver’s health card in Saint Mary hospital in karoutha. Dr. Navin Kumar Singh chief of Saint Mary said he will admit me in IPD and all other expenses will be borne by me. Approximately 5,000 Rupees was expensed in the treatment.
Doctors said after x-rays and blood test treatment will be start. I have no money for the diagnosis. Doctors of Saint Mary hospital call for several times then they prescribe for the x-rays and blood test and my money is spending in traveling.
I get the tablet of DOTS but this medicine is harming me, as I am not getting full nutrition diet. If I have to go out of station for many days then doctors are not giving more tablets of DOTS then required.
Due to economic poverty, running several times to hospital and not good behaviour of doctors are the reason that’s why I am not getting the proper treatment of tuber closes. Some time I have to buy medicine of Tuber closis from myself, every day morning blood come out with phlegm. I am suffering from cough from long time. My wife Ajgari is also suffering from tuber closes she is suffering from Tuber closis from last nine years. She also gets treatment in Ram nager and now she is not getting treatment any more due to economic poverty.
Monday, April 7, 2008
FOLK SCHOOL FOR VICTIM AND MARZINALIZED IN AYER VARANASI
Thursday and Friday, 13 to 14 September, 2007.
Venue: Eklavya education center Ayer (Mushar ghetto), Varanasi
PARTICIPANTS: over 41 people participated, who were living in Ayer (Mushar ghetto. All participants were on leave.
Morning Session: 11:30am- 2 pm
Lunch Session: 2 pm – 2:30 pm
After noon Session: 2:30 pm- 4pm
Tea Session: 4pm – 4:15 pm
Evening Session: 4:15 pm- 6:30 pm
PURPOSE:
The purpose of Folk school is to share and uncensored the victims of police torture, caste conflict and village head do things with his own wishes etc in front of each other and tries to find out the common solution & strategy.
Disscussion:
Chandra Devi: Chandra Devi about 55 years old lady. Her whole family is suffering from police torture. She said her younger third son Umesh is naughty and 15 years back he ran away from his house. We have no information about him that where he is, what he is doing. Police daily come and torture us and take any male from our family to police station.
My second son Paharu was bathing than police came and take Paharu with himself. Police gave him drug material and clear that he is smuggling drugs and kept him 8 days in jail. It was not under his right; Police can only keep for 24 hours in jail. He works in brick making factory Second times in Gyanpur police gave 12-canvas bag and took him to illegal factory. Police involve him in fake case; Paharu was send to Mirzapur jail.
Till now Chandra Devi family didn’t know that his son Paharu is involved in fake case. Chandra Devi went to Cholapur police station to know about his son. Policeman said I am not in charge of this police station but my duty is in another police station, she said policeman was saying wrong. Chandra Devi said to policeman that you people have disappeared my son policeman was silent. She wrote missing report in police station. After hard labour and spending 13,000 Rupees she find her second son Paharu. Now this family is not finding work in brick making factory and result of this is that Chandra Devi family is suffering from starvation. Than also policeman is threatening them. Villager threats Chandra Devi family in the name of police, Kotedar sells their ration of Chandra Devi and don’t give ration to them. Chandra Devi family is living their life under the of terror and hunger.
Once collector sahib came to our village and calls me. He said that how son you have born. She replies that when I was pregnant that I don’t know my child will be like this. They become like that after coming on land. Listening this entire collector sahib was silent. At last collector sahib gave 49 Rupees and said inform police after finding Umesh.
Than chandra Devi said that from 15 years I have no information about him than how can I find him in just only 40 Rupees. She said that mine caste makes bricks, we make mahal of others but we have no proper mud to lives in. than also this old women alone went to police station, court and set her son free without any body assistance. Because leader and policeman ask money in return of assistance.
How can we live in this land when society and policeman have jealousy with us?
Sudama Devi: She cried after describing 15 years back incidence. His relative did wickedness, policeman daily come and threat Sudama Devi family. After six month Police came and arrest her husband for eight days. As he was the only earning person in the family? In between Sudama Devi son fall sick, she took debt for her son treatment after working in brick making factory she pay the debt. For 8 days she daily went to police station and she have to prove that her husband is not thief. In evening policeman said to victim, “go home” than victim said after arresting innocent person you are saying, “go home or outside”.
Gita Patel: After remembering her childhood days she said that in 1985 her three-generation threat in fake case in court. Every day police abuse to women because men live outside in fear of policeman. Her family set free from village panchayat.
Asha: She said that villagers have conspiracy with our community people, they want to make road in my land. Road go from elite people land. They want to build road in my land and plough on Government land.
Somaru Prasad: he said, “No conflict is possible without courage”. Five years back the son of Singh fire holika of chamar ghetto one day before. When we Protest than Singh children beat us. After knowing this incident angry Chamar ghetto people went and ask reason why their son beat our people. Justice talk was done with police officer and Singh. Singh people accept their mistake.
Dharma Devi: Aura road is always full of water. In the gallery of village drainage is dig and which was left in-between. Condition is these children came outside from house and bath in the drainage water. Villagers talk to village head that they want to get rid of this problem. Than village head said that till now no budget came for the construction of drainage. Due to less budget construction of drainage stopped in between. SHG scheme is running in Ayer and the responsibility of sister Manju is to keep the record but she lost the register of SHG. So Income and expenditure of 4 and 5 month is not getting clear. Toilet facility is also not provided.
Kalawati: Few years ago at 6 am people from Kurmi caste and fired Mushar ghetto. The result of this fire was the entire utensil, bed sheet, and ration was burned in fire, only clothes which were worn by us was safe. Till now we are not unable to make home or nor they get form Indra Awas yojana.
The result of this incidence is when these Mushar people went to take dry wood to cook food than some young generation people from Kurmi came and start fighting with us.
In fight one Kurmi Bachanu died, we have no intention killed him. Next day before 6 am Mushar people were sitting in front of fire than Kurmi people came and informed that Kurmi Bachanu died. All Mushar people ran to police station getting chance Kurmi people lit fire in Mushar ghetto. The results of this fire was19 house were burn in this fire and with the assistance of fire brigade the fire was off. 6,000 Rupees were announce to be paid as compensation, till now they didn’t get single Rupee.
No allotment of home under the scheme of Indira Awas Yojana. She don’t have below poverty line card, only two or three person have below poverty line card. She has only one son and he died some years back. She grievance to village head that there is no facility of drinking water, widow and old age pension is not provided to needy person. She works in brick making factory, when she makes 1,000 bricks than after labour she get 120 to 140 Rupees in three days. Other wise she gets 20 Rupees by making hundred of plates from leaves. Her livelihood is maintained by selling this plate in Varanasi by expensing fair. The cost of per kg leaves is 2 to 3 Rupees. Now she fined less leaves to make plate. She gets complete food (rice, roti, dal and vegetable) in a week.
After lunch Sushila, Urmila, and Radhika sing group song- “to keep our village in front, and decorate with the development”. Again discussion start-
Daya Bhai: is grass root activist in police torture. He gave information how to prevent from police protection. He told when police came to arrest that you ask, in which case are you arresting etc. you should also point at what time police man came, date, were they in uniform or not, vehicle no, give this information to any organization. So, that query should be done from police station. Immediately do telegram to DM and S.P after arresting.
Dr. Lenin: inform villager that only ladies police can arrest ladies. No police can arrest women’s in night. He asked how many people know that police have no right to beat, than three women said that they know. Gradually we people start knowing all these thing and policeman have no courage to beat us. Some women’s said that police always beat lenient person. Than Dr. Lenin explain that police have no right to beat lenient person and policeman cannot keep in his custody more than 24 hours. After 24 hours he should be called in front of District Judge. Police beat and take statement. Under article 162, but this is not the perfect evidence and court will not take it as evidence. Under article 164, confessing in front of court is the main evidence.
After Dr. Lenin explanation slogan was given “one for all and all for one”.
The curriculum of First day folk school finished and again tomorrow at 11 am again all people will gather in eklavya education center.
Tomorrow at 11 am all people get together at Eklavya education center Ayer (Mushar ghetto), again after introduction and Rajendra sing song and all people follow his song, discussion on folk school start.
Vijay Ji: Told villager about the importance of birth registration, and give Example- Confounded in Birth registration of a boy Kaju of Bagwanala and he was minor in age but in jail he was kept with adult. Birth Register is very necessary. So, this is first Government process of a person.
Manju Yadav: I am widow, but village head is not consciousness about us. I have above Poverty line (APL) card and on the card I get only kerosene oil. I am not getting family benefit scheme due to enmity behavior of village head. I went many times to village head and now I am very tired.
Kamala Devi: When my husband died 4 years earlier, due to aids. Village head ask two rupees and photo, didn’t tell why he was asking for these things. Village head gave family benefit scheme to 4 to 5 people and departing us from this facility. I belong to lower caste (Rajbhar); went for caste identification certificate of my daughter. But village head not prove it and now I don’t go to village head for any work. I have above poverty line card and my son is ill. Village head allot land of village panchayt and house to land owner. We land less have not allotted barren land. Village head not listen our problem and he ignores us.
In between the discussion types of doctors and tell difference between wallet and learned doctors. Discussion on the function and the facility provided in Government hospital. Villagers get information about aids. Detail work function of Aanganwadi and Asha worker was told to the villager.
Urmila: in Haruha health center a delivery of a mother was done, doctor gave only 900 Rupees out of 1400 Rupees given by the Government during the time of delivery. When she ask about Rupees than doctor said that 500 Rupees was spend in the medicine that were used during the time of delivery. She also describes the work performance of two Aanganwadi center running in there area. They give coarse meal, halua of sattu and guava of cheaper rate to eat. When villager ask Aanganwadi worker they said only dose of 20 children come, villagers start crying than they give dose to 31 children. They only give 40 gram to children and 80 gram to women’s, the dose came is just doubled what they give. When villager uproar than Aanganwadi worker start doing properly.
Aanganwadi worker said when supervisor take 1500 Rupees to 2000 Rupees, CDPO maidam take 5,000 Rupees. How they will manage in 8,000 Rupees.
Gita Ji: Post office of shivrampur is in thakur ghetto; postmaster of this post office is thakur. My money order came from Delhi and he irregular distribute it. When I with my daughter went to post office than post-master behavior was not good with us, he threat that his son will beat you people. Postmaster spends the money for his own purpose and gave after 4 or 5 days, after giving money order Rupees postmaster ask commission.
She said that if post office from shivrampur thakur ghetto came to ayar, because people from general cast threat dalits people and postmaster should be also change. When I went to post office to take money order than we are wretched by them, call me “Devi of Delhi”
After discussion we hear the story of Sabbri from people of mushar ghetto. As, they worship Sabbri. Some people said that still we are not allowed to enter in ahirowli temple due to caste system. Like this many example are in this area. Upper caste people or people who belonged to developed class do not want that our child should educate. If we will educate than we will know their rights. An upper class person wants to keep the difference of caste system.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
FOLK SCHOOL FOR THE VICTIMS AND MARGINALIZED LALLAPURA, VARANASI (U.P)
Monday, 10 September, 2007.
Venue: In the ground of Haji Lallapura, Varanasi
PARTICIPANTS: over 41 people participated, who were living in weaving industry in Lallapura. All participants were on leave.
Morning Session: 11:30am- 2 pm
Lunch Session: 2 pm – 2:30 pm
After noon Session: 2:30 pm- 4pm
Tea Session: 4pm – 4:15 pm
Evening Session: 4:15 pm- 6:30 pm
PURPOSE:
The purpose of Folk school is to share and uncensored the victims in front of each other and tries to find out the common solution & strategy
Aftab Alam: First Aftab Alam explains the purpose of folk school by explaining the aim of word hidden in folk school banner. Victims means hunger, illiteracy, and due to not finding work. Somewhere the above problem is in its worst condition and in some place these problem have less effect, he also insist that the voice of victims should be raised. Fight for the victim and margined because these people always keep their legs back. It is necessary to uncensored the victims in front of each other and find common solution to the problems.
Siddique Hasan: Siddique Hasan told that PVCHR and we are not doing any politics. We are raising the voice of weaver’s problems, come forward and fight for the problem. So, weavers can keep their problem in front of Government officers, Government representative. He also add it is yours problems and you people should be in front. You have to stand against problem like corruption, bribery and traitor etc.
DISCUSSION:
(A) Basir-ud-din: I am weaving sari from last twenty-five years. In ADI office in Rathyata weavers have to submit 50 Rupees for the preparation of Weavers identity card and Gandhi health insurance.
When I went to ADI office and paid 50 Rupees for Weavers identity card. From than to till now many times I went to ADI office, but I didn’t get Weavers identity card. Officers said that after survey you will get the Weavers identity card, after few days not eligible candidate gets Weavers identity card and needy weaver are marginalized from the facility.
Submitting the entire document than also they are not preparing identifying card of weavers and harassing us in the name of survey. If we people go in-group of weavers than they call us leader or mediator and ask to come alone. The head clerk of office bribe money and make Weavers identity card
(B) Mohd. Soaib: I am working as weavers for 17 years. He get ICICI health card by paying 60 Rupees. My daughter (Noor Jahan age 14 years) She is suffering from cold and problem in nose bone. For her treatment I went to Javed Iqbal clinic in Aurangabad, Varanasi, and her name is also mention in the card.
Doctors said this card is useless. Free medical facilities are provided by ICICI health card by paying 200 Rupees, but in weaver card 25% reduction in medicine and 50% reduction in doctor’s fees. Doctors not agreed with him in reduction in weavers card and prescribe his own medicine and said some percentage of reduction will be given during her operation. From one month we are eating less food and getting treatment of my daughter.
He said that every weaver should get below poverty ration card (BPL) and health card. If card will be made than atleast we will get food otherwise, for 10 Rupees treatment we have to sleep with empty stomach. I am wearing single clothes from seven years.
.
(C) Mohd. Asraf: I am also engaged in weaving from last 10 years. The main reason of our society backwardness is illiteracy and lack of awareness.
(D) Mohd. Ekram: I have worked as weaver last 20 years. From last 12 years I am pulling rickshaw, police man sit in our rickshaw and whole day room from here to there. When we ask money he abuse us and sometime and hold stick to beat us, like me other rickshaw pullars are facing this problem. I don’t have money to get license and we are fined and pay fine to municipal cooperation by taking debts. I have five daughters including me and my wife seven people. Two of my daughters are married and third one marriage will take place October. I don’t know from where I will manage the expense made in marriage.
When weaving occupation was in profit than we get three times food and now it is difficult to get one time proper food. I live alone in rent house in Lallapura by paying 200 Rupees per month and my family lives in my mother- in- law house. If export of handloom sari start than weaving occupation will rise. Weaving industry revive than he will leave rickshaw pulling. I am sick from many year suspecting tuber closes, I went to Shiv prasad Gupta hospital and didn’t get medicine from there.
(D) Mohd. Kausen: I am working as weaver in 15 years. Government should give subsidy in electricity. Government should direct buy sari without interference any middleman, suitable amount should paid to weavers directly and Government should also give other benefit.
(E) Karim-ud-din Ansari: People from electricity department take 2000 Rupees from us for electric meter, again they are asking 2000 Rupees for electric meter. We have no money to take food and the employee of electricity department is threatening us. We weavers are helpless what to do.
Secondly discrimination in Aanganwadi center here five Aanganwadi center without any signboard. These center are not properly cared by Aanganwadi workers but are cared by neighbors girls. The population of Lallapur is approximately 6000 in which 60 % people are weavers. Not even 1% of people know about Aanganwadi center. In this center only immunization of children is done not pregnant women. Instead of protein diet sattu and toffee is distributed and they did not go home to take children from home, no ANM come to visit Lallapur.
(H) Asarfi: I left weaving 10 yeas ago. I took loan of 2500 thousand Rupees from bank in which he have to pay 1600 thousand Rupees and till now only 6000 thousand Rupees are paid. From last one year my shop is not running good and I am unable to pay the debt. Bank officer threat him that they will close their shop.
(I) Gular Ahamed: I run ngo of handicapped. When I go to Shiv prasad gupt hospital for certificate of handicapped than doctors ask bribe. Who bribe get certificate of total handicapped and who does not give get certificate of partial handicapped. Handicapped assistance pension 2500 per year is not given. Weaver’s children are more handicapped. In Lallapura 300 children of weavers are handicapped
(G) Baktiyar Alam: I am weaving since 15 years. Four month back I have claim on health insurance card and till now I did not amount.
At last in meeting many weavers demands are given below—
1. In Varanasi Government market should be provided.
2. Government should directly buy handloom items from weavers not by mediator.
3. Government should promote export of handloom sari.
4. Government assistance and facility should be directly given to weavers not
Society.
5. Every weaver should get health cards.
6. One weaver organization should be made so; welfare of small weavers should done.
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