Dimapur, August 6 (MExN): Civil liberty and democratic/human rights organizations from various states and regions in the country met recently to discuss what was stated as ‘growing spate of state repressions on peoples’ movements as well as enforcement of draconian laws to curtail democratic activities.’
Sixteen organizations including the Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) discussed the attacks on civil liberty organizations by state machineries and “state-sponsored armed gangs.” Militarization of specific areas, particularly Chhattisgarh state, was also taken note of in the meeting. Another point that the organizations discussed was state exploitation in the name of economic development. The meeting discussed its impact on the peoples’ lives and livelihood, especially in the context of seizing of SEZs and displacement of local populations.
In the meeting, several affirmations were made. Among the resolutions included an affirmation to campaign against “state-sponsored criminal gangs” like the Cobras and Green Tigers in Andhra Pradesh and the Salwa Judum in Chhattisgarh etc. It was also resolved to study and ‘expose’ draconian laws like the UAPA, MCOCA, AFSPA etc and their implementation by states in view to oppose and demand their repeal. Further, it was resolved that joint fact-finding activities would be undertaken in instances of state repression.
The meeting affirmed the right to organize and struggle as a basic democratic right of the people; to stand united against all forms of state repression on peoples democratic struggles and to support with solidarity actions, in the event of attacks by state on any civil rights organizations or representatives.
Several decisions were also taken. Among them: that the first fact-finding activity would be to investigate and expose recent instances of police firing in Khamman and police terror following bomb blasts in Hyderabad; that November 27 would be observed as ‘Protest Day’ against the Supreme Court’s “validation” of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA); that a joint bulletin would be published periodically. It was also decided that proposals regarding campaign against death penalty, release of political prisoners and Narco-analysis as a form of torture would be discussed at a later date.
In the meeting was also formed the Coordination of Democratic Rights Organizations. This new forum was incepted to address and combat issues of “gross instances” of state repression. The new forum resolved to campaign and ‘expose the real reasons behind state terror and express solidarity with it in struggle.’
