NAPM Statement: Withdraw FIR against three Caravan journalists: Stop intimidation of Independent Media questioning excesses of the right-wing regime
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National Alliance of People's Movements (NAPM)National Office: A/29, Haji Habib Bldg., Naigaon Cross Road, Dadar (E), Mumbai – 400014Social Media: @napmindia | E-mail: napm...@gmail.com |
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NAPM demands withdrawal of FIR against three Caravan journalists who faced assault while reporting on the 2020 Delhi pogrom
We stand in solidarity with journalists facing constant attacks, false cases and arrests meant to restrain their free and fearless reporting
17th June, 2024: National Alliance of People’s Movements (NAPM), strongly condemns the recent action of Delhi Police in filing an FIR against three journalists of The Caravan, merely for diligently doing their duty of reporting during the targeted communal violence in North-East Delhi in 2020. We are aware that this move is part of the pattern of persecution that journalists who report truth to power and question the establishment have been facing for many years now!
As it comes back to power with a reduced majority, the BJP seeks to continue its offensive against democratic voices, including independent media. NAPM is of the view that this is an outright attack on the press and freedom of speech and expression. We demand that the said FIR against journalists of The Caravan be withdrawn forthwith and the right of media persons to report in a free and fearless manner be upheld.
As has been widely reported, the impugned FIR against the journalists has been registered in a questionable manner, and has come to light literally four years after the violence was orchestrated in Delhi, by the right-wing regime. In 2020, three journalists covering the aftermath of the North-east Delhi pogrom were assaulted in the north Ghonda area, of Bhajanpura PS. Ten days back, the journalists learnt about the FIR against them, when they received a notice to be part of the investigation. It has been reported that the FIR includes serious sections of IPC such as 323 (punishment for voluntarily causing hurt), Sec 354 (Assault or criminal force with intent to outrage modesty of woman), Sec 153A (promoting enmity between different groups), r/w Sec 34 (common intention).
On 11th August 2020, Shahid Tantray, Prabhjit Singh and a woman journalist working with The Caravan, were following-up on a story in the north Ghonda neighbourhood, when a mob, some of whom identified themselves as affiliated to the ruling BJP, assaulted them, used communal slurs, and threatened to kill them. Shahid was particularly targeted for being Muslim after he showed his ID card to an angry mob. The female journalist was also sexually harassed in the attack. Reportedly, the attack went on for close to 1.5 hours. The journalists filed a detailed complaint after their ordeal. While the complaint was filed on the same day, the Police delayed the matter for 3 days and registered an FIR only on the 14th of August, 2020. The attack on the journalists was condemned widely, including by the Editors Guild of India, which demanded action against those who roughed up the journalists.
Shockingly, it has now come to light that the Delhi Police first registered an FIR against the three journalists on the complaint of a BJP leader’s wife, and delayed the journalists’ FIR by three days, treating it as a “counter-FIR”! Over four years, the journalists were not even given a copy of the FIR against them, citing its ‘sensitive nature’. Not only that, there has been no progress on the FIR filed by the journalists, clearly indicating the partisan manner in which the Delhi Police has been functioning.
On the day of the incident in Aug, 2020, the three journalists were following up on a previous report in The Caravan on a complaint of misconduct against Delhi Police. The original report explored a Muslim woman’s complaint against certain personnel of the Delhi Police beating and sexually assaulting her and her minor daughter. She was one of the complainants, against the attack on Muslims in the North-east Delhi violence earlier that year.
In late 2019 and early 2020, Delhi and numerous cities and towns across India became centres for a women-led mass uprising for equal citizenship and against the unconstitutional CAA-NRC-NPR, proposed by the Union Govt. Instead of democratically addressing the genuine concerns of agitated people, especially muslims who have already been facing many years of apartheid in India under the BJP, a vicious attempt by the ruling party leaders to provoke and instigate violence began.
Many activists who opposed the anti-constitutional CAA were booked under draconian laws such as UAPA and to this day, some of them like Khalid Saifi, Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, Gulshifa Fatima, Meeran Haider etc. are behind bars and haven’t been granted bails. On the other hand, despite video evidence showing the likes of Kapil Mishra and other BJP leaders openly instigating crowds for violence against Muslims, in the presence of the police, no strong legal action has been taken against them.
In the past 4 years, investigations by the Delhi Police in cases related to the 2020 Delhi violence suggest communal-bias and unfair handling, as also concluded in independent fact-finding reports by civil society groups. As per reports, 15 Hindus and 38 Muslims lost their lives, in the violence and the homes and bastis of muslims were particularly targeted and burnt down. Not only were the complaints of Muslims affected by violence not filed meticulously, they were infact booked and implicated in a large number of cases.
It is in the light of such a deplorable state of affairs and complicity of the authorities; that the role of independent journalism becomes even more significant. The Caravan is well-known for its bold and investigative style of long-form journalism. In 2023, the magazine won the Shorenstein Journalism Award by the prestigious Stanford University, as it was declared by the selection committee as the “last bastion of bold investigative journalism in India under extreme duress”. The publication’s journalists have also won awards including IPI India Award for Excellence in Journalism in 2023 and ACJ Award for Investigative Journalism in 2018. As stated by The Caravan in its press release, the FIR against its journalists is completely false and fabricated and is an attempt to muzzle their reporting.
Over the last decade, mainstream media houses have either toed the fascist and authoritarian government’s line or been bought over by billionaires close to the ruling dispensation. From the 140th position in 2014, when the BJP under Mr. Narendra Modi formed the Govt at the centre, India has slipped further to 159, out of 180 countries in the Press Freedom Index. A report by Rights and Risks Analysis Group (RRAG) says that 194 journalists were targeted across India in 2022. Out of these, 103 were targeted by state actors while 91 were targeted by non-state actors including political activists. Out of these, 7 journalists were killed.
While most mainstream media platforms have been reduced to propaganda mouthpieces of the ruling party, ‘alternate’ or progressive media groups, independent journalists, fact-checkers, youtubers etc have been working overtime to bring facts and truthful analysis to people. However, they have been facing online abuse, threats of violence, physical and sexual harassment as well as assaults. Protecting our journalists’ freedom to report critically is ensuring a fundamental tenet of democracy, our right to information and our ability to make informed decisions.
National Alliance of People’s Movements (NAPM), salutes our brave independent media, working against many odds. We acknowledge the persecution of the three journalists by the Delhi Police as a part of the broader attack on non-establishment media and independent journalists. We demand that:
Ø The Delhi Police must immediately withdraw the FIR against the three journalists of Caravan.
Ø The FIR filed by the journalists must be properly investigated with the Delhi High Court monitoring the investigation, to ensure no misuse of power takes place against the journalists;
Ø The actions of police officers at the Bhajanpura station must be investigated impartially. If found guilty, the errant police personnel must be penalised;
Ø The Delhi Police, which comes under the authority of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, along with other state agencies, must stop the culture of targeting and harassing journalists critical of the government and/or the ruling party;
Ø The government must commit to protecting freedom of the press and freedom of expression.
Ø Anti-CAA activists, who were exercising their democratic right to protest a law widely perceived to be unjust and anti-constitutional, must be immediately released and cases against them withdrawn.
Ø An unbiased inquiry must be initiated under the supervision of the Supreme Court, to ascertain concerns regarding the communal, vindictive and biased role of the Delhi Police during and after the 2020 Delhi violence.
Ø Errant officers of the Delhi Police must be penalised, if found guilty of conducting biased investigations and/or dereliction of duty.
Issued by: National Alliance of People’s Movements (NAPM)
E-mail: napm...@gmail.com
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National Alliance of People's Movements (NAPM)National Office: A/29, Haji Habib Bldg., Naigaon Cross Road, Dadar (E), Mumbai – 400014Social Media: @napmindia | E-mail: napm...@gmail.com |
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Israel’s horrendous year-long genocidal war on Palestine and its continued attacks on Lebanon calls for global action!
NAPM supports the cause of an independent and sovereign Palestine and stands in full solidarity with the people of Palestine and Lebanon as they continue to persevere under Israeli aggression!
Indian government’s meek silence on the unfolding genocide is condemnable:
NAPM demands an immediate end to the arms trade with Israel as part of comprehensive sanctions on Israel.
Indian Govt must join the international community in ensuring an immediate ceasefire and the realization of Palestinian self-determination.
12th Oct, 2024: As the world marks one year of Israel’s genocidal war on Palestine, National Alliance of People’s Movements (NAPM) joins global voices seeking justice for the Palestinian cause and accountability for the horrendous actions of the state of Israel, which has led to an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, throwing to the winds international law and human rights. The support of powerful ‘first world nations’ as well as countries continuing business and military ties has only emboldened the crimes of Israel over the past year. We demand that the conglomerate of nations responsible for the crisis are held fully accountable. Even as we unequivocally stand by the peoples of Palestine and West Asia, facing Israel’s aggression, we demand an immediate ceasefire, urgent humanitarian aid, end to occupation and recognition of the right to self-determination of Palestine as an independent nation. We also call upon Indian Govt. to immediately sever all its economic ties with Isreal until it ends its genocide and is held accountable as per international law.
While the history of Israeli occupation of Palestine spans over many decades, the past year since Israel began its genocidal violence against Palestinians in Gaza, has been unprecedented, triggered by the horrific attack of armed groups primarily, Hamas on 7th October 2023. Over the last 365 days, Israeli forces have killed 15 Palestinians every hour in Gaza, including 6 children. In total, at least 41,870 Palestinians have been killed by Israel’s unceasing attacks in Gaza alone, including 16,756 children, with nearly 1,00,000 injured and over 10,000 missing. Added to this, at least 742 Palestinians have been killed by Israel in the Occupied West Bank, including 163 children along with more than 6,250 being injured. As a result of Israel’s war, 60% of Gaza’s residential and 80% of commercial buildings, 90% of schools, and 70% of cropland have been damaged or destroyed and 2 million people have been forcibly displaced, with many having been displaced multiple times. This scale of oppression and decimation of civilian population is a permanent blot on human history.
During the same period, 125 journalists have been killed in Israel’s war, 120 of whom are Palestinians. At least 220 UNRWA staff members and over 500 medical workers have been killed by Israeli attacks. Israel has bombed and raided hospitals in Gaza and the West Bank, targeted schools housing displaced residents leading to massacres and deliberately enforced restrictions on food, water, electricity and medical supplies including actively blocking entry of humanitarian aid from the international community. As such, it has caused mass hunger with UN experts declaring the spread of famine throughout the strip in July this year. Recently, in addition to continuing its attacks on Gaza and the West Bank, Israel has initiated attacks on residential areas in Lebanon which have already resulted in the deaths of over 2,000 people with another 1.2 million displaced. In all of this time, the far-right Israeli regime has not shown any sign of trying to negotiate the release of its own hostages, held by Hamas in Gaza since the 7th of October 2023. The government, headed by Benjamin Netanyahu, who was facing growing domestic unrest prior to October 2023, and members of the fundamentalist right in Israel has been repeatedly criticized by family members of the hostages for not trying to secure their release. The regime in Tel Aviv has constantly shifted the goalposts and broadened its war effort in the garb of ‘self-defense’. It now threatens to plunge the region into total war, as it has begun a campaign in Lebanon against Hezbollah and is widely expected to attack Iran any day now.
What is at stake: There are three grave matters at stake, in this entire episode:
· Firstly, the ongoing genocide threatens the right to life of present and future generations of Palestinians. There is an urgent need for an immediate ceasefire and to punish those guilty of conducting, inciting and being complicit in genocide.
· Secondly, left to its own devices, the regime in Israel seems to be pushing the Western Asian region towards war. It is imperative that the Israeli regime be restrained from inciting a wider war, that could have far-reaching implications for peace in West Asia and beyond.
· Thirdly, the impunity and support of the Western powers enjoyed by the Israeli regime have undermined the fragile global order.
The USA’s global hegemony is being challenged in the economic sphere by China and other emerging countries. The West uses the idea of respect for human rights to buttress its soft power, distinguishing itself from what it deems to be authoritarian regimes elsewhere. This forms the basis of its claim to stand for a global “rules-based order” founded on liberal values. It should be appreciated that while almost never living up to such ideals, the ideological narrative behind such formulations has sustained and is crucial to the power of the West and their allies. The West’s complicity in the yearlong genocide in Gaza, especially the unwillingness of the USA to restrain Israeli actions, has ended this source of Western soft power. The credibility of the West to speak about human rights and to assume leadership of the democratic world lies in tatters. As such, the third issue at stake is reformulating a humane international order.
Israel has shown contempt for international law throughout this time and continues to exhibit the same till date. It has declared the General Secretary of the United Nations as persona non grata, and called the UN agency, UNRWA, a terrorist organization. It has done so while committing the gravest of crimes known to humankind: genocide. Among the many serious crimes, Israel stands accused of is that of committing genocide against the Palestinians. The crime of genocide is codified under the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, the first human rights treaty in the history of the United Nations. All parties to the Convention (including the US, Israel and India) have the obligation to prevent and punish genocide and prosecute genocidal acts.
As early as on 15th of October 800 scholars and practitioners of international law, conflict studies and genocide warned of the possibility of genocide in Gaza. On 27th October 2023, the UNGA adopted a resolution calling for an “immediate and sustained ‘humanitarian truce’”. On 16th November, based on evidence of a month of Israeli actions, UN experts warned of a “genocide in the making”. On the 9th of December, 55 foremost scholars of Holocaust and Genocide Studies from across the world released a statement warning against the danger of Israel committing genocide. By mid-December, it was clear that Israel was using starvation as a tool of war, which is a war crime under the Geneva Convention. Regardless of these and many more warnings and repeated calls by members of the international community for a ceasefire, Israel continued its genocidal campaign.
On 29th December, 2023 South Africa initiated proceedings at the International Court of Justice against Israel on the charge of genocide. On 26th January, 2024, the ICJ pronounced a provisional order in the case wherein it found that Israel has plausibly committed acts in Gaza that violate the Genocide Convention. It ordered Israel to immediately comply with provisional measures it announced, including stopping genocide and punishing those responsible for inciting the same. Israel has only shown blatant contempt for the same ever since.
In her report ‘Anatomy of a Genocide’ to the UN Human Rights Council, presented in March 2024, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territories has documented detailed evidence pointing to the commission of genocide on Israel’s part. On 20th May 2024, the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court filed applications for arrest warrants to be issued against Benjamin Netanyahu (Prime Minister) and Yoav Gallant (Defence minister) along with top Hamas officials. Over the last year, multiple UNGA resolutions and even UN Security Council resolution 2735 (2024) have been passed demanding an end to Israel’s attacks. Most recently the UNGA overwhelmingly voted to adopt a resolution demanding Israel end its unlawful occupation of Palestinian territories within 12 months.
The Responsibility of the International Community and India’s Silence:
Israel’s genocide, coming on the heels of Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, has clearly exposed the West’s double standards when it comes to applying international law and human rights in the context of non-White populations. The brazen murder of 42,000 Palestinians has not been enough for regimes such as the USA, UK and Germany to acknowledge the horror on display, as they continue to fund Israel’s war machine and provide political cover for its operations. The main financial, political and military backer of Israel has been the United States of America. Over the last one year, the regime in the USA has come under increasing domestic as well as international pressure in light of Israel’s atrocities against Palestinians and its complete disregard for international humanitarian law. However, the US has provided political cover and military and financial assistance to the tune of $18 billion to fund genocide. As such, it bears responsibility and is accountable for Israel’s crimes against humanity and commission of genocide. Instead of correcting course, Western states have resorted to internal repression to quell democratic protests, especially by their young citizens, against the genocide by Israel.
In such a distorted time, it is countries of the Global South that have assumed ethical leadership of the world. Led by South Africa and Brazil, the Global South has demanded the human rights of Palestinians be respected. Notable exceptions in the West such as Ireland and Spain have broken ranks with the ethically compromised West, which stands clearly exposed of global thuggery. It is highly condemnable that India is notable by its absence on the international stage and has indeed continued to quietly support Israel while the latter conducts genocide.
While PM Modi was quick to express support for Israel post October 7, India abstained from the UNGA resolution demanding a humanitarian truce the same month. Most recently also India was the notable abstention when 124 countries voted for Israel to end its illegal occupation of Palestine. Moreover, India has supplied Israel with drones manufactured by Adani-Elbit Advanced Systems. Indian-made munitions have been sent to Israel which has used them to target and kill Palestinians. Furthermore, the Indian government has been keen to send thousands to workers to Israel, to replace Palestinians who used to perform low-income jobs in the occupying state. This decision is tantamount to directly sending Indian workers in harm’s way and prioritizing Israeli economic interests over the lives of Indian workers. Several migrant workers were killed and taken hostage in the October 7 attacks and an Indian worker died as a result of a rocket attack in March 2023 while working in an unsafe location in Israel. Israel has long relied on the exploitation of overseas workers to maintain its domestic economy. Abuse of these workers in Israel is well documented. Israeli forces also killed a former Colonel of the Indian Army serving as a UN staffer in May 2024.
India’s lack of initiative to defend human rights at the international stage and its meekness in the face of clear war crimes is highly condemnable for a country that once led the non-aligned world. Despite being a developing country, India has historically carried moral heft and expressed itself in favour of the people of the developing world, including Palestinians. India was among the first states to recognize the state of Palestine in 1988 and has long upheld the right to self-determination of the Palestinian people. The current government is belying the historical role and responsibility of India on the global stage. The ruling BJP is known to share an ideological affinity with the hard right in Israel and has worked to increase political and trade ties with the occupying power. This is especially so in the area of military and surveillance equipment, with India having spent US$ 2.9 billion on Israeli hardware in the last decade. The Indian government also bought malicious spyware from Israel called Pegasus to illegally snoop on opposition political leaders, activists and dissidents. PM Modi’s close ally, Gautam Adani has been the prime beneficiary of the current government’s proximity to Israel. Adani bought the Haifa port (Israel’s largest) in January 2023 and has multiple joint ventures with Israeli weapons manufacturers supplying them to the Israeli forces. Israeli state entities and private firms have received opportunities to work in the agritech and water space in India.
The Indian government has discredited its own legacy of standing with the oppressed peoples of the developing world by supporting Israel and being a spectator as the world order collapses around us. There is an urgent need for course correction. India’s relations with Israel have changed ever since our governments embraced capitalist globalization in the 1990s. Since 2014, the ideological proximity of the BJP-RSS with the Zionist movement in Israel – both of which seek to create a supremacist regime on religious-communal lines – has been key to deepening of state ties. We cannot stand on the wrong side of history when the majority of the world has recognized the unjustifiable oppression of Palestine.
As the world witnesses the ongoing genocide and further escalation and imminent danger of a regional war in West Asia, NAPM demands that:
❖ Isreal’s genocidal machine must be immediately stopped, ensuring an immediate ceasefire along with a realization of the Palestinian right to self-determination.
❖ Indian government must join the global community in demanding an end to Israel’s illegal occupation of Palestinian land, and impose sanctions including travel bans and asset freezes against Israeli entities (individuals or institutions including corporations) as mentioned in the UNGA resolution from September 2024.
❖ Full compliance with UN Resolution 2735 (reg immediate ceasefire and safe handover of hostages) and UN Resolution 2720 (for opening of borders and allowing humanitarian aid).
❖ Full accountability under international law must be ensured for all war crimes, terror attacks and genocidal violence that has taken place over the past year.
❖ Indian government should move towards annulling all trade ties with Israel (Indian purchases account for 37% of Israel’s arms exports).
❖ India must also annul the labour mobility agreements signed with Israel and safely bring back its workers from the warring country.
❖ India must end agri-business ties with the Israeli capital which instead of serving the needs of India’s toiling masses, serve businesses and normalizes Israeli initiatives in developing countries.
❖ Indian Governments, across party lines, must respect the democratic right of citizens to protest the genocide, instead of clamping down on protests and solidarity efforts.
As we stand ashamed and complicit, witnessing the painful loss of thousands of civilian lives over the past year, in particular of Palestinian children, women, elders, we salute the enduring spirit of Palestinians for self-determination. We also commend the global outrage movements including by students that has drawn much-needed attention to the crimes of Isreal. We must continue to intensify efforts locally and globally, to ensure a Free Palestine and a world sans genocidal crimes.
Contact: 7054055393 / 9953947739
Issued by: National Alliance of People’s Movements (NAPM), E-mail: napm...@gmail.com
napm india
National Alliance of People's Movements (NAPM)National Office: A/29, Haji Habib Bldg., Naigaon Cross Road, Dadar (E), Mumbai – 400014Social Media: @napmindia | E-mail: napm...@gmail.com |
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13th Nov, 2024: More than 250 activists from different parts of India and diverse organizations signed on to a statement initiated by the National Alliance of People’s Movements (NAPM), strongly condemning the arbitrary detention of 6 social and environmental activists in Jammu & Kashmir, under the Public Safety Act (PSA). The signatories called for their immediate release and withdrawal of cases filed against them, for exercising their legitimate right to raise ecological concerns. All those detained Mohammad Abdullah Gujjar (resident of Sigdi Bhata), Noor Din (resident of Kakerwagan), Ghulam Nabi Choppan (resident of Trungi - Dachhan), Mohammad Jaffer Sheikh (resident of Nattas, Dool), Mohammad Ramzan (resident of Dangduroo - Dachhan), trade union leaders from Kishtwar district and Rehamatullah from Doda District (J&K) were only raising pertinent issues regarding socio-environmental impacts of large projects as well as solid waste management.
Some of the key signatories from over 20+ states, include notable activists, academics, advocates like: Prof. Roop Rekha Verma, Rama Teltumbde, Soumya Dutta, Prof. Manoranjan Mohanty, Prof. Uma Chakravarti, Lalita Ramdas, Kavita Srivastava, Adv Indira Unninayar, Dr. Sandeep Pandey, Elina Horo, Mayalmit Lepcha, Himanshu Thakkar, Anuradha Bhasin, Sheikh Ghulam Rasool, Anmol Ohri, Mohd Ishak, Shamsul Islam, Arun Khote, Anand Patwardhan, John Dayal, Dunu Roy, Dr. Nandita Narrain, Raja Muzaffar Bhatt, Prafulla Samantara, Prof. Padmaja Shaw, Hasina Khan, Ashok Chowdhury, Yash Marwah, Cedric Prakash, Ruchit Asha Kamal, Adv Vinay Sreenivasa, Dr. Gabriele Dieterich, Manshi Asher, Kailash Meena, Suhas Kolhekar, Vidya Dinker, Madhuri, Bittu KR, Bhanu Tatak, AS Vasantha, Prasad Chacko, Adv Vertika, Meera Sanghamitra and many others.
The signatories supported the activists stating, “socio-ecological justice activism and raising legitimate concerns should not be mislabeled as "anti-national. Attempts to silence dissent by branding it as "anti-national" weaken the foundations of democratic governance and hinder constructive dialogue on pressing social issues”. Such actions of the State undermine people’s right to hold authorities accountable, the right to peaceful protest and community involvement in decision making processes. It must be emphasized that popular opposition to hydro-power, mega infrastructure is not isolated to the region of Jammu & Kashmir, but is seen across the Himalayan states, given the enviro, socio-economic threats these projects pose to the region at large. Thus, clamping down on ecological movements in the region only hampers the much-needed struggle to combat climate crisis.
An appeal was made both to the newly formed government in Jammu & Kashmir and to the Union Government not to resort to high-handed interventions, as people on the ground voice legitimate concerns in a peaceful way. The signatories hoped that as the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference at Baku (COP29) is underway, necessary attention would be paid to environmental defenders back home, safeguarding ecology at great risk.
13th Nov, 2024: National Alliance of People’s Movements (NAPM), along with other people’s organizations and concerned citizens from across India strongly condemns the arbitrary detention of social and environmental activists in Jammu & Kashmir under the Public Safety Act (PSA). Those detained under the provisions of J&K Public Safety Act, 1978, include Mohammad Abdullah Gujjar (resident of Sigdi Bhata), Noor Din (resident of Kakerwagan), Ghulam Nabi Choppan (resident of Trungi - Dachhan), Mohammad Jaffer Sheikh (resident of Nattas, Dool) and Mohammad Ramzan (resident of Dangduroo - Dachhan), trade union leaders from Kishtwar district.
The authorities claim that these persons were attempting to ‘obstruct projects of national importance’. However, according to local sources and social media posts of activists and journalists from the Chenab Valley, the detained activists were voicing several specific concerns about the hydropower projects including infrastructure-related impacts and damages, environmental violations, denial of compensation and rehabilitation etc. They also alleged that local houses and properties suffered severe damage due to project-related blasting and that construction work reportedly caused ‘structural integrity issues’ in nearby buildings. It is learnt that 22 other persons have been placed under state ‘surveillance’ and we fear that they may also be subject to arbitrary detention or arrests.
It has also been reported that another young climate activist Rehamatullah (25), from Dessa Bhatta of Doda (J&K), who has been vocal about environmental issues and was actively uncovering a solid waste management scam, has been detained under the Public Safety Act (PSA). His work exposed the alleged misuse of funds and negligence in managing local waste, affecting public health and the environment. These detentions have raised concerns among local communities and environmental organizations, who view it as a suppression of environmental activism and transparency efforts.
We are of the earnest view that the detention of these activists who have only been advocating for the protection of local ecosystems, people’s democratic rights and truly sustainable development, undermine the right to hold authorities accountable, the right to peaceful protest and community involvement in decision making processes. It also represents a troubling misuse of power and a suppression of fundamental rights, which should alarm every citizen who believes in democracy and justice.
The criminalization of activism in Jammu and Kashmir, exemplified by laws such as the Public Safety Act (PSA), has systematically suppressed local voices. We must unite in support of activists, including climate justice activists, and support their well-meaning advocacy efforts in J&K. It is imperative that the new government that has been voted to power in J&K with expectations that at least some democratic rights would be upheld, must live up to this popular mandate. Even as issues and subjects of federal rights are divided between the Centre and J&K, we expect the Lieutenant Governor and the Central Government to act responsibly and refrain from high-handed interventions, as people on the ground voice legitimate concerns in a peaceful way.
It must be emphasized that popular opposition to hydro-power and mega infrastructure is not isolated to the region of Jammu & Kashmir, but is seen across the Himalayan states, given the environmental and socio-economic threats these projects pose to the region at large. Thus, clamping down on ecological movements in the region only hampers the much-needed struggle to combat climate crisis.
NAPM strongly asserts that socio-ecological justice activism and the act of raising legitimate concerns should not be mis-labelled as "anti-national." Attempts to silence dissent by branding it as "anti-national" weaken the foundations of democratic governance and hinder constructive dialogue on pressing social issues.
We call for the immediate and unconditional release all detainees and demand that the PSA, other charges against them be withdrawn. Activism and dissent are essential components of a healthy democracy, and they should be respected rather than criminalized. The authorities must instead impartially inquire into the allegations of corruption, ensure participatory socio-environmental impact assessments and prioritize ecological justice. As the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference kickstarts at Baku (COP29), we hope necessary attention would be paid to environmental defenders back home, safeguarding ecology at great risk.
List of Signatories
1. Hananya AS Student Mumbai, Maharashtra
2. Paran Amitava Researcher Ranchi, Jharkhand
3. Meera Sanghamitra Social Activist, NAPM Hyderabad
4. AVS Krishna Chaitanya Software Engineer Hyderabad
5. Mahnoor Drama therapist Hyderabad/Telangana
6. Heman Researcher Ahmedabad
7. Nikita Naidu Climate Action Consultant Hyderabad, Telangana
8. Anannya PhD scholar New Delhi
9. Kavita Srivastava PUCL Jaipur/ Rajasthan
10. Tannuja Chauhan Visual Artist New Delhi
11. John Michael NAPM National Urban Struggles Forum Hyderabad
12. Annapurna Menon Lecturer Jaipur, Rajasthan
13. Yash Agrawal Fridays For Future Mumbai Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra
14. Elina Horo Adivasi Women's Network Ranchi, Jharkhand
15. Natasha Pereira Self-employed Mumbai
16. Saravanan V PhD Student, JNU New Delhi
17. Sabique Hasan Ahmed Greenkeepers/Student Guwahati, Assam
18. Bhumi Student Shimla
19. Aditya Partap Singh Student New Delhi
20. Habiburrahman Accounts Chennai
21. Mayalmit lepcha Affected citizens of Teesta Sikkim
22. Sara Professor Tamil Nadu
23. Kailash Mina Napm Neemkathana Rajasthan
24. Arundhati Dhuru NAPM Lucknow UP
25. Dr Sandeep Pandey Socialist Party (India) U P
26. Manshi Asher Himdhara Collective Himachal Pradesh
27. Nikita Jain Journalist Delhi
28. Nishant Bangera Muse Foundation Mumbai
29. Oindrila Climate Advocate Visakhapatnam
30. Varshith.M Student Andhra Pradesh
31. Seema khaleel Conservationist Karnataka
32. Mohammad Ishak Social Worker Uttarakhand
33. Rakesh Shivaji Gholap Social worker Thane ,/ Maharashtra
34. Ramnarayan Ecologist Uttarakhand
35. Shreyas Pande Journalist Mumbai
36. Koninika Ray National Federation of Indian Women New Delhi
37. Syed Juneed ul Haq Andrabi NAPM J&K Shopian
38. Roop Rekha Verma Individual Lucknow
39. Kumar Mukesh Social Activist Kaithal/Haryana
40. Shubham Kothari JHSS/Activist Mumbai/Maharashtra
41. sanjana Consultant Maharashtra
42. Ankita Marwaha Social campaigner New Delhi
43. Nisha Biswas Scientist Kolkata
44. Rahee S G Student Pune/ Delhi
45. Roopashri Sinha Freelance researcher Maharashtra
46. Dr Vijay Rukmini Rao Development Nalgonda, Telangana
47. Sujata Patel Teacher and Researcher Maharashtra
48. Chakri Samalochana Anakapalle
49. Sanober Keshwaar Retired law lecturer Mm
50. Rosamma Thomas Freelancer Pala town, Kerala
51. Deepa Gender Consultant Bhopal/Madhya Pradesh
52. Osama Rawal Students Thane/ Maharashtra
53. Sagari Ramdas Food Sovereignty Alliance, India Hyderabad, Telangana
54. Shamsul Islam Former faculty Delhi University NCR
55. Neelima Sharma Street theatre NCR
56. Ambika Tandon PhD student Delhi
57. anamik shah Professor Rajkot/Gujarat
58. ARUN KHOTE Justice News Lucknow
59. Ashish Advocate Telangana
60. Indira Public Health Delhi
61. Frazer Mascarenhas Academic Administrator Mumbai
62. sharmila academic, IITB Mumbai, Maharashtra
63. Suhas Kolhekar National Alliance of People's Movements Pune
64. P. Rohini Rajasekaran Multi-disciplinary Artist Bengaluru
65. Youth For Himalaya Youth For Himalaya India
66. Sandeep Pandey Socialist Party (India) Lucknow
67. Shehbaz Student activist Mumbai
68. Ayaskant Das Independent Journalist Delhi
69. Ayaz Niyaz Ahmad Fatima shaikh study circle Thane, Maharashtra
70. Vidya Dinker INSAF Mangalore
71. Pervin Jehangir Social Work Mumbai
72. Madhuri social activist Madhya Pradesh
73. Rohin Kumar Journalist Delhi
74. Nina Verma NA Mumbai
75. Pritam Student Aasssm
76. Harpuneet Kaur PFUS Chandigarh, Punjab
77. Shiva Shankar Professor, retired Chennai
78. Alok Ranjan Climate campaigner New Delhi
79. Freny Manecksha Independent journalist Thane Maharashtra
80. Kaneez Fathima Civil Rights Activist Telangana
81. Dr Zafarul-Islam Khan Editor, The Milli Gazette New Delhi
82. Amir Rizvi Designer Mumbai
83. Anand Patwardhan None Mumbai
84. M A Lateef Atear Secretary Hyderabad
85. Shalini Dhawan Designer Mumbai
86. Dunu Roy Hazards Centre New Delhi/Delhi
87. Rama TELTUMBDE - Mumbai/ Maharashtra
88. Sayed safiulla Working Karnataka
89. K. Sajaya Women & Transgender Orgs JAC Hyderabad/ Telangana
90. Rita Manchanda Independent Researcher and Writer Delhi
91. Uma Shankari Farmer, Citizen Hyderabad, Telangana
92. Vijayasingh Ronald David Coorg Organisation for Rural Development Kushalnagar
93. Yusuf Shaikh Retired Karad
94. Kamayani Trainer Gender , Health and Human Rights Mumbai
95. Manvar Sunil Activist Pune
96. Rahul Varman Academic Kanpur, UP
97. Sadia Sohail NGO Delhi
98. Muhmina Lawyer Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
99. Nandita Narain Democratic Teachers' Front, Delhi University Delhi
100. Dr Lubna Sarwath Member, Indian National Congress, Hyderabad Hyderabad
101. Prafulla Samantara Lok Shakti Abhiyan Bhubaneswar, Odisha
102. Aruna Retired Pune Maharashtra
103. Himanshu Thakkar SANDRP Delhi
104. Arunyajyothi Student Telangana
105. Sujata Madhok None Delhi
106. Arunyajyothi Student Telangana
107. Bittu K R WSS Sonipat, Haryana
108. Sharanya Nayak Indigenous Peoples' Land Life and Knowledge Collective Koraput, Odisha
109. John Dayal Writer Delhi
110. Padmaja Shaw Rtd Professor Hyderabad
111. Abdul Majid Attar Kashmir Conservancy Movement Kashmir
112. Zeeshan Ahmed Business Mumbai
113. Aagnay Self employed Bhimtal, Uttarakhand
114. Devi Activist Hyderabad
115. Prasad Chacko Social Worker Ahmedabad
116. Barnali Mukherjee ACTIVIST Kolkata
117. Roshni Mukherjee Officer in a University West Bengal
118. Jacques Gelineau Fondation rivières Sept-Îles , Canada
119. Mohammad Chappalwala Sambhaavnaa Institute Palampur/ Himachal Pradesh
120. Shruthi Educator Bengaluru
121. maithreyi m r freelance professional editor mumbai
122. Nupur Jain PhD student Maharashtra
123. Basudev Banerjee Social activist West Bengal..
124. Banhi Chakraborty Ex-teacher, IIT, Kharagpur, West Bengal Kolkata, West Bengal
125. Dr Shaikh Ghulam Rasool J&K RTI Movement Srinagar
126. Hasan Abdullah Research Delhi
127. Kavita Upadhyay Independent journalist and researcher Nainital, Uttarakhand
128. Suryanshu Student Vellore, Tamil Nadu
129. Disha Ravi Fridays For Future India Bangalore, Karnataka
130. Priya Pillai Researcher Thrissur
131. Yashasva Bhatia Student Delhi
132. Sumanta Banerjee Political commentator Hyderabad/Telangana
133. Laxman Gurung Himalayan Alliance for Water and Agriculture HAWA Kathmandu
134. Prabhakaran Poovulagin Nanbargal Chennai, Tamilnadu
135. Aanchal Communication Pune
136. Sandhya gokhale Forum Against Oppression of Women Mumbai
137. Hasina khan , Biraj Mehta, Maivish, Gulshaad Bebaak Collective Maharashtra
138. Meghaa S Consultant Chennai
139. Ashok choudhary Aiufwp Saharanpur, UP
140. Mandakini Lawyer Hyderabad
141. Joseph Maliakan Veteran Journalist Delhi
142. Sundarrajan Environment activist Chennai
143. Dr. Sheetal Kamble TASHI Organization Thane Maharashtra
144. Dr Vikas Bajpai JNU Delhi
145. Shankar Activist Dehradun
146. Soham social media manager Delhi
147. Spalzes Angmo Project coordinator Leh
148. FIROZ SCHOOL TEACHER DELHI
149. Mr Soumya Dutta MAUSAM / Author-Educator-Researcher Delhi
150. Tanisha Negi Self employed Himachal Pradesh
151. Kopal Let India Breathe Ghaziabad
152. AA NA Tamil nadu
153. Daniel Jose Climate Front India Kochi
154. Dr Raja Muzaffar Bhat Jammu & Kashmir RTI Movement , Coalition of Climate Activists J&K Jammu & Kashmir
155. Raksha Awasya Lawyer Delhi
156. Neelam Ahluwalia Nakra People for Aravallis group Haryana
157. Anjali Activist Maharashtra
158. Geeta sahu Individual Belgaum
159. Yugma Collective Youth Organisation Maharashtra
160. Rajesh Desai Environment Movement Maharashtra
161. Deepthi Sirla NAPM Hyderabad
162. Ashish Kajla Independent Researcher Rajasthan
163. Cedric Prakash Human Rights Reconciliation & Peace Activist/Writer Ahmedabad / Gujarat
164. Bhawna Tanwar There Is No Earth B New Delhi
165. Saksham Bisen Software Engineer Chhattisgarh
166. Piyush Kumar Artist New Delhi
167. Sameer Journalist Kashmir
168. SUMAN TVVM FREELANCER VISAKHAPATNAM/ ANDHRA PRADESH
169. Abhinandan Nath Canara International School Life Skills Coach Karnataka Mangalore
170. Hasina khan Researcher activist Maharashtra
171. Bhim Independent Delhi
172. Vikas Jain Naturalist Pali Rajasthan
173. Dr Doctor Pondicherry
174. Saroj Teacher Gurgaon, Haryana
175. Vikas Singh Azim Premji University Kota Rajasthan
176. Nilima Kallara Salaried Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra
177. Smita Hemlata BJA/Freelancer Pune/Maharashtra
178. Kashif jubapu Friday for further Karnataka Karnataka
179. Rupa Chinai Independent journalist Mumbai
180. Sarang V. Yadwadkar Architect Pune, Maharashtra
181. Vertika Mani Lawyer, PUCL Delhi Delhi
182. Kailash Anerao Chartered Accountant Thane
183. Aurobindo MANAVSEVA NCT DELHI
184. Nayana Researcher Bengaluru, Karnataka
185. Moncy M Thomas Library Kerala
186. Sandhya Raju Ccrra Kerala
187. Bhaskar Chakraborty Creative Work Mumbai
188. Vinay Kooragayala Sreenivasa Advocate Karnataka
189. People For Himalaya People For Himalaya India
190. Suchitra Mathur Teacher Kanpur, UP
191. Naveen aolanki other Delhi
192. AFFAN ALIG JOURNALIST New Delhi
193. Dr. Mohd Raffique Socio-political Activist Nuh, Haryana
194. Ekta Climate activist Uttar pradesh
195. Mohan Climate front - Vishakhapatnam Andhra pradesh
196. Apoorv Grover Ophthalmologist/ Doctor New Delhi
197. Kavita Banker Himachal Pradesh
198. Sushma Wildpaw Adventures Mumbai
199. Amrita Shodhan Teacher Ahmedabad
200. Chythenyen Researcher Tamil Nadu
201. Shridevi Kotkar Advocate Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra
202. Bharat Bhushan Earth Army Foundation Rohtak
203. Dar naseer Wular Fisherman union organizer Jammu kashmir
204. Lakshmi krishnamurty Social anthropologist (retd) Karnataka
205. Mukesh Teacher Mumbai
206. Anmol Ohri Climate Front - Jammu Jammu, J&K
207. Ruchith Asha Kamal Climate Front Hyderabad Hyderabad / Telangana
208. Raina Roy Samabhabona Kolkata
209. Soumita Student Visakhapatnam
210. Rupa FFF Mumbai
211. Gabriele Dietrich Pennurimai Iyakkam Madurai
212. Ishika Delhi University Delhi
213. Radhika Deonalli Freelancer Mumbai/Maharashtra
214. Manoranjan Mohanty Retired Professor Delhi University Delhi
215. Parimala FITE Chennai, Tamilnadu
216. Tara Mutali Individual Chennai, Tamil Nadu
217. Yash Let India Breathe India
218. Priyansh Right To Food Campaign Delhi
219. Reema Concerned Citizen Mumbai, Maharashtra
220. Nagal Principal Accountant General TN and Kerala Office of CAG of India Chennai
221. Pratap Raval Retired professor Maharashtra
222. Bhanu Tatak Dibang resistance Arunachal Pradesh
223. Aastha Rai Student Gorakhpur/UP
224. Pia Jan Haq Sangharsh Samiti Mumbai
225. Indira Unninayar Advocate - Supreme Court and Delhi High Court Delhi/Gurgaon/NCR
226. N D Pancholi PUCL Ghaziabad, UP
227. Uma Chakravarti Retired teacher. Delhi
228. Mandar Farmer Maharashtra
229. Lalita Ramdas LARA - Ramu Farm Alibag, Maharashtra
230. Atreyi Research Scientist Kolkata
231. Deshmukh Sareem Kalim Electrician Majalgaon
232. Harcharan Singh Chahal Retired Bank officer Barnala
233. george sorger retired university professor ottawa, canada
234. C.Elumalai Rural People`s SangamT Tamilnadu
235. Ebo mili North east human rights Arunachal Pradesh
236. Gabriele Dietrich Pennurimai Iyakkam Madurai
237. amitraj deshmukh NAPM Pune
238. V. Saldanha Feminist Activist Maharashtra
239. Gyanendra nath sinha Retired journalist Ara, Bihar
240. Paramjit kaur President IWC Jammu
241. Neeta Ratwani Film maker Mumbai
242. Askari Zaidi Journalist Delhi
243. Rajesh Darak Whistleblowers India Mumbai
244. Divya Negi Engineer HImachal
245. Asha Puri Teacher NCR
246. Anchit Thukral Filmmaker Delhi
247. Anuradha Bhasin Stanford University Palo Alto
248. Josue ARUNA Congo Basin Conservation Society CBCS network DRC
249. AS Vasantha WSS Delhi
250. Sumaiya Islam BNSK ( A grassroot level women migrant workers Association) Dhaka-based, Bangladesh
251. Dinesh Malshe Retired PUNE / MAHARSHTRA
252. Neeraj Malik Professor Noida U. P.
253. Rajendra Babu Arvini retired from Government service Hyderabad. Telangana
254. Suresh Tamang RRN 556661
255. Abha One Billion Rising international campaign Dharamshala
256. Humaira Mental health professional Mumbai
257. Narendra chugh JALBIRADARI Pune, Maharashtra
258. swati desai napm gujarat
259. There Is No Earth B There Is No Earth B Delhi NCR
260. Kartik Jandial Climate front jammu Jammu
261. Sushil khanna Professor Professor retired
262. prasad suryawnshi engineer maharashtra
263. Aditi Mehta Retired Udaipur Rajasthan
napm india
National Office: A/29, Haji Habib Bldg., Naigaon Cross Road, Dadar (E), Mumbai – 400014
Social Media: @napmindia | E-mail: napm...@gmail.com | Web: www.napm-india.org
---------------------------------------------
5th May, 2025
To,
The Governor of Gujarat
Raj Bhavan, Gandhinagar,
Gujarat
Sub: Appeal to exercise the special discretionary powers granted to you under the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution, to halt the privatization of Vyara Government hospital and Medical College
Sir,
We the undersigned are health rights experts and social activists of various people’s organizations from across India, writing to you on behalf of the National Health Rights Alliance, a pan-indian initiative of the National Alliance of People's Movements (NAPM), to secure the right to health of all citizens and communities. We seek your urgent intervention to invoke powers vested in you under the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution, to halt the privatization of Vyara Government hospital and Medical College.
You must be well-aware that for over two months now, thousands of adivasis in South Gujarat have risen up in organized and continuous protest against the proposed move to privatize the Vyara Government Hospital and Medical College. The Government hospital of Vyara (District Tapi) is a nodal referral hospital not just for all the talukas of the district, but also for the adjacent blocks of the surrounding adivasi-populated districts such as Dang and Navsari. The Adivasi citizens of this region are extremely distressed by the move of the Government of Gujarat to privatize the services of this public hospital, and also to hand over the newly sanctioned medical college attached to this hospital to private entities.
A few years ago, too, there was a similar effort by the government to privatize the hospital, but the Adivasis of Tapi District protested and the government gave them the assurance that there would be no privatization of the hospital. However, in 2024, the Government of Gujarat has gone back on its word, and has decided to go ahead on the path of privatization. As soon as the Adivasi villages and organizations got to know of this, they have gone on a peaceful dharna in front of the hospital. Everyday, Adivasi citizens from all villages have been coming regularly to register their protest and appeal to the government to halt this highly unjust process of privatization.
It is pertinent to state that many of the Adivasi areas in Gujarat are lagging behind on Human Development (especially health) indicators. Tapi and Dang districts have very significant numbers of stunted and wasted children due to high levels of malnourishment (36.6% and 40.9%). In this context, it is absolutely important that the health services are retained with the government, to ensure accountability. The adivasi communities are absolutely clear that they do not want the accountability of their health to be vested in private hands, entering the health sector only for profit. Kindly note that even in the adjacent state of Rajasthan, privatisation in rural remote areas has failed and the Govt. had to reestablish the Public Health Services. It is therefore, important for the Govt of Gujarat to learn from the experiences.
In a welfare state, the government is expected to ensure food and social security, public health, education and affordable public transport for its citizens. But what is happening as of now is the rampant privatization of such services in the name of ‘development’; benefitting a small group of vested interests. The corporate monopolies are becoming stronger at the expense of the state and its people.
Hence it is a non-negotiable demand of the Adivasi communities of Tapi district that the government hospital of Vyara and the medical college in Vyara should not be handed over to private vested interests under any circumstance, and should be run by the government.
The Adivasi culture and values have always upheld the harmonious existence of human beings with nature; which was essential for the survival of humankind. However, with the advent of the neo-liberal capitalist economic policies – liberalization, privatization and globalization, this harmonious existence has been threatened, and we see a mad rush to plunder more and more of natural resources – eventually leading to climate change and recurrent disasters.
In the Adivasi districts of South Gujarat, we see this happening through a plethora of ‘development’ projects viz. DMIC, Bharat Mala, Railway Freight Corridor, Statue of Unity to Saputara Green Corridor and National Highway 56. These mega projects are not only going to lead to massive displacement, they would have a destructive impact on the ecology of the Adivasi regions.
In addition, the arbitrary declaration of wild life sanctuaries, eco-sensitive zones and leopard rescue zones sans any consultation with the Adivasi communities cause untold dispossession and suffering, without even achieving the desired results intended by those actions. You may also be aware of the environmentally dangerous Par-Tapi River Linking Project which the government had to halt due to protests by Adivasis across the districts of South Gujarat. There needs to be a serious review of all such ecologically destructive projects that displace adivasi communities in the constitutionally protected 5th Schedule areas.
We want you to also note that rampant destruction, dispossession and displacement leads to disruption of lives, livelihoods and enormous mental stress, resulting in depression and psychological illnesses. It is, therefore, essential to also provide counselling and medical services through Public Health care centers in the Adivasi hamlets by qualified health professionals, in addition to other regular health services.
Over the past two decades, the Government of Gujarat has not effectively implemented the two pieces of legislation which are absolutely important for the Adivasis: the FRA - Forest Rights Act, 2006 and PESA: Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas Act), 1996. The government, through such destructive projects, has been violating the 5th Schedule rights of the Adivasis, their right to self-rule.
We see the push by the Government of Gujarat towards privatization of the Vyara Government Hospital and Medical college as part of the series of measures to bringing corporate entities to plunder the natural resources of the region that would render the Adivasis dispossessed, impoverished and deprived of their ancestral homelands before long.
We appeal to Your Excellency to invoke powers vested in you under the 5th Schedule of the Constitution, to halt this march of destruction in the adivasi regions, in the garb of ‘development’. You could start with immediately ensuring that the plan to privatize the Vyara Government Hospital and Medical College is formally dropped, as demanded by lakhs of adivasis and working people in the region.
From across India, we stand in solidarity with the Constitution, Self-Respect, Resources and National Sovereignty Protection Campaign Committee of Vyara, in their struggle against privatization of the Government Hospital.
Thanking you and in anticipation of an early positive response and action,
Sincerely,
Dr. Suhas Kolhekar, Health Rights Activist, NAPM, Maharashtra
Pranjali, Researcher, Delhi
Preeti Oza, Labour Rights Activist, Gujarat
Prasad Chacko, National Secretary, PUCL, Ahmedabad
Paromita Dutta, Right to Food and Work Campaign, West Bengal
Dr. Ritu Priya, Public Health Researcher, New Delhi
Dr. Arjun Khandare, Sr. Scientist (Retired), Hyderabad
Dr Gopal Dabade, Drug Acton Forum, Karnataka
Swathi SB, Public health practitioner, Bengaluru
Arundhati Dhuru, NAPM, Uttar Pradesh
Dr. Veena Shatrugna, Rtd Medical Scientist and Nutritionist
Brinelle D’Souza, Public Health Activist and Researcher, Mumbai
Dr Sylvia Karpagam, Public health doctor and researcher, Bengaluru
Dr. Mira Shiva, Public Health Physician and Activist, New Delhi
Dr B Ekbal, Peoples Movement (KSSP) Kerala
Shubhada Deshmukh, Social Activist, Kurkheda, Gadchiroli, Maharashtra
Suresh, NREGA Mazdoor Union, Benaras, UP
Meera Sanghamitra (Social Activist, NAPM, Telangana)
On behalf of
National Health Rights Alliance
(National Alliance of People’s Movements)
Contact: napm...@gmail.com
napm india
30 years journey of struggle, solidarity and building alternatives
National Alliance of People's Movements (NAPM)National Office: A/29, Haji Habib Bldg., Naigaon Cross Road, Dadar (E), Mumbai – 400014
Social Media: @napmindia | E-mail: napm...@gmail.com | Web: https://napmindia.org/
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PDF of Full Letter attached with list of 700 + signatories
Urgent Letter to British High Commission Offices across India:
Secure Madleen, Ensure Release of Detained Activists and take diplomatic action to fix Israel’s accountability for Genocide, Blockade, Occupation and War Crimes in Palestine
11th June, 2025
To,
The British High Commissioner,
British High Commission, New Delhi
And
All British Deputy High Commissioners and Commissions in Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Bengaluru, Chandigarh (regional offices of the BHC)
And
British
Consulate in Goa (Nationals
Assistance Office)
Sub: British Diplomatic Action for UK-Flagged Madleen and Detained Activists’ Release – Fix Israel’s Accountability for Genocide, Blockade, Occupation and War Crimes in Palestine
Dear Sir/Madam,
On behalf of the National Alliance of People’s Movements (NAPM), a coalition of grassroots movements in India and numerous other people’s collectives and concerned citizens, committed to justice and human rights, we vehemently condemn the illegal capture of the Freedom Flotilla vessel Madleen, a UK-flagged civilian ship, by Israeli forces in international waters on 9th June, 2025, and the illegal blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza. We demand the immediate and dignified release of the eight detained Madleen activists, the return of the four ‘deported’ activists to resume their peaceful mission, an end to Israel’s illegal blockade, accountability for its genocidal war crimes and immediate, unhindered access to humanitarian aid in Gaza.
Organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, Madleen carried vital aid—baby formula, food, medical supplies—for Gaza’s population facing forced starvation due to Israel’s blockade and ongoing genocide. The unlawful ‘boarding’ by Israel’s Shayetet 13 naval unit, detention of its 12 solidarity activists and humanitarian workers from multiple nations, including French MEP Rima Hassan and climate activist Greta Thunberg, and seizure of its cargo are flagrant violations of international maritime law, human rights, and such blockade of civilian-bound humanitarian aid constitute war crimes. This act epitomizes Israel’s 77-year pattern of defying international law and human rights since the 1948 Nakba, systematically exterminating Palestinians through mass displacement, killings, and erasure of their rights.
As of June 10, 2025, four Madleen activists—Baptiste Andre (France), Greta Thunberg (Sweden), Sergio Toribio (Spain), and Omar Faiad (France)—have been deported, while eight—Suayb Ordu (Turkey), Mark van Rennes (Netherlands), Pascal Maurieras (France), Reva Viard (France), Rima Hassan (France), Thiago Avila (Brazil), Yanis Mhamdi (France), and Yasemin Acar (Germany)—remain detained at Ramleh detention facility, facing tribunal hearings. Israel falsely claims they “illegally entered,” despite their forcible abduction from international waters, imposing 100-year entry bans. The detainees are being put through physical and psychological trauma, chemical irritants, assaults, and unsanitary conditions, including bed bugs and undrinkable water, with Thiago Ávila on hunger and water strike since June 9. Adalah’s legal counsel argues the interception violates international law, demanding immediate release and return to the Madleen.
The activists already undergoing torture as reported by one of the 4 who have returned - Omar Faiad and vulnerable to more as documented in Israel’s abuses of over 10,400 Palestinian detainees (UN, Amnesty International, Addameer, 2024–2025), assert their humanitarian mission to break Gaza’s illegal blockade, ruled collective punishment by the UN Human Rights Council (2024). MEP Rima Hassan’s detention and direct threats to her life made by the IOF may breach diplomatic immunity (Vienna Convention, Article 40; EU Protocol No. 7). Shayetet 13’s excessive force—tasering, chemical irritants—violates the Rome Statute (Article 8). The interception, 60 nautical miles off Gaza, breaches UNCLOS (Articles 87, 92), intensifying Gaza’s famine, where 500,000 face starvation.
On 9th June, 2025, the Hind Rajab Foundation filed a war crimes complaint with the UK Metropolitan Police War Crimes Unit (SO15) against Shayetet 13 and Vice Admiral David Saar Salama, Israeli Navy commander, under the Geneva Conventions Act 1957, International Criminal Court Act 2001, and Criminal Justice Act 1988 (Section 134 on torture). The complaint alleges grave breaches of international humanitarian law, including denial of consular access, confiscation of humanitarian aid, and inhuman treatment, drawing parallels to the 2010 Mavi Marmara raid, deemed unlawful by the UN Human Rights Council (A/HRC/15/21). The Madleen’s operation complied with International Court of Justice orders (January, March, May 2024) for unimpeded aid access, which Israel’s actions violate, breaching Article 23 of the Fourth Geneva Convention and ICRC Customary IHL Rules 55–56.
This follows the 2nd May, 2025, drone attack on the FFC’s Conscience, injuring four civilians, and the 2010 Mavi Marmara raid, killing 10 activists, both deemed potential war crimes by UN and ICC reports (2011, 2025). Israel’s violations—of the UN Charter (Article 2), UNCLOS, and Geneva Conventions—render international bodies like the UN and ICC impotent against its impunity, bolstered by wealth and power. The ICC’s 2024 arrest warrants for Israeli leaders, including Netanyahu, for war crimes in Gaza underscore this defiance.
Israel’s war crimes, per 2024–2025 UN, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch reports, include: willful killing of 54,607 Palestinian civilians, including 16,500 children, as of June 4, 2025 (OCHA); torture and sexual violence against detainees; forcible displacement of 1.9 million Palestinians; starvation as a warfare tactic; indiscriminate attacks; extermination via healthcare destruction; and illegal West Bank settlements (Geneva Conventions, Article 49). The US-Israeli Gaza Humanitarian Foundation militarizes aid, forces displacement, and creates ‘death traps,’ killing Palestinians seeking food (OCHA, 2025).
The UK supports ICC investigations and prosecutes war crimes under the ICC Act 2001, including a 2025 dossier targeting Britons in Israel’s Gaza operations. As a UK-flagged vessel, the Madleen falls under British criminal jurisdiction, obligating the UK to investigate war crimes committed aboard, per the Geneva Conventions Act 1957. Yet, its response to Israel—May 2025 blockade criticism by Foreign Secretary David Lammy and trade talk suspension—is grossly inadequate. The UK’s arms exports enable Israel’s 77 years of atrocities, from the Nakba’s displacement of 700,000 Palestinians to Gaza’s ongoing genocide, mocking its justice commitments.
The British Deputy High Commission in Israel has clear legal and diplomatic responsibilities: to intervene in the defence of the UK-flagged Madleen and its detained crew, in line with the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations (Article 5). This includes demanding accountability for their treatment, pressing the FCDO to act for the Madleen’s release, and supporting ICC/UN international war crimes investigations.
We urge you to hold your counterpart in Israel accountable to the full extent of their legal and moral responsibility, and to act without delay in defence of the 12 activists who were unlawfully abducted and silenced for their solidarity. These brave activists are doing what no international body or state has effectively done: directly confronting the illegal blockade to deliver aid to Gaza’s starving population. They cannot be penalized for upholding human rights that the international community has painstakingly defined and defended since the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948.
NAPM and all the below mentioned signatories demand the British High Commission, through its offices across India and its counterpart in Tel Aviv to:
1. Secure the immediate and dignified release of the 8 Madleen activists, including MEP Rima Hassan, ensuring protection from torture and clarifying diplomatic immunities.
2. Recover the Madleen and its cargo for Gaza’s urgent aid delivery.
3. Support the Hind Rajab Foundation’s complaint, pushing for a UK criminal investigation into Shayetet 13, Vice Admiral David Saar Salama, and other senior military commanders implicated in war crimes in the Madleen, Conscience, and Mavi Marmara incidents, holding Israel accountable.
4. Demand the lifting of Israel’s illegal blockade and ensure immediate, unimpeded access to all land and sea routes for humanitarian aid, dismantling the US-Israeli militarized aid model.
5. Compel the UK to lead decisive diplomatic action to end Israel’s impunity and hold it accountable for genocide, aligning with its justice commitments.
6. Urge the UK to champion EU naval escorts to protect humanitarian missions to Gaza, ensuring safe aid delivery against Israel’s aggression.
The UK’s obligation to uphold international law is absolute. Israel’s abduction of the Madleen activists, unlawful detention, and prevention of aid delivery demand unequivocal condemnation and strict sanctions on Israel, both by the UK and the international community. We condemn the horrific use of starvation as a weapon of ‘war’ by Israel and bombing at aid delivery centres.
We urge you to initiate immediate action towards release of all those detained, uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza and an urgent investigation and accountability into the genocidal war crimes of Israel. We demand an end to the impunity being enjoyed by Israel, especially due to inaction by and complicity of the UK and other powerful governments.
Yours sincerely,
Petition initiated by National Alliance of People’s Movements (NAPM)
Endorsed by concerned people’s organizations and citizens across India
Contact: napm...@gmail.com
Signatories to the petition from across India:
|
SN |
Name |
City / State |
Organization / Profession |
|
1 |
A Muragamma |
Rayapedu, Andhra Pradesh |
Dalit Mahila Sangham |
|
2 |
A P S Fernandes |
Goa |
Journalist |
|
3 |
A.Suneetha |
Hyderabad |
Independent Researcher |
|
4 |
Aaliya Akhtar |
Hyderabad, Telangana |
Lawyer |
|
5 |
Aatreyee |
Himachal Pradesh |
Child Rights Activist |
|
6 |
Abdul adhil |
Kerala |
Student |
|
7 |
Abdul Aziz Khan |
Hyderabad/ Telangana/ India |
HR |
|
8 |
Abdul Bari masoud |
New Delhi |
senior journalist , ex -executive member of Press Club of India |
|
9 |
Abdul Khaliq |
Hyderabad |
Swiggy Instamart |
|
10 |
Abdullah |
Telangana |
Engineer |
|
11 |
ABDUSS SUBHAN |
Sahibganj Jharkhand |
Abhiyan |
|
12 |
Abha Dev Habib |
Delhi, India |
Associate Professor, Miranda House, DU |
|
13 |
Abhayraj Naik |
Bengaluru / Sri City |
Educator |
|
14 |
Abhirami P |
Chennai |
NIEPMD |
|
15 |
Adhiraj |
Delhi |
Labour Rights Activist |
|
16 |
ADIL |
BANGALORE |
SOCIAL WORKER |
|
17 |
Aditya Kapoor |
New Delhi |
Film maker |
|
18 |
Adv Dr Lubna Sarwath |
Hyderabad |
Indian National Congress & Center for Wellbeing & Environmental Economics |
|
19 |
Adv Dr Shalu Nigam |
Delhi India |
Advocate |
|
20 |
Adv Vertika Mani |
Delhi |
Org. Secretary, PUCL |
|
21 |
Advocate Anas Siddiqui |
India |
Law |
|
22 |
Afrin |
India; Andhra Pradesh |
Student |
|
23 |
Afsar Jafri |
NOIDA, Uttar Pradesh |
None |
|
24 |
Ahamed Ali |
Mumbai/Maharashtra/India |
Rtd. Chief Engineer |
|
25 |
Ahsan |
Delhi. India |
Accountant |
|
26 |
Aijaz Syed |
Hyderabad, India |
Editor and journalist |
|
27 |
Aisha Farooqui |
Hyderabad |
Retired Academic |
|
28 |
Ajaz Ahmed |
Varanasi |
State vice president UP minority aam Aadmi party |
|
29 |
Akhil Surya |
Hyderabad, Telangana, India |
Law student |
|
30 |
Akhila Vasan |
Bangalore |
Public Health Researcher |
|
31 |
Akhileshwari Ramagoud |
Hyderabad, Telangana, India |
Journalist and Academic |
|
32 |
Akram Akhtar Choudhary |
Shamli Uttar Pradesh |
Doab Inclusive Association |
|
33 |
Alaric Gomes |
Cortalim |
Student |
|
34 |
Alauddin |
Delhi |
Citizen |
|
35 |
Albertina Almeida |
Taleigao, Goa, India. |
Lawyer |
|
36 |
Alexio Fernandes |
Malad maharashtra |
Self-employed |
|
37 |
Alfaaz |
New Delhi |
Illustrator |
|
38 |
Ali Hasan |
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh |
Asha Trust |
|
39 |
Alka |
Auroville, Tamil Nadu |
Writer |
|
40 |
Amalina Kohli Dave |
napm india
PRESS RELEASE
Marking 2 years of Manipur Violence & Unrest: Health Rights Activists and Movements across India appeal to President of India
Call for effective public health infrastructure, personnel, services with safety and appropriate budgetary allocation– in the valley, hills and relief camps of Manipur
24th June, 2025: Even as the country and the world has ‘moved on’ to deal with many other disturbing events, the violence that erupted in Manipur two years back, continues to impact lives of lakhs of people in numerous ways. As a mark of solidarity with the people who have been bearing the brunt of violence and social tensions, a recent initiative sought to bring the spotlight back to Manipur, by foregrounding the right to health as integral to the right to life, with dignity of people in the state.
The National Health Rights Alliance, All India Feminist Alliance (ALIFA) and National Alliance for Justice, Accountability and Rights (NAJAR), pan-Indian initiatives of the National Alliance of People’s Movements (NAPM) made a collective effort to mobilize solidarity for the serious public health situation in the strife-torn state and drew the attention of Hon’ble Droupadi Murmu, as the state is currently under President’s rule. The detailed letter signed by many prominent activists from across India seeks immediate intervention of the President to ensure effective public health infrastructure, personnel, services with safety and appropriate budgetary allocation in the valley, hills and relief camps across Manipur. The key demands are below. A full copy of the letter with all signatories is attached.
Acknowledging the fact that Manipur has a longer history of sporadic violence, the letter says that the conflict since 2023 has critically undermined its framework of essential services, in particular, the education and healthcare system. Damaged hospitals and clinics have halted necessary health services and drained supplies. Threats to health workers' safety have created severe staffing shortages in key areas. The violence has displaced thousands, forcing them into overcrowded ‘relief’ camps with poor sanitation and limited medical care, heightening the risk of disease outbreaks. Already fragile, the healthcare system is now overwhelmed, exposing systemic failures in crisis response and infrastructure resilience. Women, children, students, elders have disproportionately faced the impacts of the violence.
The signatories highlighted that ensuring universal health rights is essential in order to achieve a fair, just and lasting peace in the battered region. In the current situation, essential health services remain severely disrupted in many parts of Manipur, both due to the ongoing crisis and due to the skewed distribution of health infrastructure in the state. While most of the services are concentrated in Imphal, the rest of the districts suffer from lack of basic infrastructure like hospitals, staff and services in the existing hospitals.
Some of the signatories to the petition include well-known health rights activists like Dr. Vandana Prasad, Dr. Veena Shatrugna, Dr. Mira Shiva, Dr. Sylvia Karpagam, Dr. Ritu Priya, Dr. Suhas Kolhekar, Dr. Mohan Rao, Dr. Narendra Gupta, Dr. Swathi SB, Dr. Randall Sequeira, Dr Fuad Halim, Dr. Ekbal, Akhila Vasan, Indraneel etc. Some of the lawyers who endorsed the petition include: Adv Albertina, Adv Grijesh, Adv Vanaja, Adv Rema, Adv Shubham, Adv Afsar Jahan, Adv Mrinalini, Adv Shakeel, Adv Taniya, Adv Shalu Nigam, Adv Shadab, Adv Mini Mathew, Adv Seilenmang Haokip, Adv Joicy Milun Zou, Adv Sukumaran etc.
Feminist and social activists who signed the petition include Kalyani Menon Sen, Hechin Haokip, Suneetha Achyutha, Nalini Nayak, John Dayal, Ammu Abraham, Anand Mathew, Manshi Asher, Nisha Biswas, Dr. Bittu, Prof. Indranee Dutta, Koninika Ray, Dr. Sagari Ramdas, Anita Cheria, SR Darapuri, Rajesh Ramakrishnan, Soumya Dutta, Usmangani Sherasiya, Sujata Gothoskar, J Devika, Narbinder, Prasad Chacko, Anuradha Banerji, Meera Sanghamitra and many others.
The signatories placed the following 10 demands before the President that require both immediate attention as well as systemic action:
- A Special Task Force headed by an official with powers equivalent to a cabinet secretary must be immediately constituted, with special funds, to investigate the public health situation at hand in Manipur, within a fixed timeline of 2 months. Based on the recommendations of the Task Force, Govt should plan and implement the necessary measures for strengthening public health across Manipur.
- Convene a committee of unbiased public health experts from the region, to discuss how the aforesaid plans can be carried out efficiently, considering the social, political and cultural histories and complexities of the region.
- Urgent filling up of vacant posts and recruitment of nurses, doctors and other medical staff in all the public health centres and hospitals.
- Centre must allocate additional funds, even though Manipur spends somewhat more than some other states on health care. Given how frequently the state has undergone violent conflicts, extra funds and adequate budgetary allocations are crucial.
- There must be effective inter-sectoral coordination between the home, disaster management, health, food and civil supplies, women and child welfare and social welfare departments to make sure that the rights and entitlements of the most vulnerable citizens and social groups, including tribal, indigenous communities, elders, women, children, persons with disabilities, workers, students, religious minorities, transgender, queer persons etc is taken care of.
- Ensure advance preparedness for the onset of monsoon and disease outbreak both in the villages and relief camps.
- Ensure that there is no discrimination in health services on the basis of gender, religion and ethnicity.
- Setting up effective and decentralized health infrastructure in as many districts of Manipur as possible, within a fixed time frame. Most immediately, setting up of functional community health centres in Lamka, especially in Tuibuang and Sangaikot areas.
- Strengthen the public health infrastructure, stop privatization of district hospitals, regulate corporate and private healthcare, ensure availability of quality medicines free of cost and include mental health services at all primary healthcare centers along with universal health care in the public health system.
- Eventually, the state government must bring a comprehensive law for the Right to Health of all citizens, to address all health-related concerns.
The letter calls for proactive action by the Centre and state government and a strong political will to implement the aforesaid demands. The signatories also urged the President to visit Manipur at the earliest, interact with and understand the situation of all communities first hand, in the hills, valley and relief camps and intervene effectively to ensure the right to health, right to life, right to safety and dignity of the people of Manipur.
Contact: napm...@gmail.com
Full text of letter below:
From: napm india <napm...@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 12 Jun 2025 at 14:04
Subject: Urgent Letter to President of India: Intervene to Strengthen & Ensure Public Health for All in Manipur - in the valley, hills and relief camps
To: <presiden...@rb.nic.in>
Cc: <secy.pr...@rb.nic.in>, <us.pet...@rb.nic.in>, <jha...@nic.in>, <usha.su...@rb.nic.in>, <a...@rb.nic.in>, <v.ra...@nic.in>, <dire...@rb.nic.in>, <mayank...@nic.in>, <osd...@rb.nic.in>, <t.ki...@nic.in>, <sunis...@gov.in>
30 years journey of struggle, solidarity and building alternatives
|
National Health Rights Alliance National Alliance for Justice, Accountability & Rights (NAJAR) All India Feminist Alliance (ALIFA) |
National Office: A/29, Haji Habib Bldg., Naigaon Cross Road, Dadar (E), Mumbai – 400014
Social Media: @napmindia | E-mail: napm...@gmail.com | Web: https://napmindia.org/
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PDF of Full Letter attached with list of signatories
Urgent Letter to the Hon’ble President of India, seeking effective public health infrastructure, personnel, services with safety and appropriate budgetary allocation in the state of Manipur – in the valley, hills and relief camps
12th June, 2025
To,
Hon’ble Droupadi Murmu,
President of India,
Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi
Sub: Urgent Representation seeking effective public health infrastructure, personnel, services with safety and appropriate budgetary allocation in Manipur – Reg
Dear Madam,
We the undersigned are social activists writing to you on behalf of the National Health Rights Alliance, All India Feminist Alliance (ALIFA) and National Alliance for Justice, Accountability and Rights (NAJAR), pan-Indian initiatives of the National Alliance of People’s Movements (NAPM). Many of the signatories are also people of Manipur who have been bearing the brunt of violence and social tensions over the past 2 years.
Over years and decades, many of us have been asserting the Right to Health of all people, as per Article 21 of the Constitution of India, which guarantees the Right to Life, with Dignity. As Manipur is currently under the President’s rule, we are writing with an earnest appeal, seeking your immediate intervention to strengthen the healthcare system in the battered region.
You are well aware of the turmoil that Manipur has been facing in the past two years and the cruel consequences of the same on the lives of lakhs of people of the state, across communities. While it is true that Manipur has long faced sporadic violence, the conflict since 2023 (the violence continues to go on intermittently) has critically undermined its framework of essential services, in particular, the education and healthcare system. Damaged hospitals and clinics have halted necessary health services and drained supplies. Threats to health workers' safety have created severe staffing shortages in key areas. The violence has displaced thousands, forcing them into overcrowded ‘relief’ camps with poor sanitation and limited medical care, heightening the risk of disease outbreaks. Already fragile, the healthcare system is now overwhelmed, exposing systemic failures in crisis response and infrastructure resilience.
The violence, arson, and killings in Manipur have displaced over 70,000 people, forcing them into makeshift shelters across schools, hostels, and other public spaces in both the valley and hills[1]. Despite efforts by locals and civil society groups, relief remains grossly inadequate. Many have fled to neighbouring states like Nagaland, Assam, Mizoram, or distant places such as New Delhi, Kerala and Bengaluru. The conflict has effectively split the region along territorial lines, severely restricting movement and trade. Alarmingly, the true scale of the crisis appears underestimated.
Women have been disproportionately affected by the conflict in Manipur, facing widespread gender-based violence, including sexual assault[2]. These traumatic experiences have triggered long-term mental health issues such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression[3]. Displacement has further deepened women's hardships, as they now shoulder the dual burden of economic insecurity and psychological distress[4]. With a crisis like this, women’s routine health, menstrual and reproductive health doesn’t receive the attention it should.
Children, too, have suffered deeply and extensively. Many have witnessed violence firsthand, resulting in alarmingly high rates of PTSD, severe depression, and anxiety. Exposure to continuous trauma has severely disrupted their emotional and cognitive development, while prolonged school closures threaten their future prospects. Although counseling programs have been introduced, they remain grossly insufficient given the overwhelming scale of the crisis. Their entire education cycle has been thrown into doldrums.
According to Sphere India, 253 relief camps across 10 districts are now sheltering the displaced, amid 142 deaths and over 6,000 injuries. Reports from humanitarian agencies highlight a grim health situation: vulnerable groups — young children, pregnant women, the elderly — face disrupted care, scarce essential medicines, and dangerous conditions for childbirth. The conflicts have also severely impacted consistent care and access to life-saving medicines for critical chronic health issues like Tuberculosis, HIV, and NCDs[5]. Critical cases often cannot reach hospitals, and there are no services for people with disabilities or those needing addiction rehabilitation. Economic hardships further hinder access to necessary treatments. Although Manipur’s health indicators have performed satisfactorily (SRS 2020), the ongoing crisis threatens to reverse these gains if immediate, large-scale interventions are not made.
As the state of Manipur is under President’s Rule, we are writing to you, seeking a fair and just peace building process. In order to ensure a fair and just peace, ensuring universal health rights is essential. In the current situation, essential health services remain severely disrupted in many parts of Manipur, both due to the ongoing crisis and due to the skewed distribution of health infrastructure in the state. While most of the services are concentrated in Imphal, the rest of the districts suffer from lack of basic infrastructure like hospitals and services in the existing hospitals.
In many districts, the number of community health centres is few and far between. For example, there is an urgent need for a couple of functional Community Health Centers in Lamka, especially one in Tuibuang and another in the Sangaikot area. Some districts like Kangpokpi and Tengnoupal do not have district-level hospitals. The entire Tengnoupal district is surviving on one Community Health Centre. Kangpokpi has a civil hospital and some PHCs. Even though the civil hospital facilities and amenities are akin to that of a PHC with the barest equipment, rooms, and no beds, people prefer to go to another district like Senapati Hospital for treatment in neighbouring States of Assam, Nagaland and Meghalaya. In Lamka CIU has only 10 beds in very close proximity and needs urgent expansion, as it is catering for a 3 lakhs population. There is an alarming shortage of HR (i.e. Community Health Workers) as almost 80% of CHO are from the Meitei community. With the Violence, most of these workers are in Imphal and Thoubal Districts etc, while there is no replacement for them in Lamka, we are told.
After the violence, most of the health centres in Churachandpur and Kangpokpi that are listed below (see Annex) are hardly functional, as some villages have been emptied of people, some are without personnel and some do not have basic equipment. The situation is very drastic, as even the accredited health institutions are reeling under a lack of nurses and doctors.
As concerned activists and people’s organizations, we are requesting you to kindly consider the below demands, some of which are urgent and some need to be attended to, over time.
- A Special Task Force headed by an official with powers equivalent to a cabinet secretary must be immediately constituted, with special funds, to investigate the public health situation at hand in Manipur, within a fixed timeline of 2 months. Based on the recommendations of the Task Force, Govt should plan and implement the necessary measures for strengthening public health across Manipur.
- Convene a committee of unbiased public health experts from the region, to discuss how the aforesaid plans can be carried out efficiently, considering the social, political and cultural histories and complexities of the region.
- Urgent filling up of vacant posts and recruitment of nurses, doctors and other medical staff in all the public health centres and hospitals.
- Centre must allocate additional funds, even though Manipur spends somewhat more than some other states on health care. Given how frequently the state has undergone violent conflicts, extra funds are crucial.
- There must be effective inter-sectoral coordination between the home, disaster management, health, food and civil supplies, women and child welfare and social welfare departments to make sure that the rights and entitlements of the most vulnerable citizens and social groups, including tribal, indigenous communities, elders, women, children, persons with disabilities, workers, students, religious minorities, transgender, queer persons etc is taken care of.
- Ensure advance preparedness for the onset of monsoon and disease outbreak both in the villages and relief camps.
- Ensure that there is no discrimination in health services on the basis of gender, religion and ethnicity.
- Setting up effective and decentralized health infrastructure in as many districts of Manipur as possible, within a fixed time frame. Most immediately, setting up of functional community health centres in Lamka, especially in Tuibuang and Sangaikot areas.
- Strengthen the public health infrastructure, stop privatization of district hospitals, regulate corporate and private healthcare, ensure availability of quality medicines free of cost and include mental health services at all primary healthcare centers along with universal health care in the public health system.
- Eventually, the state government must bring a comprehensive law for the Right to Health of all citizens, to address all health-related concerns.
Translating all the above measures into reality needs a strong will and commitment of the Central and state Govt, including adequate budgetary allocations. We demand that the health budget be doubled with immediate effect, in keeping with the directive principles of the Constitution.
We call upon your Hon’ble self to also visit Manipur at the earliest, interact with and understand the situation of all communities first hand, in the hills, valley and relief camps and intervene effectively to ensure the right to health, right to life, right to safety and dignity of the people of Manipur.
Looking forward to your immediate intervention and action.
Encl: List of public health centres, community health centres and district hospitals that require urgent attention in Churachandpur and Kangpokpi
Signatories to the Petition:
|
Name of the Signatory |
Affiliation / Profession |
City |
|
Adv Albertina Almeida |
Lawyer and Human Rights Activist |
Goa |
|
Anuradha Banerji |
Saheli Women's Resource Centre & ALIFA |
New Delhi |
|
Joicy Milun Zou |
Advocate, Member NAJAR |
Delhi |
|
Hechin Haokip |
Social Work practitioner |
Chandel |
|
Seilenmang Haokip |
Lawyer & activist |
Delhi |
|
Meera Sanghamitra |
National Alliance of People’s Movements (NAPM) & ALIFA |
Telangana |
|
Dr. Suhas Kolhekar |
Virologist, Health Rights Activist, NAPM and Jan Swasthya Abhiyan |
Pune/Nagpur, Maharashtra |
|
Suneetha Achyutha |
All India Feminist Alliance (ALIFA) |
Telangana |
|
Dr. Vandana Prasad |
Public Health Expert |
Noida, UP |
|
Paromita Dutta |
|
Right to Food and Work Campaign |
|
Kolkata |
||
|
Pranjali Tripathi |
All India Feminist Alliance (ALIFA) |
New Delhi |
|
S G Muon Gangte |
Concerned Citizen |
Churachandpur |
|
Sukumaran Krishnan |
Advocate |
Gudalur The Nilgiris |
|
N. Indira Rani |
Independent Researcher cum Mental Health Professional |
Hyderabad |
|
John Seikhohao Haokip |
N/A |
New Delhi |
|
Thongminlen kipgen |
NA |
Delhi |
|
Daniel L Haokip |
NA |
Churachandpur |
|
Henminlal Haokip |
NA |
Delhi |
|
S kuki |
Students |
Lamka ccpur KUKI city |
|
T Goulungmon Haokip |
LAW student |
Kannur Kerala |
|
Kim kuki |
Nurse |
New delhi |
|
D Gangte |
Student |
Churachandpur |
|
Ginsanglen Kipgen |
Do we look like idiots |
Kangpokpi |
|
Rishav S. |
Legal Practitioner |
New Delhi |
|
Satlenmang |
Student |
Churachandpur |
|
Thangtinlen Haokip |
Social Worker |
Kangpokpi District |
|
Thangkai Haokip |
Na |
Manipur |
|
Milli |
NA |
Delhi |
|
Dr H Haokip |
Physician |
Kangpokpi |
|
Lamkhohat Haokip |
Student |
Lamka |
|
Vickson |
Self employed |
Churachandpur |
|
Albert |
Student |
Delhi |
|
Kennedy |
Trader |
Kukiland |
|
Akhil Surya |
Law Student |
Hyderabad |
|
Sarah Nienghuoikim |
News Anchor |
Churachandpur |
|
Nemkholam |
Private |
Delhi |
|
Lamlungmon Haokip |
Student |
Imphal |
|
Lunmang Simte |
NA |
Lamka |
|
M Khamsuanhang |
Civil Engineer |
Lamka |
|
Priscilla |
Student |
Manipur |
|
Biak Lyanzaw |
Profession |
Churachandpur |
|
Dr. B Ekbal |
Neurosurgeon |
Thiruvananthapuram. Kerala |
|
Dr Fuad Halim |
Medical Practitioner |
Kolkata |
|
Moi Tonsing |
Employee |
Delhi |
|
David J. Haokip |
National Institute of Advanced Studies |
Bengaluru |
|
Vanshika Mohta |
NA |
Delhi |
|
N.Neihsial |
NA |
London |
|
T. Misao |
NA |
Delhi |
|
Cecilia Lhingneivah |
Pharmacist |
New Delhi |
|
Dimngel Thang |
Research scholar |
Delhi |
|
C T. DOUNGEL |
Kuki Students Organisation Delhi & NCR |
New Delhi |
|
Lamminthang Dimngel |
Philosopher |
Capital city |
|
Lhunkholen Touthang |
Student |
Delhi |
|
Lhaiboi |
Evangelist |
Delhi |
|
Ronald Haokip |
Corporate Employee |
Delhi |
|
M S Haokip |
central government employee |
Churachandpur |
|
Richa |
Jan Swasthya Abhiyan |
Delhi |
|
Ranju |
Lawyer |
Delhi |
|
Indranil |
Jan Swasthya Abhiyan |
Delhi |
|
L Haokip |
NA |
Delhi |
|
Hegin |
NA |
Delhi |
|
Min Mawi |
NA |
Delhi |
|
Veena Shatrugna |
Independent Researcher |
Bengaluru |
|
Princess |
NA |
Delhi |
|
Mimin khongsai |
Teacher |
Churachandpur |
|
Paojathang Haokip |
NA |
Lamka, outer Manipur |
|
Soma Marla |
Principal scientist ICAR retd |
Hyderabad |
|
Lamneikim |
Medical |
Muscat |
|
Khup Zou |
Student |
New Delhi |
|
Tj |
NA |
Guwahati |
|
Nenei |
NA |
Delhi |
|
Mimin |
NA |
Delhi |
|
Min Haokip |
Private Corporation |
Delhi |
|
Ruthy |
NA |
New delhi |
|
Cindy Haokip |
NA |
New Delhi |
|
Thanggoulen Kipgen |
Student |
Churachandpur |
|
Nunnem |
NA |
Churachandpur |
|
N Sarah Chongloi |
NA |
Guwahati |
|
Kanopnop |
Student |
Churachandpur |
|
Jamminlun |
NA |
Delhi |
|
Mini Mathew |
Lawyer |
Mumbai |
|
Letkhohao Haokip |
NA |
Songpi Churachandpur |
|
Rollen touthang |
Enterpreneur |
New Delhi |
|
Robert zou |
Na |
Delhi. |
|
Jalaithang |
Na |
New delhi |
|
Mangneo Haokip |
Public Servent |
Churachandpur |
|
Thangbawi Haokip |
Govt. Job |
New Delhi |
|
Boicy |
NA |
Tengnoupal |
|
Letkhogin Kipgen |
Student |
Delhi |
|
KhongsaiKuki |
Govt Employee |
Guwahati |
|
Thangminlen Haokip |
Employed |
New Delhi |
|
PAOTINLEN HAOKIP |
NA |
Churachandpur |
|
Mary Beth |
WinG |
Churachandpur |
|
Mercy Chinneihoi Haokip |
Student |
Kolkata |
|
Kamala menon |
Delhi science forum |
Delhi |
|
Haopu |
Student |
Kangpokpi |
|
S Haokip |
NA |
Lamka Manipur |
|
Lamneilhing Haokip |
NA |
Lamka |
|
Biraj mehta |
Teacher |
Mumbai |
|
Nengboi |
NA |
Kangpokpi |
|
Hohoi |
NA |
Kangpokpi |
|
Ritu Priya |
Public Health Researcher, Professor |
New Delhi |
|
Dr Hegin |
Doctor |
Lamka, Churachandpur |
|
NGO |
Imphal |
|
|
M Zou |
Business |
Ccpur |
|
Lun Guite |
NA |
Saikul |
|
Lengminlun Lhanghal |
Self Employed |
New Delhi |
|
Dr Swathi SB |
Action for Equity |
Bengaluru |
|
Priscilla Langel |
Doctor |
Churachandpur |
|
Suraj Sarmah |
Service |
Guwahati |
|
Mary Haokip |
NA |
Silchar |
|
Ammu Abraham |
Forum Against oppression of Women |
Mumbai |
|
Shakeel |
Doctor |
Patna |
|
Ch Thangboi Khongsai |
Private Employee |
New Delhi |
|
Indira C |
Public Health Researcher |
Delhi |
|
Alpha |
Advocate |
New delhi |
|
TINU ANAND KAIN |
TEACHER |
DELHI/CHURACHANDPUR |
|
Gouranga Mohapatra |
Jana Swasthya Abhiyan, Odisha |
Bhubaneswar |
|
Ngamkholen Doungel |
Na |
New Delhi |
|
Jonathan |
NA |
Churachandpur |
|
Thang Hangshing |
Businessmen |
Delhi |
|
Sharon LV Guite |
Student |
Bangalore |
|
Asha Touthang |
NA |
Guwahati |
|
Narendra Gupta |
JSAR |
Chittorgarh |
|
Nom Haokip |
Student |
Delhi |
|
Nisha Biswas |
Activist |
Kolkata |
|
Kamini Tankha |
Concerned Citizen |
Nrw Delhi |
|
Manshi Asher |
Researcher and Activist |
Kangra |
|
Anand Mathew IMS |
Peace Activist |
Varanasi |
|
Bittu |
Scientist |
Delhi |
|
Rosy Neithem |
Home maker |
New Delhi |
|
Edwin |
Social Worker |
Nageroil |
|
George Ginlenmang Touthang |
Corporate |
Delhi |
|
Prema |
Social |
Guwahati |
|
Sujata Gothoskar |
|
Forum Against Oppression of Women |
Mumbai |
|
Shadab Mohammad |
Advocate |
Bhopal, M.P. |
|
Kalyani Menon Sen |
Independent researcher |
Coimbatore |
|
Adv Dr Shalu Nigam |
Lawyer |
Delhi NCR |
|
J Devika |
Feminist scholar |
Trivandrum |
|
Dr. Sylvia Karpagam |
Public health doctor |
Bengaluru |
|
Kiran Muthukulathil |
Teaching |
Khunti |
|
Ritik Sen |
NA |
Raipur |
|
Leslie Martin D |
NA |
Hyderabad |
|
Swati Narayan |
NA |
Mumbai |
|
Taniya Laskar |
Lawyer |
Guwahati |
|
Anthoniraj Thumma |
CBCI Office for Dialogue |
New Delhi |
|
Prabir KC |
Independent/ Doctor |
Kolkata |
|
Evelyn Nianglianching |
MPH |
Delhi |
|
Prabhakar Govindrao Tidke |
Violenter Bharat jodo abhiyan |
Ahmedpur |
|
Manju K |
NA |
Delhi |
|
Kim lenthang |
Self employed |
Delhi |
|
Dr.Mohan Rao |
Former professor of public health, JNU |
Bangalore |
|
Bhumi sharma |
Climate Front India - NAPM - youth for himalaya |
Delhi |
|
Eric Pinto |
NAPM |
Goa |
|
JAMPIMANG HAOKIP |
Doctor |
Churachandpur |
|
Kanthi |
NA |
Chennai |
|
Sreejayaa Rajguru |
Law student |
Guwahati |
|
Narbhinder |
Association for democratic rights punjab |
Tarn Taran |
|
Anuradha Kapoor |
NA |
Kolkata |
|
Sagari Ramdas |
Food Sovereignty Alliance |
Hyderabad |
|
SR Darapuri |
Retired I.P.S.Officer |
Lucknow |
|
Krish Singh Arora |
NA |
Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh |
|
Maanik Mahna |
All India Professionals Congress |
New Delhi |
|
Jayant |
Social |
Varanasi |
|
Sana Huque |
Researcher |
Bangalore |
|
Sujata Patel |
Retired Teacher |
Pune |
|
Shefali Jha |
Feminist |
Hyderabad |
|
Agyatmitra |
Facilitator Play for Peace |
Pune |
|
Nisha Gulur |
Development sector professional |
Bengaluru |
|
Jayasree Subramanian |
Academician |
Hyderabad |
|
Daniel Jose |
Law student |
Kochi |
|
Carina |
Lawyer |
Delhi |
|
Nikita Naidu |
Climate Action Specialist |
Hyderabad |
|
Vandana Prabha |
All India Progressive Women Association (AIPWA) |
Patna |
|
Saswati Ghosh |
Academic and activist |
Kolkata |
|
Prakhya |
Lawyer |
Bengaluru |
|
Prasad Chacko |
People's Union for Civil Liberties |
Ahmedabad |
|
Tuhbemsawm Kuki |
Affiliation |
Kanggui |
|
Boigin Chongloi |
NA |
Kangpokpi |
|
Brinda Adige |
Social Worker |
Bengaluru |
|
Laly Randolf |
Citizen Activist |
Bengaluru |
|
AVS Krishna Chaitanya |
Software Engineer |
Hyderabad |
|
Ranjan Solomon |
Freelance journalist |
Goa |
|
Frazer Mascarenhas |
Academic administrator |
Mumbai |
|
Dr Zahida khan |
Human rights |
Bangalore |
|
S.Krishnaswamy |
Retd Sr. Professor |
Madurai |
|
Lisa Pires |
Retired Teacher |
Goa |
|
Shobhana |
Social worker |
Panjim Goa |
|
Sadhna dash |
Retired |
Bengaluru |
|
Lun Haokip |
Affiliation |
Churachandpur |
|
Mary |
Teacher |
Chennai |
|
Akhileshwari Ramagoud |
Journalist and Academic |
Hyderabad, Telangana State |
|
Prajit Basu |
Retired Professor |
Hyderabad |
|
Thresiammaphilip |
Social worker |
Kolkata |
|
Libania |
Social worker |
Haryana |
|
Anita Cheria |
Alifa |
Bangalore |
|
Sheila |
Retired teacher |
Panini Goa |
|
Brian O' Toole |
Justice Contact International Presentation Association |
Dublin Ireland |
|
Deepu yadav |
Social worker |
Kanpur |
|
Rajesh Ramakrishnan |
Indian Community Activists Network |
Chennai |
|
Babita kumari |
Medical mission sisters |
Pune |
|
Flora |
Teacher |
Madurai |
|
Brigit Mathew |
NA |
Kottayam |
|
Mariazinha Carvalho |
Indian |
Goa |
|
Manisha |
NA |
Bangalore |
|
Vineeta Bal |
Retired Scientist |
Pune |
|
Vijayaraghavan Cheliya |
Editor , Patabhedam Magazine & Convenor NAPM Kerala |
Kozhikkode |
|
Usmangani Sherasiya |
Samast machimar samaj |
Gujarat |
|
Dr Mira Shiva |
Public Health Physician |
New Delhi |
|
Amala |
Social worker |
Goa |
|
Harlin sumitha |
Social |
Dumka |
|
Hema Mary |
NA |
Panvel |
|
Aurea |
Teacher (retired) |
Bhopal |
|
Samyuktha |
Textile designer |
Hyderabad |
|
Dr Vijay Rukmini Rao |
Independent Researcher |
Hyderabad |
|
Vinita |
Teacher |
Chennai |
|
Lamlunmang |
No |
Songpi |
|
Gouthami |
ALIFA |
Goa |
|
Rachana Mudraboyina |
Trans / Hijra rights activist |
Hyderabad |
|
Deepti Mehrotra |
Independent writer and social scientist |
Delhi |
|
Amod S |
PhD Researcher |
Nainital, Uttarakhand |
|
Mohamad Ahmad |
Clinic manager |
Hyderabad |
|
Cine Cherian |
Na |
Bangalore |
|
JKL BAITE |
MTFD |
Delhi |
|
Sylvia C Guite |
Nurse |
New Delhi |
|
Tara Murali |
NA |
Chennai |
|
Zenitlian |
NA |
Delhi |
|
Asha Jacob |
NGO |
SIRSA - HARIYANA. |
|
Pushpa Lalitha |
Social worker |
Delhi |
|
Nisha |
Social worker |
Delhi |
|
M.A.Shakeel |
Advocate |
Hyderabad |
|
Norma Alvares |
Advocate |
Mapusa, Goa |
|
Mrinalini R |
Lawyer |
Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh |
|
John Dayal |
Writer |
Delhi |
|
Sr. Lucy Sebastian |
Religious |
Lusaka, Zambia |
|
Amita Kanekar |
Architect |
Panaji |
|
Akhila Vasan |
Public Health Researcher - activist |
Bangalore |
|
Zeferino Fernandes |
Retd. |
Margao |
|
Subhajit Duttagupta |
We are The Common People |
Kolkata |
|
Sr.Meena |
Teacher |
Chennai |
|
Koninika Ray |
National Federation of Indian Women |
New Delhi |
|
Afsar jahan |
Advocate |
Hyderabad |
|
Roydin Roach |
Business |
Hyderabad |
|
Cyril Fernandes |
Retired Employee |
Chicalim, Mormugao |
|
Jennifer |
Professional |
New Delhi |
|
Randall sequeira |
Doctor, Indpendent primary care physician |
Bhawanipatna, Kalahandi |
|
Soumya Dutta |
Reasearcher/ Educator |
Delhi |
|
Don |
NA |
Mumbai |
|
Mercy |
Social work |
Thiruvananthapuram |
|
Khup |
Student |
Kangpokpi |
|
Sabina Martins |
Bailancho Saad |
Panaji Goa |
|
Cyrilla fsma |
Religious |
Mumbai |
|
Alice Morris |
Individual |
Bicholim |
|
Abdul Wahab |
APCR |
Vasco Goa |
|
Peter Tuboi |
CRPF |
Ranchi |
|
Radhika Desai |
Independent Researcher- Gender and Livelihoods |
Porvorim, Goa |
|
P. Vanaja |
Social worker |
Nagapattinam |
|
Rema K M |
Lawyer |
Thrissur Kerala |
|
Shubham Kaushal |
Lawyer |
Ahmedabad |
|
Neipineng |
Affiliation |
Kangpokpi |
|
Eric Pinto |
NAPM |
Goa |
|
Yash Agrawal |
Assistant professor |
Navi Mumbai |
|
Lumina da Costa Almeida. |
Senior citizen |
Goa |
|
Taniya Khangembam |
Research Associate, North Eastern Social Research Center |
Guwahati |
|
Gopika Bashi |
ALIFA |
Bangalore |
|
Om Prakash Singh |
NA |
Cuttack |
|
Swarup |
na |
mumbai |
|
Neha G |
Feminist Communictor |
Delhi |
|
XAVIER JOHN BOSCO |
Forum of Religious for Justice and Peace |
VIJAYAWADA |
|
Ankita |
Social Activist |
Mumbai |
|
Grijesh Dinker |
Lawyer |
Delhi |
|
Sreekala MG |
NA |
Vasco Da Gama |
|
Vanaja |
Advocate |
Chennai |
|
Mangroseneng haokip |
Na |
Pallel Manipur |
|
Anupriya |
Social Development Sector Professional |
Bangalore |
|
Dr. Sanju |
Teacher |
Sadulpur |
|
Indranee Dutta |
Retd Professor |
Guwahati |
|
Sharanya Nayak |
Political and cultural activist |
Koraput, Odisha |
|
Radhika Ganesh |
Activist, Ek Potlee Ret Ki |
Chennai |
|
Nalini Nayak |
Protsahan |
Trivandrum |
|
Nikita Chatterjee |
Writer, NAPM |
Bhopal |
|
Prem |
NA |
Coimbatore |
|
N. Indira Rani |
Independent Social Activist & Researcher |
Hyderabad |
Contact for details: napm...@gmail.com
Annexure
List of public health centres, community health centres and district hospitals that require urgent attention in Churachandpur
|
Block Name |
DH/CHC/PHC Name |
PHSC Name |
|
|
Churachandpur District Hospital |
|||
|
Tipaimukh |
CHC Parbung |
1 |
1. PHSC Pherzawl |
|
2 |
2. PHSC Tuolbung |
||
|
3 |
3. PHSC Tinsuong |
||
|
PHC Senvon |
4 |
1. PHSC Lungthulien |
|
|
5 |
2. PHSC Parvachom |
||
|
6 |
3. PHSC Sipuikon |
||
|
7 |
4. PHSC Leisen |
||
|
PHC Patpuihmun |
8 |
1. PHSC Phailenthangpunji |
|
|
9 |
2. PHSC Kangreng |
||
|
10 |
3. PHSC Buangmun |
||
|
11 |
4. PHSC Chingmun |
||
|
12 |
5. PHSC Sibapurikhal |
||
|
13 |
6. PHSC Ngampabung |
||
|
14 |
7. PHSC Kharkhuplien |
||
|
Samulamlan (Churachandpur) |
PHC Saikot |
15 |
1. PHSC Khaukual |
|
16 |
2. PHSC Mission Compound |
||
|
17 |
3. PHSC Khuangkhai |
||
|
18 |
4. PHSC Mata |
||
|
19 |
5. PHSC Geljang |
||
|
20 |
6. PHSC Thingkangphai |
||
|
21 |
7. PHSC Lamjang |
||
|
22 |
8. PHSC Pearsonmun |
||
|
23 |
9. PHSC Leisang |
||
|
24 |
10. PHSC Tuining |
||
|
25 |
11. PHSC Kumbipukhri |
||
|
26 |
12. PHSC Saipum |
||
|
27 |
13. PHSC Tuaitengphai |
||
|
28 |
14. PHSC L. Apha |
||
|
29 |
15. PHSC New Lamka |
||
|
PHC Sagang |
30 |
1. PHSC Siden |
|
|
31 |
2. PHSC Khonomphai |
||
|
32 |
3. PHSC Khoirentak |
||
|
33 |
4. PHSC Kom Keirap |
||
|
34 |
5. PHSC Senpangjar |
||
|
Singngat |
PHC Singngat |
35 |
1. PHSC Zezaw |
|
36 |
2. PHSC Allusingtam |
||
|
37 |
3. PHSC Sumchinvum |
||
|
38 |
4. PHSC Hiangmual |
||
|
39 |
5. PHSC Lungthul(E) |
||
|
40 |
6. PHSC Kangkap |
||
|
41 |
7. PHSC Suangdoh |
||
|
42 |
8. PHSC Tuikuimaullum |
||
|
PHC Behiang |
43 |
1. PHSC Hiangtam K |
|
|
44 |
1. PHSC Tokpa Khunou |
||
|
45 |
2. PHSC Thingkeu |
||
|
46 |
3. PHSC Charoikhullen |
||
|
47 |
4. PHSC Suangdoh Chehpu |
||
|
48 |
5. PHSC Phaibuong |
||
|
Henglep |
49 |
6. PHSC Ukha Loikhai |
|
|
(Churachandpur |
PHC Henglep |
50 |
7. PHSC Tuilaphai |
|
North) |
51 |
8. PHSC Kolhen |
|
|
52 |
9. PHSC Ngarian |
||
|
|
|
53 |
10. PHSC Nungshai |
|
|
|
54 |
11. PHSC Santing |
|
|
|
55 |
12. PHSC L. Khengjang |
|
|
|
56 |
13. PHSC Chothemunpi |
|
|
|
57 |
14. PHSC Bunglon |
|
Thanlon |
PHC Thanlon |
58 |
1. PHSC Bukpi |
|
|
|
59 |
2. PHSC Milongmun |
|
|
|
60 |
3. PHSC Dailon |
|
|
|
61 |
4. PHSC Kaihlam |
|
|
|
62 |
5. PHSC Hanship |
|
|
|
63 |
6. PHSC Bungpilon |
|
|
|
64 |
7. PHSC Sainoujang |
|
|
PHC Singzawl |
65 |
1. PHSC Sumtuh |
|
|
|
66 |
2. PHSC Aibulon |
|
|
|
67 |
3. PHSC Songtal |
|
|
|
68 |
4. PHSC Mualnuam |
List of Hospitals that require urgent attention in Kangpokpi
1. Parsain Public Health Sub Centre
Senapati; Manipur 795122; India phone:
2. Kalapahar PHC
Kalapahar; Manipur 795122; India phone:
3. PHSC Keithelmanbi
Keithelmanbi; Manipur 795122; India
4. Kangpokpi Mission Hospital
Ward No 10; Kangpokpi; Manipur 795129; India phone:
5. Apex medicos
AH2; Senapati; Manipur 795106; India phone:
6. Senapati District Hospital
Senapati; Manipur 795007; India phone:
7. hospital quarter
Senapati; Manipur 795007; India phone:
8. Sekmai Community Health Center
Awang Sekmai; Manipur 795136; India phone:
9. Khurkhul Primary Health Center
Khurkhul-Awang Sekmai Lambi; Awang Sekmai; Manipur 795136; India phone:
10. District Hospital
Pukhao Naharup; Manipur 795114; India phone:
11. Community Health Centre; Sagolmang
Imphal-Saikul Rd; Pukhao Naharup; Manipur 795114; India phone:
12. P H C Khurkhul
Khurkhul Makha Leikai; Sekmai Nagar; Manipur 795115; India phone:
13. Tendongyan Public Health Sub Centre
Mayai Leikai; Tendongyan; Manipur 795115; India phone:
14. Serenity Foundation
Taorem; Manipur 795114; India phone:
15. Nature Cure Hospital; Khundrakpam
Khundrakpam; Manipur 795114; India phone:
16. Yoga And Nature Cure Home; Khundrakpam Awang Leikai.
Imphal-Saikul Rd; Khundrakpam; Manipur 795114; India phone:
098627 51554
17. CMC Hospital(koirengei )
Koirengei; Imphal; Manipur 795115; India phone:
18. Catholic Medical Centre (CMC Hospital)
Koirengei; Imphal East -; Koirengei; Manipur 795002; India phone:
0385 242 7372
19. PHSC Achanbigei
Achanbigei; Manipur 795002; India phone:
[2] De, Arnabjyoti. The Curtain of Blood: Understanding the Humanitarian and Healthcare Crisis in Manipur. Intervention 22(2): p 125-127, October 2024. | DOI: 10.4103/intv.intv_14_24
[4] Khan N, Hussain Z. Manipur’s mental health crisis, a year after violence BMJ 2024; 386 :q1672 doi:10.1136/bmj.q1672
napm india
From: napm india <napm...@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 3 Jul 2025 at 15:09
Subject: Urgent Letter to CM, Karnataka: Ensure Fair Dialogue with Devanahalli Farmers and Withdraw Entire Land Acquisition Proceedings for 1,777 acres
To: <cm....@nic.in>, <c...@karnataka.gov.in>
Cc: <karnata...@gov.in>, <c...@karnataka.gov.in>, <mallikarj...@sansad.nic.in>, <con...@inc.in>, <cpof...@inc.in>, <off...@rahulgandhi.in>, <rahul....@mpls.sansad.in>
30 years journey of struggle, solidarity and building alternatives
National Alliance of People's Movements (NAPM)National Office: A/29, Haji Habib Bldg., Naigaon Cross Road, Dadar (E), Mumbai – 400014
Social Media: @napmindia | E-mail: napm...@gmail.com | Web: https://napmindia.org/
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PDF and Word Doc of Full Letter attached
Urgent Letter to CM, Karnataka for Fair Dialogue with Devanahalli Farmers and Withdrawal of Entire Land Acquisition Proceedings for 1,777 acres
Dt: 3rd July, 2025
To,
Shri Siddharamaiah,
Chief Minister,
Govt of Karnataka,
Vidhan Soudha, Bengaluru
Dear Siddaramaiah avare,
We the undersigned are writing to you on behalf of the National Alliance of Agrarian Communities and the National Alliance of People’s Movements (NAPM), in the light of the 1185+ days (3.5 yrs) historic Devanahalli land struggle. On the eve of your crucial dialogue with the farmers delegation tomorrow (4th July), we call upon you to stand by the toiling farmers and the people of Karnataka who voted your Govt to power. We add our voice to the demand of the farmers to fully drop the land acquisition proceedings for 1,777 acres in Devanahalli.
You are fully aware of the facts and the relentless horata of the farmers from the 13 villages in Channarayapatna Hobli of Devanahalli – with women and children at the forefront, to save their farms and futures. The protest has been against the arbitrary acquisition of 1,777 acres of fertile farmland for a proposed Hitech Defence and Aerospace Park. At least one-fourth of the 800 cultivators belong to socially marginalized castes, tribes and many others are small farmers.
After more than 1150 days of peaceful resistance and betrayal by the Govt, when the farmers gave a state-wide Chalo Devanahalli call on 25th June, many of them were lathi charged and detained in an absolutely condemnable way. Unfazed, they began their day-and-night Bhoomi Satyagraha at Freedom Park in the state capital, which has entered its 7th day. People’s organizations across Karnataka have lent solidarity to the struggle. We also know that you met a solidarity delegation, including actor Prakash Raj, in this regard and promised a meeting with the farmers on 4th July.
We are aware that the land acquisition began in Jan’22 by the then BJP Govt to facilitate corporate interests. We don’t need to remind you that it was owing to intense nation-wide people’s struggles that the UPA Govt had to pass the Land Acquisition and Rehabilitation Act, 2013. It is a matter of pain and shame that even the Congress Govt continues to violate the Act blatantly and even pursues land grab projects initiated by the BJP! The intense struggle of the Devanahalli farmers has compelled the Govt to drop land acquisition for 495 acres. However, the farmers are rightly demanding that the proceedings for the entire stretch of 1,777 acres be dropped and the Govt stop playing ‘divide and loot’!
It is known that the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) has already acquired over 6,000 acres of land in the same region, for the Haraluru Industrial Area, leading to displacement and suffering of a large number of farmers and farm workers, although they haven’t receive all the rights due as per the Land Acquisition and Rehabilitation Act, 2013. The state government must come clean on the fact that when more than 80% of the Devanahalli farmers are unwilling to part with their lands, (as revealed by the KIADB’s May 2022 survey), why is the forcible land acquisition happening in violation of the LARR Act, 2013?
While in opposition your party had raised this issue in the State Assembly, you personally visited the farmers of Devanahalli in Sep’22 and assured them that when your Govt would be voted to power, the land acquisition would be dropped. The farmers are only reminding you of your promise. They deserve justice, not lies, not lathis, not land grab, not livelihood loss. In a significant move, many scientists and agrarian experts have also written a powerful open letter to the industry heads in Karnataka, to support the people’s struggle and critically question the ‘development’ paradigm that must actually protect farm lands and food security, instead of threatening it and favouring few capitalists.
The Devanahalli Horata is at a crucial stage and has drawn national attention and solidarity. Leaders of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) have also met the protesting farmers and their families. We cannot forget the fact that the toiling workers and farmers and the people’s movements of Karnataka have played a major role in the ouster of BJP in the previous election, in the struggle to save democracy and the Constitution. The decision of your Govt will have a bearing not just on this struggle, but on how the Congress Governments respond to democratic protests everywhere.
We salute the spirit of resistance of the farmers and the Samyukta Horata, Karnataka in the face of this land grab for corporations. We call upon you to immediately:
1. Ensure a fair and just dialogue with the delegation of farmers on 4th July.
2. Withdraw the land acquisition proceedings for the entire stretch of 1777 acres in Devanahalli.
3. Stop land grab and destruction of livelihoods for real estate and corporate interests.
4. Take strict action against police officers responsible for arbitrary detentions and lathi charge on farmers and activists and withdraw all cases against protestors.
5. Fully uphold the letter and spirit of the Land Acquisition and Rehabilitation Act, 2013 and refrain from any dilutions and amendments to the Act.
6. Uphold the Karnataka Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prohibition of Transfer of Certain Lands) Act, 1978.
7. Ensure full and fair rehabilitation and justice to the farmers and agricultural workers already displaced due to land acquisition for the Haraluru Industrial Area and other KIADB Projects.
8. Direct KIADB to release a white paper on lands acquired and utilized so far across the state and lands remaining unused.
9. Set up a robust and responsive district-level mechanism to redress all grievances of farmers and agrarian communities of Karnataka.
10. Maintain a spirit of dialogue with the people’s movements and civil society of Karnataka and end repression on farmers and people’s movements.
Hoping that you will stand by the ‘Annadatas’ feeding Bengaluru and Karnataka and work towards a fair and just resolution of the issue.
Thanking you.
Adinarayana, Mallikarjuna, Murugamma and Sagari Ramdas, Food Sovereignty Alliance, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana
Anjali Bharadwaj, Satark Nagrik Sangathan, NAPM Delhi
Adv. Aradhana Bhargav, Kisan Sangharsh Samiti, NAPM Madhya Pradesh
Arundhati Dhuru, Azad Mahila Yuva Manch & NAPM, Uttar Pradesh
Ashish Ranjan, Jan Jagaran Shakti Sangathan (JJSS), NAPM Bihar
Comrade Franco, Trade Unionist and Social Activist, NAPM Tamil Nadu
C R Neelakandan, NAPM Keralam
Father Anand, Sajha Sanskruti Manch & NAPM Uttar Pradesh
Dr. Ghulam Rasool Shaikh, Tosamaidan Bachao Front & NAPM Jammu & Kashmir
Kiran Vissa, Rythu Swarajya Vedika and NAPM Telangana
Lingaraj Azad, Niyamgiri Surakhya Samiti, NAPM Odisha
Lingaraj Pradhan, Paschim Odisha Krishak Sangram Samiti, NAPM Odisha
Meera Sanghamitra, All India Feminist Alliance and NAPM Telangana
Prafulla Samantara, Lok Shakti Abhiyan & NAPM Odisha
Adv. Purbayan, Paschim Banga Khet Majoor Samity & NAJAR
Richa Singh and Rambeti, Sangatin Kisan Mazdoor Sangathan, (SKMS), UP
Rajeev Yadav, Rihai Manch, NAPM UP
Raj Shekhar, Right to Food Campaign and Rashtriya Kisani Manch, NAPM Uttar Pradesh
Shahid Kamal, Social Activist, NAPM Bihar
Sanjay M G, Shramik Janta Sangh & NAPM, Maharashtra
Soumya Dutta, National Alliance for Climate and Ecological Justice (NACEJ)
Suniti S R, Sadbhav Manch and NAPM Maharashtra
Sheikh Salauddin, Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union, NAPM Telangana
Sister Lissy Joseph, National Platform for Domestic Workers, NAPM Telangana
Yuvraj Gatkal, Rashtriya Kisani Manch, NAPM Maharashtra
Copy to:
1. Mallikarjun Kharge, President, Indian National Congress
2. Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition, Lok Sabha
napm india
30 years journey of struggle, solidarity and building alternatives
National Alliance of People's Movements (NAPM)National Office: A/29, Haji Habib Bldg., Naigaon Cross Road, Dadar (E), Mumbai – 400014
Social Media: @napmindia | E-mail: napm...@gmail.com | Web: https://napmindia.org/
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PDF and Word Doc attached
NAPM calls for full participation in the All-India
Nationwide General Strike on 9th July
Intensify Resistance to pro-corporate and anti-working class regime
8th July, 2025: The
National Alliance of People's Movements (NAPM) extends complete support to the
call for Nationwide General Strike on 9th July by the Joint Platform
of Central Trade Unions, Independent Federations and the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha.
In addition to the call of General Strike, NAPM strongly opposes the Special
Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and extends support to the call of
Bihar Bandh by the opposition parties on the same day.
India is witnessing large-scale crony capitalism leading to unprecedented accumulation of wealth by a few and, at the same time, the pauperization of the working class. This has gained greater pace under the Modi Govt. This regime is relentlessly pursuing the policy of informalization of work even in the public sector leading to enormous exploitation and undermining of hard-won historical battles for the working-class like that of 8 hours of work and statutory minimum wages. The shameful repeal of more than 40 labour laws and enactment of four anti-worker labour codes is a diabolical effort to annul the history and legacy of the labour movement in this country and to prevent unionization of workers. It signals a major assault on livelihoods, minimum wages and social security.
Millions of the nation's farmers powerfully agitated against the three farm laws, forcing the Government to withdraw the same. However, the farmers have been betrayed by the Central Government as their demand of Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops remains unfulfilled, causing massive distress to farmers, even leading to farmer ‘suicides’. The relentless move towards corporate control is pushing agrarian communities including small and marginal farmers, traditional fishers, adivasis and forest dwelling communities, in particular women, to the brink of crisis. Meanwhile, democratic protests in the country have been met with the full might of the State. We feel strongly against the shrinking of democratic spaces, where holding any peaceful protest or expressing a critical opinion on the Modi regime is fraught with dangers. Activists and organizations have constantly been subject to repression of various forms.
The very foundation of our parliamentary democracy - elections - are also being manipulated to favour the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP). After the debacle of Electoral Bonds, we witnessed the Maharashtra Elections where serious procedural lapses objections were raised by the Leader of Opposition. Now the exclusionary Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls happening in Bihar, right before state elections have left people and democracy in further turmoil and exposed the true nature of the ruling party.
In this context, we appeal to all democratic forces in this country to come
together and make the All-India Strike on 9th July, 2025, a roaring
success. We full endorse the various demands put forth by unions, federations
and coalitions across the country calling for repeal of the labour codes, ensuring
minimum wages, social security, right to unionization of workers, an end to the
spree of privatization and dilution of hard-fought pro-people and pro-ecology
laws and ensuring land, livelihood, forest rights for the millions of working
class – in particular informal sector workers, small and marginal farmers,
forest dwelling communities. We shall not be silenced. Let us all unite against
hate politics and against anti-worker, anti-farmer, anti-minorities,
anti-people, undemocratic policies of the regime.
Issued by: National Working Group of NAPM
napm india
30 years journey of struggle, solidarity and building alternatives
National Alliance of People's Movements (NAPM)National Office: A/29, Haji Habib Bldg., Naigaon Cross Road, Dadar (E), Mumbai – 400014Social Media: @napmindia | E-mail: napm...@gmail.com | Web: https://napmindia.org/
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PDF and Word Doc attached
NAPM calls for full participation in the All-India General Strike on 9th July
Intensify Resistance to pro-corporate and anti-working class regime
8th July, 2025: The
National Alliance of People's Movements (NAPM) extends complete support to the
call for Nationwide General Strike on 9th July by the Joint Platform
of Central Trade Unions, Independent Federations and the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha.
In addition to the call of General Strike, NAPM strongly opposes the Special
Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and extends support to the call of
Bihar Bandh by the opposition parties on the same day.
India is witnessing large-scale crony capitalism leading to unprecedented accumulation of wealth by a few and, at the same time, the pauperization of the working class. This has gained greater pace under the Modi Govt. This regime is relentlessly pursuing the policy of informalization of work even in the public sector leading to enormous exploitation and undermining of hard-won historical battles for the working-class like that of 8 hours of work and statutory minimum wages. The shameful repeal of more than 40 labour laws and enactment of four anti-worker labour codes is a diabolical effort to annul the history and legacy of the labour movement in this country and to prevent unionization of workers. It signals a major assault on livelihoods, minimum wages and social security.
Millions of the nation's farmers powerfully agitated against the three farm laws, forcing the Government to withdraw the same. However, the farmers have been betrayed by the Central Government as their demand of Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops remains unfulfilled, causing massive distress to farmers, even leading to farmer ‘suicides’. The relentless move towards corporate control is pushing agrarian communities including small and marginal farmers, traditional fishers, adivasis and forest dwelling communities, in particular women, to the brink of crisis. Meanwhile, democratic protests in the country have been met with the full might of the State. We feel strongly against the shrinking of democratic spaces, where holding any peaceful protest or expressing a critical opinion on the Modi regime is fraught with dangers. Activists and organizations have constantly been subject to repression of various forms.
The very foundation of our parliamentary democracy - elections - are also being manipulated to favour the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP). After the debacle of Electoral Bonds, we witnessed the Maharashtra Elections where serious procedural lapses objections were raised by the Leader of Opposition. Now the exclusionary Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls happening in Bihar, right before state elections have left people and democracy in further turmoil and exposed the true nature of the ruling party.
In this context, we appeal to all democratic forces in this country to come
together and make the All-India Strike on 9th July, 2025, a roaring
success. We full endorse the various demands put forth by unions, federations
and coalitions across the country calling for repeal of the labour codes, ensuring
minimum wages, social security, right to unionization of workers, an end to the
spree of privatization and dilution of hard-fought pro-people and pro-ecology
laws and ensuring land, livelihood, forest rights for the millions of working
class – in particular informal sector workers, small and marginal farmers,
forest dwelling communities. We shall not be silenced. Let us all unite against
hate politics and against anti-worker, anti-farmer, anti-minorities,
anti-people, undemocratic policies of the regime.
Issued by: National Working Group of NAPM
napm india
Subject: Urgent Letter from NAPM to the Emergency Conference of States on Gaza Bogotá, Colombia | 15th -16th July, 2025
To: <in...@thehaguegroup.org>
Cc: <presi...@camara.gov.co>, <gustav...@gmail.com>, <pres...@presidency.gov.za>, <presi...@presidency.gov.za>, <min...@presidencia.gob.bo>, <desp...@presidencia.gob.cu>, <conta...@congresonacional.hn>, <anwari...@pmo.gov.my>, <inf...@op.gov.na>
30 years journey of struggle, solidarity and building alternatives
National Alliance of People's Movements (NAPM)National Office: A/29, Haji Habib Bldg., Naigaon Cross Road, Dadar (E), Mumbai – 400014Social Media: @napmindia | E-mail: napm...@gmail.com | Web: https://napmindia.org/
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PDF and Word Doc attached
Urgent Letter from Palestine Solidarity Group of National Alliance of People's Movements (NAPM)
To the Emergency Conference of States on Gaza
Bogotá, Colombia | 15th -16th July, 2025
To the Distinguished Delegates of The Hague Group and Participating Nations,
We, the undersigned, representing the National Alliance of People's Movements (NAPM) of India, an umbrella coalition of hundreds of grassroots people’s movements across India, extend our solidarity and urgent support to this historic gathering in Bogotá. As representatives of India's grassroots movements fighting for justice, human rights, and dignity, we stand unequivocally with the Palestinian people in their struggle against genocide, apartheid and occupation.
The Barbarism of Our Times:
The world witnesses today an unprecedented display of barbarism that shocks the conscience of humanity. Israel's systematic decimation of Gaza, with over 58,000 Palestinians killed according to official counts, though independent studies suggest the actual toll may be as high as 109,000 to 3,77,000 dead and missing since October 2023, represents not merely military aggression but a calculated campaign of extermination- a live streamed and ongoing genocide. The fundamentally barbaric nature of targeting women, children, hospitals, schools, refugee camps, and civilian infrastructure reveals the objective of this assault to be erasing Palestinians as a people and the systematic destruction of Gaza's entire social fabric.
This impunity has been enabled by decades of protection from imperial powers, especially the United States, allowing Israel to operate above international law with complete disregard for human life. Israel’s unimpeded genocide including killing of aid workers and forcing UNRWA out of Gaza, the deliberate starvation of children, the bombing of evacuation routes, the weaponisation of aid through the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation - all these criminal violations of humanitarian law expose the weaknesses in these systems which have been left at the mercy of a polarised global order that has been shielding Israel from accountability. We find courage as we note this emergency conference resisting such hijacking of international humanitarian law systems.
The Collapse of International Order
We stand at a crossroads where the very foundations of international law are crumbling before our eyes. The International Court of Justice's provisional measures have been brazenly ignored, UN Security Council resolutions vetoed repeatedly, and international humanitarian law systematically violated.
The tragedy unfolding in Gaza is not an isolated incident – it follows a disturbing pattern that has persisted since the Second World War. From Cambodia to the Balkans, from Rwanda to ongoing conflicts in places like Manipur and Jammu and Kashmir, the international community has repeatedly failed to prevent mass atrocities. Rather than transcending the brutal power dynamics of ancient kingdoms, we have witnessed the exposure of how international relations, presented as enablers of justice and peace, are increasingly serving the interests of feudal geopolitics – powerful states operate through proxy forces, weaker peoples are sacrificed for strategic advantage, and the principle of "might makes right" has never truly been replaced by the rule of law. We are forced to see it as such.
The international law institutions created in the aftermath of the two world wars as well as to secure the newly established sovereignty of nations emerging from colonial rule too often become mere sleeping pills – offering the illusion of justice while atrocities unfold before our eyes, serving as diversions from the urgent action that justice demands. This failure in Gaza represents a fundamental test of whether humanity can evolve beyond these power dynamics or remain trapped in cycles of domination where justice becomes a privilege of the powerful rather than a universal right.
The Systemic Nature of Oppression
The Palestinian struggle reflects broader historical patterns of oppression that many of our nations have experienced. Israel's settler-colonial project mirrors the same systems of displacement, exploitation, and dehumanization that have been used to subjugate peoples across the Global South for centuries. Like the feudal lords of old who claimed divine right to rule over their subjects, today's imperial powers invoke concepts of security and civilization to justify the most barbaric acts.
Contemporary imperialism has evolved beyond mere economic domination to the active enablement of genocide through military aid, diplomatic cover, and economic support. The provision of weapons and protection of Israeli war crimes and genocide represent imperialism in its most naked form. The billions of dollars in military aid, the corporate profits from weapons sales, and the geopolitical advantages gained from regional instability all serve to maintain structures of domination that prioritize power and profit over human dignity.
The Voice of the Indian People
While our government's current stance may not fully reflect our nation's historic solidarity with liberation movements, we want to make it clear that the people of India stand with Palestine. Our freedom struggle against colonialism taught us to recognize and oppose all forms of oppression and occupation, and the voices of millions who march in solidarity with Gaza cannot be silenced by temporary political calculations.
Understanding these connections is crucial for building the solidarity necessary to challenge not just Israeli genocide and apartheid, but the broader systems that enable such crimes to persist with impunity. The international institutions created to transcend ancient patterns of domination have instead become tools to legitimize them.
We commend the Hague Group for its leadership in organizing this emergency conference, and call on the participating states to respond to this moment with courage, decisiveness, and unity in protecting and implementing international law. As President Gustavo Petro remarked, “What we see in Gaza is the rehearsal of the future”. The people of the world have been on the streets, calling their governments to take concrete action to end this genocide. It is upon these governments now, notable of whom have gathered in Bogota, to show where they stand. What you do now is how history will remember you.
Our Urgent Demands
We call upon this conference to take decisive action through:
Immediate Ceasefire and Humanitarian Access:
● Ensure an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza
● Ensure unrestricted humanitarian aid access to all affected populations
● Establish international protection for civilian areas including hospitals, schools, and refugee camps
Global South Leadership:
● Join and support the Hague Group in order to coordinate a unified Global South response that upholds international law and human rights
● Create alternative mechanisms for meaningful multilateralism and international cooperation that are not hijacked by imperial powers and their institutions
Accountability and Protection Through International Law for participants of this Conference:
● Implement the International Court of Justice provisional orders, advisory opinions proceedings and the International Criminal Court proceedings
● Establish an international tribunal to prosecute war crimes and crimes against humanity of genocide and apartheid
● Implement comprehensive military, diplomatic, economic and diplomatic sanctions against Israel until compliance with international law, as demanded by the Palestinian civil society, as well as UN experts and international organizations.
Peoples of the Global South:
● Build sustained solidarity networks that support Palestinian self-determination and statehood, connecting global struggles for freedom, justice and equality.
● Call for boycotts and divestments from corporations and institutions complicit with Israel, in alignment with the Palestinian-led Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement.
Conclusion
The eyes of history are upon this gathering. Future generations will judge whether we stood with the oppressed or remained silent in the face of genocide. The National Alliance of People's Movements commits to mobilize social movements in India, in support of Palestinian liberation and the decisions taken at this conference.
We believe that Palestine's liberation is inseparable from the liberation of all oppressed peoples. Your courage in convening this conference gives hope to millions who refuse to accept genocide as the ‘new normal’.
In solidarity with Palestine and all liberation struggles,
National
Alliance of People's Movements (NAPM)
India
16 July, 2025
National Alliance of People's Movements represents over 300 grassroots organizations across India fighting for social justice, human rights, and democratic participation.
Thanking you.
Anjali Bharadwaj, Satark Nagrik Sangathan, NAPM Delhi
Adv. Aradhana Bhargav, Kisan Sangharsh Samiti, NAPM Madhya Pradesh
Arundhati Dhuru, Azad Mahila Yuva Manch & NAPM, Uttar Pradesh
Ashish Ranjan, Jan Jagaran Shakti Sangathan (JJSS), NAPM Bihar
Comrade Franco, Trade Unionist and Social Activist, NAPM Tamil Nadu
C R Neelakandan, NAPM Keralam
Father Anand, Sajha Sanskruti Manch & NAPM Uttar Pradesh
Dr. Ghulam Rasool Shaikh, Tosamaidan Bachao Front & NAPM Jammu & Kashmir
Kiran Vissa, Rythu Swarajya Vedika and NAPM Telangana
Lingaraj Azad, Niyamgiri Surakhya Samiti, NAPM Odisha
Lingaraj Pradhan, Paschim Odisha Krishak Sangram Samiti, NAPM Odisha
Meera Sanghamitra, All India Feminist Alliance and NAPM Telangana
Prafulla Samantara, Lok Shakti Abhiyan & NAPM Odisha
Adv. Purbayan, Paschim Banga Khet Majoor Samity & NAJAR
Richa Singh and Rambeti, Sangatin Kisan Mazdoor Sangathan, (SKMS), UP
Rajeev Yadav, Rihai Manch, NAPM UP
Shahid Kamal, Social Activist, NAPM Bihar
Sanjay M G, Shramik Janta Sangh & NAPM, Maharashtra
Soumya Dutta, National Alliance for Climate and Ecological Justice (NACEJ)
Suniti S R, Sadbhav Manch and NAPM Maharashtra
Sheikh Salauddin, Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union, NAPM Telangana
Sister Lissy Joseph, National Platform for Domestic Workers, NAPM Telangana
Yuvraj Gatkal, Rashtriya Kisani Manch, NAPM Maharashtra
Nikita Naidu, Climate Action, Hyderabad
Pranjali, NAPM Workers Rights Forum, New Delhi
Prasad Chacko, Social and Human Rights Activist, Gujarat
Stella James, National Alliance for Climate and Ecological Justice (NACEJ)
Shubham Kaushal, Independent Law Researcher, NAJAR, Gujarat
Heman Oza, All India Inquilabi Youth and Students Alliance (ALIYSA)
Utpala Shukla, All India Feminist Alliance, Uttar Pradesh
Rajendra Bahalkar, Social Activist, NAPM Maharashtra
Adv Shalini Gera, Human Rights Lawyer & NAJAR, Chhattisgarh
Krithika Dinesh, National Alliance for Justice, Accountability and Rights (NAJAR)
Suneetha Achyuta, All India Feminist Alliance, Telangana
Contact: napm...@gmail.com
napm india
30 years journey of struggle, solidarity and building alternatives
National Alliance of People's Movements (NAPM)National Office: A/29, Haji Habib Bldg., Naigaon Cross Road, Dadar (E), Mumbai – 400014Social Media: @napmindia | E-mail: napm...@gmail.com | Web: https://napmindia.org/
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80th Anniversary of Hiroshima & Nagasaki must deepen our resistance and resolve to ensure a nuclear-free world order
NAPM demands Govt of India to drop dangerous proposals for amendments to Nuclear Laws and pursue sustainable energy alternatives
10th August, 2025: Eighty years ago, on the mornings of 6th & 9th August, 1945, the world witnessed the catastrophic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, killing over 200,000 civilians instantly and condemning generations to untold suffering. These horrors remain a stark reminder that nuclear technology; whether for weapons or energy poses an existential threat to humanity and all life on Earth.
Yet, instead of learning from history, governments around the world, including ours, are deepening their dangerous nuclear path. Recent announcements to amend the Atomic Energy Act, 1962, and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010, (CLNDA) to open the sector to private companies and foreign investments, mark a reckless and regressive step. These proposed changes seek to dilute Section 17(b) of the CLNDA, removing suppliers’ liability, and to privatise nuclear power operations. This is being packaged as a “clean energy transition” solution, but as has been exposed over decades, nuclear energy is neither safe, nor green, nor cost-effective.
NAPM strongly opposes these amendments and the ongoing nuclear expansion drive. These moves jeopardise the lives of millions, threaten fragile ecosystems, and trample democratic rights of people whose lands and livelihoods will be destroyed for reactor projects. Across the country, fisher communities of Kudankulam, Jaitapur and Mithivirdi, mango cultivators of Konkan, and Adivasi communities in Chutka, Seoni and Mithi Virdi have stood firm against nuclear plants. They have resisted displacement, radiation risks, and the culture of secrecy and unaccountability that defines India’s nuclear establishment. These struggles will continue as farmers and workers are questioning and resisting the new considerations in Karnataka, Kerala, Bihar and Goa.
The government’s argument that small modular reactors (SMRs) are a ‘game changer’ is another false promise. SMRs are untested, unsafe, exorbitantly expensive, and shift the focus away from proven decentralised renewable energy alternatives. Nuclear energy will not solve the climate crisis; it creates new ones. It comes with a massive carbon footprint during mining, transportation, and construction. It leaves behind radioactive waste that remains deadly for thousands of years, for which there is no permanent solution.
Globally, the nuclear arms race is heating up, with the US-China rivalry, Iran-Israel-US tensions, and renewed India-Pakistan hostilities. Nuclear weapons are no longer a “deterrent” they are a ticking time bomb in a fractured geopolitical order. In such a scenario, expanding nuclear power at home, and eroding liability protections, is a dangerous and disastrous gamble with people’s lives and safety.
To summarize:
• Nuclear projects destroy ecosystems, forcibly displace communities, and violate constitutional protections like PESA, the Forest Rights Act and right to life.
• They deepen economic inequality, burden the exchequer with subsidies, and expose millions to radiation risks.
• Amendments to liability laws protect corporations and abandon accountability transferring all financial, environmental, and human costs to the people.
• Nuclear power is inherently unsafe and incompatible with climate justice.
On this solemn anniversary, NAPM calls upon:
• The Government of India to immediately withdraw proposed amendments to the Atomic Energy Act and CLNDA and stop all new nuclear projects.
• Parliamentarians to oppose these changes and uphold public safety over corporate profit.
• Judiciary and regulators to ensure public consultations, transparency, accountability, and environmental compliance in nuclear decision-making.
• People’s movements, unions, fisherfolk, farmers, students, and citizens to intensify their resistance against nuclear plants from Kudankulam to Chutka, Jaitapur to Cheemeni, Kerala and to defend our constitutional rights.
• Civil society, scientists, and energy experts to push for an energy transition rooted in decentralised, safe, renewable sources like solar, wind, etc that do not endanger lives, livelihoods or ecosystems, while ensuing a non-displacing approach.
Eighty years after Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the message is clear: Nuclear energy and nuclear weapons are two sides of the same destructive coin. Our fight is for life, dignity, and climate justice not for a future built on radioactive ruins.
NO to Nuclear Expansion & Privatization !
YES to Renewable, Decentralised, Just Energy Alternatives!
Issued by: National Alliance of People’s Movements
napm india
30 years journey of struggle, solidarity and building alternatives
National Alliance of People's Movements (NAPM)National Office: A/29, Haji Habib Bldg., Naigaon Cross Road, Dadar (E), Mumbai – 400014Social Media: @napmindia | E-mail: napm...@gmail.com | Web: https://napmindia.org/
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Repeal Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 | Uphold Constitutional Equity & Fairness
Resist Majoritarian-State Attempts to Disenfranchise Minorities
6th Sep, 2025: In what is a clear attempt to disenfranchise the Muslim community in ‘new India’, the BJP-led central government, with the crucial support of allies JD(U) and TDP successfully amended the Waqf Act, 1995 (in April 2025), dealing with the management and regulation of Waqf properties across India. Even as multiple petitions challenging the constitutionality of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 are pending before the Supreme Court, and order on interim relief has been reserved, the Union Govt notified the “Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Rules, 2025”, (UMEED) in July. Considering the patent unconstitutionality of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, NAPM joins all progressive movements across the country in demanding its immediate repeal and urging the Supreme Court to strike down the same as ultra vires.
Waqf is a concept in Islamic law whereby anyone can dedicate their property for charitable, educational and/or religious purposes. Such property, once dedicated, belongs to God and is not intended for private benefit. It is managed by a person called the mutawalli (or caretaker). All religious communities have similar concepts of use of dedicated properties for charitable, religious and/or educational purposes. Over time, these concepts have been variously codified into law, reasonably balancing the community’s needs, customary practice, accountability and identity. In a plural, multicultural society such as India, such efforts succeed only when the state’s action is seen as consultative and is intended to improve the situation. The process, therefore, is key.
In the present case, the BJP led government has claimed that the amendment is driven by the felt need for improvement in the ‘welfare of the Muslim community’. Anyone who has lived through the last 11 years of BJP rule instantly understands this to be a hollow and hypocritical statement, if not one intended to add insult to injury. When a party whose members give genocidal calls against Muslims, are implicated in instances of gross violence against them, and have built their political careers on anti-minority hate say they have the welfare of Muslims at heart, it makes awkward reading.
The Amendment introduces the following major changes:
1. Dispute resolution and conflict of interest: If a Waqf property’s status is disputed, as per the amended Act, the property would be deemed to be non-waqf pending the enquiry by the District Collector. The latter shall be empowered to pronounce whether a disputed property is waqf or state land, thus creating a clear conflict of interest, whereby the government would be adjudicating matters in which it is an interested party itself.
2. Doing away with ‘waqf by user’: ‘Waqf by user’ is an accepted practice whereby if a property has been used for charitable/religious purposes for a long period of time, it is deemed as being waqf without the need for official documentation (certifying transfer of land). This is routinely the case in old properties, orally donated decades or centuries ago. This practice is legally recognized in existing court rulings and was codified into law under the 2013 Amendment to the 1995 Waqf Act. Doing away with ‘Waqf by user’ would have far-reaching consequences.
3. The Amendment changes the composition of Waqf Boards and Councils, necessitating the appointment of non-Muslim members to crucial positions. It should be borne in mind that such changes being imposed, without consultation, are understandably being seen as interference intended to alienate the community.
4. The Amendment restricts the ability of being able to donate any property as waqf only to Muslims who have been practising Islam for at least 5 years at the time they make the donation. This arbitrary restriction excludes non-Muslims and recent converts from practicing a custom they earlier had the freedom to. What the regime fails to see is that devotional and affective customs cut across religious community lines in India. People often use institutions that formally have a religious basis to perform acts of service that have a humanitarian, familial and affective quotient. These silent ways through which India’s syncretism lives on are anathema to bigots on either side of the religious polarization that is engineered by ruling parties.
The total number of properties in India, as per the Waqf Assets Management System of India (WAMSI) is 8.7 lakh. Of this, 4 lakh (or nearly half) properties come under the waqf by user provision. It is unclear how many waqf properties are under dispute, where the state is an interested party. With the provisions of the new Amendment, there are ominous question marks over all of these properties. Moreover, nearly 15% of all waqf properties are in the state of Uttar Pradesh where the BJP led government has gained particular notoriety for its illegal actions targeting members of the minority community. UP is followed by Karnataka, Telangana and Punjab in the number of waqf properties in the country.
The rationale provided for bringing the amendment is two-fold: On the one hand, there is a perception created that waqf is a way through which Muslims grab private and public lands across the country. On the other, we are told that the waqf committees are inefficient, thus not up to the task of maintaining the properties under their administration. The former builds on the politics of hate and distrust being fostered in our country. A narrative is being created to cast doubt about how Muslims could be owning so much landed property, some of it even in prime locations in cities. The institution of Waqf then is portrayed as a concession that the community gained through ‘appeasement politics’. The latter argument seeks to sanitize the arguably discriminatory changes made to the composition of waqf boards.
Two things must be clearly highlighted. One, the existing Waqf Board was a statutory body - i.e. in law, it was the state; and being the state it is governed by existing laws. It did not, and could not, act as per its own made-up rules. The Tribunal was headed by a district judge and members included state officers. The changes made by the amendment do nothing to expedite disputes or improve the functioning of the Board. Second, there is a communal perception created that waqf was a means by which ‘shady Muslims’ would take over lands of poor farmers and ordinary people, and that this amendment was brought in to provide ‘protection’ against that.
On both counts this is incorrect. The amendment only has significance to disputes between waqf and state lands, in which it strengthens the hand of the state. This has no bearing for any private actors in dispute with the Waqf Board. These arguments are used only to mislead and create a moral panic around waqf as an institution and politically override existing norms.
The Modi-Shah led BJP’s electoral success rests on their achievement of having turned Muslims into political untouchables, thus diminishing the community’s representation in institutions of decision-making and governance. The Waqf Amendment should be seen as being in line with the other arbitrary and majoritarian actions of the ruling party. The combined effect of these actions is to divide our country along communal lines (both formally and informally), while consolidating power in the hands of Hindutva supremacists.
The communal Citizenship Amendment Act of 2019 created an exception for citizenship claims of Muslims. The Waqf (Amendment) Act of 2025 targets the landed property being used for charitable purposes by the community. A series of ‘anti-conversion’ laws are being imposed to clamp down on inter-faith marriages and relationships. In states like Uttarakhand, the Uniform Civil Code has been legislated, in the garb of ‘gender justice’.
The scheme of the Hindutva brigade thus on display is to create formal legal mechanisms to fundamentally disempower Muslims - both in a civic as well as in a socio-economic sense. This is accompanied by patently illegal measures (such as the infamous bulldozer action exclusively reserved for members of the minority communities by government authorities) and criminal actions (fomenting routine instances of vigilante violence and periodic episodes of mass violence) on the part of Hindutva zealots.
At over 200 million, Indian Muslims constitute 14% of the country’s population. Attempts to target and alienate such a large section of the population has ramifications not just for the community in question, but for all of us as a collective and as a society. The far-Right Hindutva ideologues cast the matter in terms of a need for ‘uniformity’. They deliberately seek to fool people by suggesting that uniformity is the same as equality, whereas the right-wing seeks to deepen inequity and discrimination, while waxing eloquent about uniformity. Our constitution makers, led by Dr. BR Ambedkar were clear-eyed about the distinction between these concepts. They warned us that majoritarian actors will mischievously conflate the two, in order to impose a casteist-communal order on our plural society. The safeguarding of minorities and declaration of fundamental rights makes this clear in the Constitutional scheme.
The Waqf Amendment Act 2025 is being challenged in the Supreme Court on the grounds of being unconstitutional. Even as the Court is hearing arguments, demolition of waqf properties has taken place in different states. It is important for all conscientious Indians to condemn the government’s effort to sow seeds of discord within our society. The communal design is clearly visible in the demolitions taking place while the Court hears arguments about the legality of the Amendment. Billionaire owned TV news outlets have been spewing propaganda in the days since this law was passed, designed to incite communal passions and end any scope for people to actually engage with the matter at hand. This shows that in open debate, the Hindutva proponents can scarcely defend such a law being passed.
Given the grossly unjust consequences of such legal measures, it is the responsibility of all of us who believe in fairness to demand immediate repeal of the Act. It is time that the streets send a message to the corridors of power that their majoritarian machinations to divide the people of India will not be tolerated, that we have more in common with each other than with those in power over us. We also hope the Supreme Court will see through the patent unconstitutionality in the provisions of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, that run contrary to constitutional safeguards for minorities, read with the guarantee of equality before law under Article 14, and strike down the said law as ultra vires.
Issued by: National Alliance of People’s Movements (NAPM)
E-mail: napm...@gmail.com
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हिन्दी वक्तव्य के लिए अगला ए-मेल देखें:
30 years journey of struggle, solidarity and building alternatives
National Alliance of People's Movements (NAPM)National Office: A/29, Haji Habib Bldg., Naigaon Cross Road, Dadar (E), Mumbai – 400014Social Media: @napmindia | E-mail: napm...@gmail.com | Web: https://napmindia.org/
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PDF and Word Doc attached of English & Hindi statements attached
NAPM Rejects Attempt to End Universal Franchise Through Ill-Conceived ‘Special Intensive Revision’ in Bihar
ECI must Roll Back SIR: Uphold People’s Democratic Right to Vote
7th Sep, 2025: We are less than 100 days away from the end of the term of the elected government in Bihar. In a democracy, however limited, this is supposed to be the time when people’s felt needs take centre stage in public discourse. However, Bihar in 2025 is different. The Election Commission of India (ECI), formally an autonomous constitutional authority, has decided to undertake a ‘Special Intensive Revision’ (SIR) of the electoral roll in Bihar from the 25th of June, putting a question mark over the voting rights of millions of Biharis, mere months before the assembly elections.
NAPM calls upon the ECI to immediately stop the ill-conceived, undemocratic and unconstitutional process of SIR, and instead undertake a transparent and inclusive voter registration exercise, facilitating the right to vote for all Indians, in keeping with its constitutional mandate. We also urge the Supreme Court to take a timely, fair and holistic view on the constitutionality of this entire exercise and direct ECI to not do anything that erodes the right to vote of lakhs of citizens.
In what is conceivably a malicious attempt to infringe upon the right to vote, the Election Commission of India conducted a hurried Special Intensive Revision of the Electoral Roll in Bihar, deleting 65 lakh voters from it just before elections are due in the state. In a show of arrogance, the Commission refused to publish names of those deleted and reasons for deletion.
Notably, the Supreme Court of India has directed the Commission to publish the list of deletions, along with reasons for the same and to publicise said list through all means available to it. The Court has also directed the Commission to accept Aadhaar and Voter IDs as part of people’s (forthcoming) appeals against deletion of their names. This is a welcome directive and is in line with the Court’s stated approach on this matter, i.e., that it will: 1) step in if there are mass exclusions in the SIR, and 2) that the principle guiding the special revision must be inclusion, not exclusion. NAPM welcomes the interim order passed by the bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymala Bagchi.
Upon court orders, the Election Commission was compelled to make the deletions list public. Ground reports have indicated gross inaccuracies in a hastily conducted exercise. The Commission for its part has announced that it has received documents for 98% of electors on the list. Meanwhile, journalists investigating the matter have shown gross irregularities in the SIR draft. Now election officials will be verifying the documents received to finish the exercise by 25th of September.
In a press conference held after the Court ordered the Commission to make the deletions list public, rather than provide clear answers the Chief Election Commissioner arguably behaved like a ruling party representative attacking the opposition. This unprecedented display has clearly tarnished the reputation of the Commission, a constitutional authority.
Exclusion by Design: SIR and the politicization of citizenship in India:
As of 1st August 2025, 65 lakh people have been struck off the earlier electoral roll of 7.9 crore electors. In an act of utter disregard for transparency and basic human decency, the ECI has refused to publish the names of those it struck off. This is the first electoral roll revision in the history of India where no additions have been made. This leaves one to wonder how thousands of electoral officers, who claim to have visited each household in the state, could not find a single new voter!
As per the Government of India’s own estimates, the adult population in Bihar is 8.18 crore. This figure accounts for factors such as migration etc. It follows that the final tally of electors on the ECI’s roll should approximate this figure. However, with only 7.24 crore electors on the draft SIR roll, we are looking at the potential exclusion of 94 lakh people!
This is also the first such revision in independent India’s history where the ECI has asked people to submit forms and documents to ‘prove their eligibility’ as electors. In the second phase of the SIR, election officers will decide on their eligibility. This is where the black-box category of “not recommended by BLO” will come into play. The ECI has not revealed the numbers recorded in this discretionary category during the SIR. This means we will have further deletions over the coming weeks.
With limited information, lack of means to file and pursue appeals, and the very short period of time before the electoral rolls are frozen (end of September), this exercise will, in all likelihood, result in taking away the right to vote from millions of people, especially those marginalized on grounds of caste, religion and gender.
Till the 24th of June 2025, the ECI was responsible for registering voters. From the following day, this responsibility was shifted to the voters themselves. Moreover, the ECI has deployed criteria for enumeration that effectively turn voter registration into a citizenship test. It has decreed that those who did not feature on the electoral roll of 2003 (22 years ago) must re-register as voters, specifically those between 18–40 years of age. The purported reasoning behind the 2003 cutoff is that a Special Intensive Revision was conducted in that year whereby those on the rolls were verified to be Indian citizens.
Yet, when accountability activists used the RTI to ask the Commission for a copy of the 2003 order, they were simply given the June 24 order. Former Election Commission officials involved in the 2003 exercise have informed the media that in 2003 door to door verification of voters was conducted, but “electors were not asked to provide proof of citizenship.” Enumerators were not asked to determine citizenship. The Supreme Court has asked the Commission to provide details of documents considered in the 2003 revision. Furthermore, even though the Commission claimed in court that the SIR was based on an independent appraisal, it didn’t provide copies of any such appraisal or study when asked for the same through RTI requests. This seriously dents the credibility of the Election Commission. Such evasive responses to RTI requests and acting without prior consultations or studies shows the Commission to be working in an arbitrary and opaque manner.
To prove their citizenship, the ECI requires those not on the 2003 roll to submit one of eleven prescribed documents along with a new Declaration Form. Analysis of publicly available data shows that only 50% of the concerned population group in Bihar possesses one of the eleven documents required for the ECI’s eligibility test. Thus, by design, the process has the potential to — and in all likelihood will — unfairly exclude an inordinate number of people. In doing so, the ECI has crossed its remit as a facilitator of free, fair, and inclusive elections, and has instead attempted to become an arbiter of citizenship.
Bihar has nearly 8 crore electors. A sensitive exercise like the SIR was conducted in just 30 days. Much has been reported, even in the mainstream media, about the practical difficulties and errors in conducting an exercise of such magnitude in such a short period of time. The bureaucratic exercise, which saw the ECI claim that it trained 80,000 BLOs in just 72 hours, was botched from the start. Field based independent reports have shown exactly what anyone with a handle over reality could imagine: chronic lack of information, forms being uploaded enmasse without consent of voters by election officials in order to meet targets, the poorest spending their meagre savings to secure prescribed documents and fill forms, and utter confusion and worry about their voting rights being snatched. Despite the lack of transparency, available information shows that women have been overly excluded through this exercise.
Rife with questions of unconstitutionality and illegality, practical difficulties and predictable implementation errors, the whole SIR process may seem bizarre to any unbiased observer. All of this poses a simple question for the people of Bihar and indeed all of India: Why did the ECI decide to conduct an exercise of such great scale and sensitivity on such short notice, just months before the state assembly elections?
Attempts to dismantle Indian democracy from within:
Rights defenders and opposition leaders have approached the Supreme Court, claiming that the SIR exercise appears to be in plain contravention of previous orders of the Court in some cases, where the burden of proving non-citizenship was on the State. (Lal Babu Hussein and Others vs Electoral Registration Officer and Others - 1995 AIR 1189). The Court, while stating that it will intervene if mass exclusion occurs and issuing a significant and necessary interim order protecting people’s rights, has not halted the SIR. This places the SIR squarely within a deeply worrying trend: the dismantling of Indian democracy from within.
Institutions like the Election Commission of India have been granted constitutional autonomy for a reason. Autonomous institutions, acting independently yet in balance, are the backbone of any functioning democracy. What we are witnessing now is the systematic collapse of these institutions, one after another. In recent years, the ECI – once central to making India the world’s largest electoral democracy, seems to have fallen prey to this dangerous erosion.
Recently held state elections have provided cause for very serious concern regarding the fairness of the electoral process. Not only leaders of opposition parties, but also independent experts and critics have cast doubt on the fairness of the Election Commission’s functioning.
The state elections in Maharashtra held in late 2024 are a case in point. The state saw a highly anomalous voter increase in five months between the Lok Sabha elections and state assembly elections, leading to the total tally of voters exceeding the population estimate in the state. An investigation in Nagpur revealed that these changes crossed thresholds that merit cross verification by the Commission in as many as 70% of polling booths in the constituency, adding credence to opposition claims that this was not mere manipulation but industrial-scale rigging of elections in a state that saw a reversal of political fortunes in only five months.
Recently, the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi has made detailed allegations demonstrating egregious misconduct in Karnataka elections. Using ECI’s own data, he claimed 1,00,000 plus bogus voters registered in a single constituency under the oversight of the Commission. Rather than addressing the concerns raised, and either countering the evidence provided, the ECI has taken a hostile stance, challenging Gandhi to file a sworn affidavit with the claims he has made. If the Leader of Opposition is treated with such hostility, one can only imagine the fate of ordinary citizens at the hands of such a callous regime and compromised institutions.
Understanding Bihar SIR in the context of ongoing fascist onslaught in India:
Actively attacking the basis of solidarity among working people is the hallmark of fascistic parties. BJP’s dominance corresponds with the fomenting of social discord and divisions in society. While its rule has seen the rise of unprecedented inequality and the consolidation of oligarchic power in the country, it has attacked India’s diverse, pluralist society by means of a vicious politics of violent majoritarianism.
Bihar is a case in point. Home to millions of restive unemployed youth, an agrarian economy in perineal distress, glaringly deficient public infrastructure and distress migration, a common theme across the state, Bihar desperately requires a government to deliver a new economic deal.
However, elections under BJP rule see the Home Minister vitiate the environment by raising the bogey of illegal immigrants in the state instead. Without providing any evidence of the same, the ECI has also included this as a reason for conducting its ill-conceived exercise with “sources” claiming they are weeding out illegal immigrants from the rolls. This acts as a dog whistle, indicating to its supporters that the targets of the exercise are minorities and those opposed to the ruling party. Thus, the BJP effectively fractures democratic opposition to its efforts at voter suppression.
In reality, what is unfolding before us is a systematic plot to disenfranchise millions of poor Indians from their fundamental right to vote. The ruling party is using the bureaucratic machinery of the state to fundamentally alter the institutional setup of Indian democracy. After coming to power, especially under Modi, it has sought to expressly use state machinery to further this twin process of strengthening oligarchic power and creating social discord.
Since the second term of the “Modi government”, it has been clear that there is a design to create a long-term rift in Indian society by casting doubt on the citizenship of the working poor, especially muslims and members of the minority communities. This was evident in the changes to the Citizenship laws made through the Citizenship Amendment Act and the proposed National Register of Citizens (CAA-NRC) in 2019. The NRC was halted due to people’s steadfast resistance to it. Through ill-conceived exercises like the SIR in Bihar – which the ECI has said will be extended to all states in India, the regime is creating the groundwork for NRC.
The Challenge Before Us:
The SIR in Bihar is a test case for democracy in the country. It is an experiment to end universal franchise, which, if successful in Bihar, will be performed across the country. It is thus up to all democratic organisations and individuals in India (not just Bihar) to understand the threat and mobilize to defuse it, by rejecting the SIR. The regime has openly challenged the people of the country, it is now up to the people to respond.
In the past couple of months, various on-ground initiatives have intensified their efforts to expose and challenge the SIR. Grassroots and independent media have done exemplary work in highlighting the numerous flaws in the entire process. NAPM Bihar member organisations have been actively campaigning, spreading awareness and ground truthing the whole exercise and jointly organised a well-attended and publicised Public Hearing on July 21st in Patna, highlighting several problems and mass scale disenfranchisement in the process.
Considering the gravity of the entire issue, NAPM demands that:
The Election Commission of India (ECI) must:
- Immediately suspend and fully stop the ill-conceived, undemocratic and unconstitutional process of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) being undertaken in Bihar.
- Undertake a transparent and inclusive voter registration exercise, facilitating the right to vote for all Indians, in keeping with its constitutional mandate.
- Refrain from replicating an unconstitutional exercise similar to the SIR-Bihar in any other part / state of the country, in the future.
Hon’ble Supreme Court must:
- Penalise the errant officials at the Election Commission of India for devising and conducting an exercise to disenfranchise voters.
- Conduct a court monitored probe into allegations of electoral fraud and rigging.
- Take a timely, fair and holistic view on the constitutionality of this entire exercise and direct ECI not to do anything that erodes the right to vote of lakhs of citizens.