Appoint independent observer for Khunti Lok Sabha poll: Rights groups

RANCHI: A joint delegation of different rights groups, including Jharkhand Janadhikar Mahasabha, Adivasi Adhikar Manch and Women against Sexual Violence and State Repression, has demanded an independent observer for Lok Sabha polls in Khunti scheduled to take place on May 6. In a memorandum submitted to the office of the chief electoral officer of the state on Tuesday, the delegation said that people in trouble-torn areas are living in fear and this will adversely impact the polls.
The activists alleged the government has unleashed repression in many villages to stifle the recent spree of Pathalgadi movements, which are but a part of tribal self-governance and also recognised by the Constitution and PESA.
“Many police camps have been established in schools. Several FIRs have been filed against at least 150 named and thousands of unnamed villagers on frivolous cases that include charges of abetment, obstructing public servants while discharging their duty, creating public nuisance, criminal intimidation and most drastically, sedition. Frequent raids and random arrests in these villages have kept the inhabitants under constant terror which has resulted in the flight of many people away from their homes. The local administration has even gone to the extent of filing FIRs against noted writers, journalists and activists for putting up social media posts highlighting their plight,” read the memorandum signed by at least 10 activists.
“People are not being able to express their views and share issues freely. It is extremely worrying that Mundas who have a history of weekly traditional gram sabha are not able to organise the meetings anymore,” the memorandum stated, justifying the need for an independent observer.
The delegation also highlighted the recent detention of noted economist and MNREGA architect Jean Dreze and two others in Garhwa on April 28 on the pretext of enforcement of prohibitory orders and model code of conduct, as the trio were visiting the district for a routine public meeting.
“Across the state, attempts are being made by local administration to dissuade people to discuss their issues under the pretext of poll code. Recently, members of Jharkhand Janadhikar Mahasabha were detained by Bishunpura police (Garhwa) when a non-political meeting on Right to Food was being addressed by them,” the activists said.
“Ironically, the district administration, which claimed that Section 144 was in place, is yet to share the copy of the notification. It is worrying how Section 144 is being used to stop people from exercising their democratic rights,” the group added.
The delegation also alleged that despite having an appointment at 3pm they could not meet CEO L. Khiangte because of his unavailability, as a result of which they submitted the memorandum after waiting for three hours.