Activists, victims decry cruel repression of dissent
Hundreds of tribals, Dalits and innocent people, who faced police atrocities while raising voice against anti-people activities in the State, staged a rally at the lower PMG here on Sunday, protesting the State Government’s undemocratic attitude leading to arrest of hundreds of poor tribals and Dalits on false charges.
Following the rally and a street protest, the protesters attended a convention organised by the Campaign Against Fabricated Cases (CAFC).
Debating on ‘Repression on Dissent Voices’, CAFC convener Narendra Mohanty said that charges have been framed against rights activists, leaders of mass movements and workers of different political parties on fictitious grounds.
“The State Government has been targeting its own citizens while facilitating appropriation of the natural resources by the corporate sector. Repression, deception, threat and fabricating false cases are some of the sadistic tricks being used by the Government to crush stir by the public,” alleged Mohanty.
Referring to the deceit by the Government, Mohanty said that the people’s movement in Narayanpatna had been suppressed by declaring Chasi Mulia Adivasi Sangha (CMAS) leader Nachika linga as the ‘most wanted’. Similarly, while Viswa Hindu Parishad leader laxmanananda Saraswati was killed by some Maoists in Kandhamal, seven innocent tribals and Dalits were sent to jail, he added.
On the occasion, the convention put forth a seven-point charter of demands, including withdrawing several false cases registered against democratic leaders and organisations for their battle against displacement and immediate provision of justice to the imprisoned tribals, Dalits and other innocent people by taking trials of their cases in a special court. Besides, it also demanded that all the prisoners and convicted persons, who have been charged in political cases for staging various people’s movements, conferred with status of political prisoners and the Government initiate discussions with the protesters of displacement instead of suppressing their voice.
Several victims of displacement, including Shiney Shoy of Bisthapita Birodhi Mancha Kalinganagar, Posco Pratirodh Sangram Samiti president Abhay Sahu, Niyamagiri Suraksha Samiti member Raj Kishore Sunani, lower Suktel Movement leader Satya Banchor and Nissan magazine editor lenin Kumar shared their anguish.