Deep in the heart of Bastar, India, the Abujhmad Forest is a
safe haven for tigers, leopards, wild pigs, elephants, deer and
monkeys. This rich nature reserve thrives because of the
Indigenous Adivasi people, who have lived there in harmony,
nurturing the lands and their culture for
generations.
Right now, a massive military offensive has
been underway across the Adivasi heartland. Over 20,000
armed personnel have been deployed, and rising casualties are being
reported. Civil society is negotiating in favour of peace talks
to end the violence -- but the Indian government has escalated
the assault. At the same time, deforestation is also progressing
aggressively and youth activists speaking out being imprisoned.
Now it is even more important to call on the Indian government to
respond with dialogue, to uphold the rights of Indigenous people
defending their land, forests, and the constitutional promise of
autonomy.
President Murmu is the commander in chief of
the army – with just one word, she could save the Forest lands
and stop the orders of destruction. But for that, we must support
the local resistance efforts and make them global and public NOW, as
the bulldozers could arrive any day. Let’s ramp up the
pressure:
President Droupadi Murmu: Save the precious forests in
Bastar and end the violence against Indigenous
communities!
The destruction of these vast forests isn’t
just an environmental crisis – it’s a death sentence
for the people and wildlife that depend on them. An area the size of
Madrid is being wiped out in the name of warfare, leaving
tigers, elephants, and entire communities with nowhere to go.
Those who resist face brutal repression. Since January 2024,
over 180 people have been executed without trial, while countless
others endure arrests, torture, and horrific violence –
simply for defending their home, the precious land and animals
living there.
But together, we can protect the people and the Forest. The
Ekō community is millions of members strong – from all around
the world. We have the power to ramp up the pressure and turn global
attention to what’s happening in Bastar! Are you in?
President Droupadi Murmu: Save the precious forests in
Bastar and end the violence against Indigenous communities!
This Friday is UN International Day of Forests -- which means we
have a good chance to get the forests in Bastar onto the agenda, if
we act now.
