Activists, scribes, intellectuals, rights defenders representing various forums here presented a declaration following a two-day Democratic Rights Convention held here on August 16 and 17. The Peoples-20, INSAF, NAPM, Lok Shakti Abhiyan and Campaign Against Fabricated Cases (CAFC) jointly organised it.
They announced to protect the common people from the communal and corporate threats and to awaken public opinion through a People’s Manifesto in the upcoming 2024 elections.
They also declared to intensify peaceful protests against the violation of constitutional rights and values and protect natural resources against corporate plunder and State oppression. Similarly, creating an environment for equal rights and opportunities for women and men regardless of male and female was included in the declaration.
The convention advocated strengthening all campaigns to give respect and recognition to the voice of disadvantaged groups, especially Dalits, tribals, downtrodden, minorities and women who are also victims of social injustice. It was demanded before the Government to respect and recognize the rights of the Gram Sabha under the PESA and Forest Rights Act-2006 with the repeal of the anti-people and anti-tribal and anti-environment Forest Conservation (Amendment) Act-2023.
Prafulla Samantara, Prashant Paikarai, Narendra Mohanty, leader of Koraput Maliparbat movement Bijay Khilo, Trilochan Muduli of Sunabeda Hall Displaced Association, human rights activist Bishwapriya Kanungo, leader of Chasi Mulia Surakshya Samiti Balabhadra Malik, Trade Union leader Mahendra Parida, researcher Dr Sricharan Behera, Rajkishore Sunani of Niyamgiri Surakshya Samiti were present among others.