In Dinhata, Indian citizens are living in captive since independence, can administration look into?
Kirity Roy
3 September 2024
To
The Chairperson
National Human Rights Commission
Manav Adhikar Bhawan
Block – C, G.P.O. Complex, INA
New Delhi – 110023
Respected Madam,
I want to bring into your notice over the harassment of villagers surrounded by fencing due to restriction on fencing gate opening in the bordering village Seuti-II, Shukarukuti GP of district of Coach Bihar. Seuti-II is a village of Coach Bihar district on the Indo-Bangladesh border where 43 families of 83 people of minority Muslims inhabited under fencing area. All families are inhabited in their ancestral land for many years and they use gate no. 17 for their daily purpose which is controlled by Kushahat B.O.P-C-Company 90 Bn BSF .
Agriculture and agrarian daily labour are the main occupation of these mentioned people of Seuti-II. In this border area, these villagers have 380 bigha of agricultural land where they produce different vegetables. But fencing gate is creating dreadful effect on their agriculture, livelihood and more importantly on their life as they have limited freedom to access their houses, fields, schools, health centres, market etc. due to restriction on fencing gate.
According to the custom and rule of Government of India, Ministry of Home Affairs, Directorate General Border Security Force 13 years ago, Gate no. 17 was opened for whole day, but over the years the time span of gate opening time is decreasing by BSF. Now this gate is opened for 3 times a day only for 1 hour (7 am to 8 am, 11 am to 12 pm, and 4 pm to 5 pm). Apart from that, it takes 40 to 50 minutes to entry the name of the villagers after opening the gate. So, most of the time villagers are unable to cross the gate due to lack of time. This situation leads to many unfortunate events in the areas. It is affecting adversely on children’s education which leads to school dropout. Even severely ill people, pregnant women are not allowed to access the gate to reach health centre apart from mentioned time. Life of these people is totally stuck between fencing which makes them more vulnerable as well as distant from other citizen of India. Whole situation also affects on socio-economic condition of these people. This gate no. 17 is the only shortcut way for the villagers to reach the farmers market through CPWD road. Otherwise they have to take different road which will take 4 to 5 km extra to reach the destination.
These families reported complain through formal letter on their tragic situation to District Magistrate of Cooch Behar and S.D.O of Dinhata on 26.07.2024. But no measures have been taken by the authority. They also sent complain letter ton BSF Head Quarter-Assam on 31.07.2024. But on 02/08/2024 Mr. Rafik Miyan and three others, members of these families, were called by BSF to interrogate the situation but instead of that they were threatened by Kushahat B.O.P Company Commander Mr. Pareshnath to withdraw the complain otherwise they will be charged with criminal cases.
These mentioned people under fencing area of Seuti-II not only face the challenges regarding their lives and livelihood but also this situation violates the Article 21 and Article 19 of the Constitution of India which reads as “No person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law” and “All citizens shall have the rights to move freely throughout the territory of India” respectively.
Names of some (Head of the families) Indian citizen of Seuti-II are:-
1. Mr. Kachim Ali son of Katiya
2. Mr. Majibar Rahaman son of Matiya
3. Mr. Hossain Ali Sk. Son of Matiya Sk
4. Ms. Rekha Bibi Daughter of Hachim Ali
5. Mr Jachimuddin Sk Son of Kaltu Md
6. Mr. Fajle Hoque son of Md. Ali
7. Mr. Ejaul Hoque son of Hachim Ali
8. Mr. Hachim Ali son of Matiya Sk
9. Mr. Belal Hossain son of Nur Islam
10. Jaharul Hoque son of Jasmat Sk
11. Samsul Hoque son of Monsur Ali
The villagers have been waiting for proper redressal of their problems which is unheard till date.
Hence I request your urgent intervention in this matter with the following demands:-
· To keep open the Gate No 17 for the whole day (6 a.m. to 6 p.m.) for villagers.
· If the lands are required for BSF, those must be lawfully acquired by the government from the landowners respectively.
· For addressing the difficulties, lawful citizens cannot be threatened.
· To cooperate with villagers in case of their life, livelihood, economic situation etc.
· To compensate and properly rehabilitate all these people for mainstreaming them in the society.
I request your good office to enquire and take legal steps to promote sustainable livelihood of the villagers.
Faithfully Yours
(Kirity Roy)
Secretary, MASUM &
National Convener, PACTI
Secretary
Banglar Manabadhikar Suraksha Mancha
(MASUM)
&
National Convenor (PACTI)
Programme Against Custodial Torture & Impunity
40A, Barabagan Lane (4th Floor)
Balaji Place
Shibtala
Srirampur
Hooghly
PIN- 712203
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