The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has been requested to investigate a case of attack on scribes and violation of basic human rights of the locals who are on the verge of displacement in the lower Suktel Project.
The apex rights body was also requested to constitute a peace committee to maintain law and order in the area; assess the current situation and study the post-project impact to avoid further unrest in Balangir.
The request has been made in a rejoinder filed in the NHRC by activist-lawyer Radhakanta Tripathy of Bhadrak. The apex human rights watch dog has been informed by the State police that the action of the police is excess as alleged by the petitioners in the case. There are cases pending against scribe lenin Ray in some earlier cases.
Earlier, the NHRC had asked the Director General of Police (DGP), Odisha, to submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) over the brutal attack on journalists and tribals by police that had injured many at Magurbeda in Balangir.
Since April 8 last, the scene at Magurbeda, where lower Suktel Project is being executed, has become a devil’s fighting field. The situation has become so worse that the protesting people have been lathi charged and tribal women pulled away by force from the site by the police.
When the local journalists tried to capture the brutality of the police, they were also either threatened or attacked, Radhakanta alleged.
Amitabh Patra, a TV journalist was assaulted by the police. later, he was taken into custody when he was bleeding. His camera was damaged. Similarly, another journalist lenin Ray, Editor of “Nisan” was arrested illegally.
Radhakanta pointed out that the attack on tribals who are on the verge of displacement is a heinous crime and the brutal attack on the journalists shakes the very foundation of democracy.
It violates fundamental rights as guaranteed under Article 14, 19 and 21 of the Constitution and the provisions of Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
He requested the NHRC to depute its Special Rapporteur to visit the spot, investigate the case, prepare a detailed report with recommendations and to direct the police to release the protestors who have been victimized.
He also sought a direction to conduct a proper socio-economic survey of the project to rehabilitate and resettle all the displaced villagers. In addition to this, he sought payment of adequate compensation to the victims who are suffering or shall suffer due to the execution of the project.