Friday, December 19, 2008

Christmas time we take care of poor people

http://www.mynews.in/fullstory.aspx?storyid=13813



Christmas time we take care of poor people

Shabana Khan 19/12/2008 12:48:48 PM(IST)


Every year ''May 18 foundation' send interns to those organization who are awarded with Gwangju Human Rights awards and also to those organization who are linked with May 18 foundation. Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi Convener of PVCHR and Irom Sharmila Chanu were awarded with Gwangju Human Rights award in 2007.

My name is Taewook Kang, I am interns in People’s Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR) Varanasi from May 18 foundation, South Korea.

Before interviewing my plan I want to briefly introduce my organization. The May 18 Memorial Foundation is a non-profit organization established on August 30, 1994 by the surviving victims of the 1980 Gwangju Democratic Uprising, the victim families, and the citizens of Gwangju. The foundation aims to commemorate as well as continue the spirit and struggle and solidarity of the May 18 Uprising; to contribute to the peaceful reunification of Korea; and to work towards peace and human rights throughout the world. Thus the spirit of the May 18 is inherited and passed on, significantly influencing the progress of democracy in Korea.

Since its establishment, the foundation has carried out numerous projects in various fields, including organizing memorial events, establishing scholarships, fostering research, disseminating information to the public, publishing relevant materials, dispensing charity and welfare benefits, building international solidarity, and awarding the Gwangju Prize for Human Rights.

I visit Shivrampur village with Mr. Upendra Kumar, core team member of PVCHR and Ms. Catharina Freundl interns from Austria. I reside there for three days i.e. from 17th November, 08 to 19th November, 08. During my stay in Shivrampur village I saw one person was sleeping outside without any blanket and he wear cloth which hardly covers half part of his body, though outside temperature was very cool. This situation really touches me and I plan to upload online petition to receive donation and message from my country people. Inspite to this on 21st December, 08 to 22nd December, 08 I am planning to beg at Godawlia which is situated in heart of Varanasi city. I choose that place as lots of foreigners are living there. I will enrich them about the living condition of slum what I saw and ask them for little donation.

On 24th December, 08 I want to distribute some blanket and innerwear and convey message from my country people to them. In South Korea during Christmas time we take care of poor people, following the same tradition I want to affectionate the Christmas and New Year of those people who are residing in slum area.

Dalit Politics and PVCHR

http://www.mynews.in/fullstory.aspx?storyid=8183#


Dalit Politics and PVCHR

Prashant Bhagat 30/7/2008 5:46:13 PM(IST)


Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi is an icon in Uttar Pradesh province of India among the dalit community and the victims of caste based discrimination, torture and other types of exploitations. Lenin is convener of Peoples Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR). PVCHR is founded in 1996 with the objective of making child labour free villages. Lenin learned by working from the beginning that, structure of village in India is the ring of exploitation. His views on caste based exploitation, discrimination and social change took shape while he worked with child laborers and bonded laborers. He realized that caste, not class, was at work. By the end of 1996, Lenin was championing the rights of lower-caste people. Early experiences taught him that confrontation was dangerous and not the most effective method. Increasingly, Lenin recognized caste in all kinds of social conflict and envisioned a movement that could break the closed, feudal hierarchies of conservative slums and villages by building up local institutions and supporting them with a high profile and active human rights network.



Instead of tampering with the symptoms, ‘caste’ needed to be tackled by both its horns. On the one hand he created a democratized structure for the ‘voiceless’ to enable them access to the constitutional guarantees of modern India and on the other, his innovative advocacy forced the ‘state’ to sensitize its mechanisms to deliver social justice in a manner where Justice is not only done but perceived to be done.



Ensuring implementation of policy into practice regarding this Lenin has initiated Jan Mitra Gaon, or the People-Friendly Village. These villages have durable local institutions that work to promote basic human rights in the face of continuous discrimination. Lenin has adopted three villages and one slum initially, which include reactivating defunct primary schools, eliminating bonded labor, promoting girls to get education. The approach of the organization is two-fold: to have a strong grassroots organization to work for democratic rights of those in marginalized communities and second, to create the structure and dynamics to receive the assistance of national and international institutions.



Lenin''s work marks a shift in the Indian human rights movement, which has been reluctant to address injustices in the name of caste as a fundamental human rights issue. He is one of only a handful of activists to declare that such discrimination goes against democratic principles by promoting inequality. By working from Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh–one of the most traditional, conservative, and segregated regions in India–Lenin demonstrates his resolve.

With meager resources, but rich with confidence and conviction, Lenin in a short period of time has managed to amplify the voice of the marginalized in national and international fora through “Peoples SAARC”, rehabilitation and resettlement of weavers of Varanasi; Benaras Convention; UP Assembly Election Watch; prevention of torture; voice against hunger and many such activities. Recognition by the international community of Dr Lenin’s work is indeed the recognition for the millions whose hopes and aspirations rest on his slender shoulders.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Interview of Dr. Lenin

http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=R4dqH_L7KHg

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Human Rights: Myths or Reality

http://www.mynews.in/fullstory.aspx?storyid=13691#


Human Rights: Myths or Reality

Manoj Kumar Pandey/Shruti Nagvanshi 16/12/2008 10:54:59 AM(IST)


This year on 10th December United Nation is celebrated 60th anniversary of human rights day. On the occasion many world level organization and noble persons have conveyed their massages to the world. Their main objectives are that people live in peaceful live which ensures the human rights and dignity of every individual.


On the occasion the Laureates of the Gwangju Prize for Human Rights Award who are Xanana Gusmao(2001), Basil Fernando(2003), Dandeniya Gamage Jayanthi(2004), Aan San Suu Kyi(2004), Wardah Hafidz(2005), Malalai Joya(2006), Angkhana Neelapha(2006), Irom Chaun Sharmila(2007), Dr Lenin Raghuvanshi(2007), Muneer A Malik(2008) have conveyed their massages to the world. They recognize the relevance of human rights in present scenario and said that though the human rights had been declared 60 years ago but still people are not enjoying their full human rights due to lack of political will. They also advocated the importance of enforcement of human rights to prevent further tyrannies and bloodshed. They also appeal to the government of states to recommit themselves in realizing the vision of the declaration. They also asked for stronger solidarity among civil society groups and leaders both local and international to protect the freedom and rights of all people especially the marginalized sectors in the society.


The massage from Laureates of the Gwangju Prize can be seen on:

http://518solidarity.blogspot.com/2008/12/statement-of-gwangju-prize-for-human.html

On the occasion one Gwangju Laureate Dr Lenin Raghuvanshi of PVCHR (India) had expressed his opinion by saying that in spite of declaration there is lots of exploitation and attack on the Dalit women, domestic violence, killing of girl-children in the fetus. He also said that children are the soft target of exploitation. The position of girl children is worse and they are provided less opportunity of education and they are being engaged in domestic work. He also emphasized on the child sexual abuse, rapes, assault on them. There’s lot of discrimination in the family, society, school and the workplace. His opinion can be heard on
http://pvchr.blogspot.com/2008/12/message-of-dr-lenin-on-60th-anniversary.html

However where on one hand human rights are advocated at international level through many international institutions but the value of human rights is degrading day by day. In India many events of death due to starvation is occurring. The events of police torture are increasing. But there is no held in check for theses activities. The recent case of police torture is the torture of Dr Amar Deep Gupta in Varanasi by UP Police. The testimony of Dr Amar Deep Gupta and his vedio clips can be seen on

http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=rNiivWoO-v8

http://www.mynews.in/fullstory.aspx?storyid=13411

This testimony and video clipping state the brutal storey of police. The enquiry report of SSP Varanasi states that Addl SP Rajeev Malhotra conducted an enquiry take statements of all concerned officials along with Magistrates, CO, SO and complainant. During enquiry it comes to light that on the fateful day anti encroachments drive was on. The persons have given ample time to collect all the material of clinic. The drive was on the orders of High court under a writ. The persons there created ruckus and pelted stones towards police in which CO was badly hurt. After this Doctor and others arrested. Police in order to control mob took action in which few persons get hurt. CO was instructed to use patience during such operations. No further action is required.

If one goes to the above linkage he can easily find out way of controlling the mob by police. The Dr and his lawyer brother were trying only to show the paper belonging to their land and the police became arrogant and had beaten brutally along with abusive language.
India had also signed the united nation human rights charter. It indicates the facts that India has to adhere. India is a welfare state and it is the duty of State to protect the fundamental rights of every citizen and provide basic amenities to every citizen.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Testimonial Therapy: A brief intervention to improve wellbeing in Victim of torture

http://www.mynews.in/fullstory.aspx?storyid=13561#

Testimonial Therapy: A brief intervention to improve wellbeing in Victim of torture.

Shabana Khan 11/12/2008 10:16:06 PM(IST)


Testimonial therapy originally was developed in Chile during the military dictatorship in 1970s. It has been successfully for the psychotherapeutic treatment for the women’s refugee who are survivor of sexual torture, and has also been a therapeutic tool employed within social frame of active human rights movement. Most recently principles of cognitive behavioral exposure therapy and testimony therapy have been combined in narrative exposure therapy for treatment of traumatized survivor of war and torture. Later in 2008 Testimonial therapy was introduced in India in pilot project of three month and Manual for community worker and human rights defender “Giving Voice” Using Testimony as a Brief Therapy Intervention in Psychosocial Community Work for Survivors of Torture and organized Violence was revised and finalize in October, 2008 by Dr. Inger Agger from Rehabilitation and Research Center for Torture Victim (RCT) and Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi People’s Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR).

Rehabilitation and Research Centre for Torture Victim (RCT) in collaboration with the Transcultural psychiatry, psychiatry centre Copenhagen University. Hospital/Rigshospitalet supported by the Danish Medical Research Council organized International Rehabilitation Conference on 3rd December, 08 to 5th December, 08 in Denmark.


So, on the first day of workshop Dr. Inger Agger PhD, Peter Polatin, M.D, MPH and Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi, B.A.M.S presents Outcome Studies in TOV survivor in Testimonial Therapy: a brief intervention to improve wellbeing in Victim of torture.

Testimonial therapy provided through trained community worker and human rights activists, helps victim of torture to tell their stories, and to receive psychotherapeutic and community support. Justice is the entry point in the testimonial method.

It is hypothesized that public testimony about human rights violation within the context of testimonial therapy serves as: 1.) a cathartic and positive reframing experience for the survivors, 2.) desensitization and alternative learning from volitionally re-experiencing the trauma, and or 3.) gratification and empowerment by active contribution to obtaining justice and preventing torture in future.

While some mental health workers believe the process of taking about traumatic experiences alone can be helpful, the focus of testimonial therapy is on collaboration and documentation, with the intention to use the testimonial to educate an uninformed public and to advocate for justice. Human rights activists who normally work with testimonies as legal documentation are trained to add a psychological dimension to an activity with which they are already familiar. Therefore, Testimonial therapy offers advantage when mental health skills are in short supply and in communities suffering under extreme and frequent human rights violations.

A collaborative three month pilot project was undertaken between RCT and People’s Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR) in Varanasi, India on “Testimony as a brief therapy intervention”. The project involves four weeks of training of PVCHR staff by a consultant who is expert in testimonial therapy, the development of context specific training manual, and the use of a monitoring and evaluation system for the purpose of outcome and evaluation comparing results of measures before the intervention and 2-3 month thereafter. Twelve community workers were trained to work in pair and to utilize testimonial therapy. Twenty three victims underwent treatment, under supervision. Most clients received 2 or 3 treatment sessions. Outcome measures issued were the WHO5, the pain analog, and a derived questionnaire utilizing ICF activity and participation categories.

The therapist allowed the survivors as much control over the story telling as possible, including the pace of the narrative and the amount of information shared. A transcript was created, and the testifier had a final say in its exact wording and eventual distribution. The therapist utilized the mindfulness and or other culturally appropriates meditative relaxation method to ensure that the testimonial process was not overwhelmingly distressing. A public delivery session was introduced, in which the survivor was honored after therapy (with consent), and the testimony read out and given to the survivor in a community ceremony.

The individuals who participated in this pilot study were mostly primary victims of torture. The perpetrators were almost always the police. Prior to participation in testimonial therapy, most of the participants were having difficulties functioning under stress. Many were able to work and support themselves with mind to moderate difficulty, but all had been doing better before they were tortured and had much more difficulty with income generating activities immediately after being tortured. Quite few had residual pain and, a low sense of well being. Many of them had three or more residual psychological symptom subsequent to the torture event. Many did not understand the issue of basic human rights or could not appropriately answer questions about issues related to politics and human rights. Most of them receive very low levels of health care after they had been tortured, although many of them had fairly extensive physical injuries. All had seen an attorney, reflection of the fact that they were involved with PVCHR.

After testimonial therapy all subjects demonstrated significant improvements in overall WHO 5 score. Four out of five individual item improved by atleast 40 %. ICF item showed less significant change, possibly because the question had not been well understood, but did never improve nevertheless.


The community ceremony component which was introduced into the project was observed to be quite dramatic in promoting improved subject demeanor. This would suggest a fourth hypothesis to explain the benefit of testimonial therapy: destigmatization and reintegration of the survivor into his family and community.


Testimonial Therapy as it has been developed in this project is both an individual and community based model, best adapted to a situation where work with the trauma has been delayed. The usual format is brief (3-4 sessions). In this very small pilot study, brief testimonial therapy appears to improve the well being of the subject who have completed treatment. However, a more extensive study is needed to verify these results, and better measures of ICF A & P function should be used.

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Message of Dr. Lenin on the 60th Anniversary of UDHR



http://peterahon.blogspot.com/2008/12/udhr-at-60-messages-of-gwangju-prize.html

Being innocent I was tortured by the UP police

http://www.mynews.in/fullstory.aspx?storyid=13411#


Being innocent I was tortured by the UP police


Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi/Karmanaya 6/12/2008 10:18:14 PM(IST)


My name is Dr. Amardeep. I am an inhabitant of Chaukaghat under jurisdiction Jaitpura police station in Varanasi district of Uttar Pradesh. Professionally I am doctor. I own a clinic in Chaukaghat known as Deep Clinic, where I do my practice.

Very awful incidence has been started from 28th December, 07 in my life. With out any prior information anti encroachment team start demolishing few part of my clinic, in which all surgical equipment i.e. medicine, furniture and other commodities were masked and destroyed.


Again on 29th December I went to meet officer, however I was unable to meet him and I return back to my home. I saw they were demolishing remaining part of my clinic, and then I start showing paper to the officer that time it was approximately 11 a.m. Four- five officers of P.W.D, many officer from police department, Magistrate and approximately 30 -40 police constables were in that team. When I tried to show the paper of my land and house then police officer denies. He ordered police officer to take me with paper of house to police station. Approximately 15- 20 police constable including S.O of Jaitpura police station hold my hand and one police constable hold collar of my shirt and they beat me with lathi (stick), from my clinic to Pani Tanki (Water tank “Area known by this name). After that Circle Officer (C.O) came and ordered police constable to beat him brutally, “owing to him I was injured.” May be that was the reaction of mob, as they were watching me when I was continuously beaten. Mean while police did lathi charge. When police was beating me that time I felt any how to save my life. Police were abusing me by using filthy word. After getting order from C.O they brutally start beating me with stick, puch – slap, shoes and butt of riffle. C.O beat me with stick.


My younger brother was also there, then Chowki in charge said he is lawyer arrest him otherwise he will create problems. So, police start beating my brother. They beat with stick and butt of riffle which result fracture in my brother’s leg. That time I was unable to think any thing. Due to the continuous beating both of us became faint. When we were faint police took both of us in tempo. When I become conscious I found myself in Jaitpura police station. Lots of blood was coming from my brother leg. Paint and hanky was drenched with blood. I was feeling dizziness then also police officer ordered me to clean blood. Due to fear any how I clean blood with my hand. Police officers provide water for cleaning the blood but not for drinking. Some police constables abuse me by using filthy word but other stopped them for doing so. In police station they provide tea but no water to drink.

When my sister who is lecturer in Ayurvedic College and my wife and my brother’s wife receive information about this incidence, they immediately enquire about us near Pani Tanki. Police was brandish lathi towards them and also abuse them by using filthy word. After that they receive information from any journalist that we are detained in Jaitpura police station. Firstly in police station they were not allowed to meet us, but after pleading they were allowed them. In police station my younger brother physical condition starts deteriorating due to continuous bleeding for more than one hour. Then he was admitted in Kabir Chaura hospital.


When some of my friends from the doctors unions and other few known people came to meet me, so after looking my condition they negotiated with officer about my treatment. In night they took me to hospital with the ambulance. After medical diagnosis doctor prepare my medico – legal. My condition starts revitalizing after admitting in hospital for few days due to continuously glucose drip for 6 – 7 days. After returning from hospital, I got treatment in private hospital as fracture occurs in my leg. For three month I was in my house due to lack of physical fitness.


I cannot sleep in the night, I only think Police implicate me in fake case and I am afraiding that the police may not implicate me in more fake case. I have been selected for Ayurvedic medical officer through Public Service Commission. I am very much worried that due to implication in false case I may loose my job. I want to live my remaining life with peace. I want that I may be released from this fake case. Being innocent I was tortured by the police and they implicate me in fake case. No case is filed in court against the perpetrator and we want justice.

Saturday, December 6, 2008

Right to Information: Problems and Hindrances

http://www.mynews.in/fullstory.aspx?storyid=13370


Right to Information: Problems and Hindrances


Manoj Kumar Pandey/Shruti Nagvanshi 5/12/2008 5:59:06 PM(IST)


Official Secrets Act had been passed during British Period at the regime of Lord Curgeon. According to this the security and unity of the country can be maintained if the public document would be made confidential from the general public, in practical they had made every document confidential. Hence the citizens were being deprived from not only public information but also their personal information. Due to this Act the public officers were continuously terrifying the citizens by making the thing confidential. This tradition had been maintained even after the independence, but due to this practice corruption, exploitation, inactivity, inefficiency, have been rampant at large scale.

To remove these evils “right to know” had been made fundamental right under right to freedom of speech and expression provided by Article 19 (1) (a). It is said that it is the era of transparency so there is no use of making any thing confidential. It includes the right to know about the information of conduction of government except the matter relating the security of country and public interest, in which case the information can not be revealed. So right to know is the fundamental right where no restriction can be made except the ground of restrictions given in Article19 (2).

The main objectives of this Act are to secure access to information under the control of public authority, to promote transparency and accountability in the working of every public authority. The demand for this right had been insisting since last many years, and it was said that right to information is the most essential right under democratic system, so that every citizen may know how the authority perform their action. The objectives of this Act are to improve transparency and openness.

Problems and Hindrances: But after the enforcement of this Act there are many irregularities in implementation.

Though there is clear penal provision for not providing information within specified time, but it is not enough. The official deliberately does not provide information. Many times our organization members had not received required information from Education Department, Children Department and Community Development Society (CDS).
Many times our organization members received wrong information in relation to ration card and ration shop.
Where an application is made to public authority for an information which is held by another public authority, the public authority to which such application is made, shall transfer the application to that public authority and inform the applicant immediately about such transfer, but the former public authority returns the application to the applicant which charges extra postage cost and unnecessary delay and sometimes the validity of the postal order may be expired. Thus authorities are clearly violating the provisions of section 6(3).
Some organization members have been threatened by the quota holders about whom the information has been demanded.
Many times the authority refused to provide information by saying that the required information does not belong with their designation and department. Lots of money is spent in follow up procedure. So for any information he has to pay two, three or more times for postage.
Lacks of resources are the main problems. The authorities are not entertaining hand written application. Fees and postage charges are also creating hindrances to the poor people.
Many times the authority is providing indirect information or insufficient information.
The illiterate people are not able to exercise their under Right to Information as they are totally unaware about this Act.


India became free from British Rule 60 years ago. The government officials have continuously exploited the citizens in name of confidentiality. Due to this the citizens are being deprived from many scheme of the government which has been introduced time to time for welfare purposes. Confidentially causes lots of corruption in offices of government department, like about the scheme, budget of the scheme, functioning of the scheme, and so on. Many scams had taken place in budget of various schemes. The government officials do not tell the citizens about the scheme, and they misappropriated the budget and the citizens remained unaware about the scheme. It causes loss to government and citizens both. So Right to Information Act, 2005 provides the citizens right to know about the functioning of government. But making Law or Act is not enough; its implementation is foremost thing. As it is said that every law should be followed in letter and spirit both so if this Act would be implemented properly, after next 60 years the India can be assumed corruption free and there would neither any exploiter nor any body being exploited.

Suggestions: Though as per section 7(1) of the Act, information should be provided within 30 days from the date of filing of application but the public authority takes 30 days in providing information. There should be immediate action on application for information. Thirty days duration provides opportunities to authorities to delay in providing information.

Though there is penal provision for providing wrong information, yet it does not provide any relief to the applicant. The applicant should be provided required information immediately.
The quality of the paper of information is inferior, and it destroys very shortly.
Though there is penalty for noncompliance of right to information act, but there should be penal provision to make the Act more effective.
There should be review committee at district level in the presidency of DM, which reviews the application for information along with the action taken on the application. The committee should inquire the numbers of application from every department; know about the action taken by the authorities on the application. The committee should also check that how many information have been provided and how many application have been kept in pending.
There should be a review committee at state level which inquires the activities of district level review committee quarterly. It should ask DM about its monthly activities and report.
All information regarding the submitted application, action taken on such application, and information provided on such application should be published at the official website of district, so that any body can check the status of his application.
Proper advertisement of this Act should be made, like NREGA. It should be made in all mode like print/electronic media, hoardings at conspicuous place, so that people will become aware about this act, and they may use their right more efficiently and skillfully.
Misuse: there is no chance of misuse of this Act as the information which is required is provided from government officials. No body can misuse it. No any case of misuse has been come in to light from the date of enforcement of this Act.


Manoj Kumar Pandey is the Asst. Director (legal) of PVCHR and Ms Shruti Nagvanshi is the Core Group Member of PVCHR

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Photos of Mr.Choi,Jinho


Mr.Choi,Jinho-a korean Freelance Photograher from May 18 Foundation,who documentated all photos of Dalit in Varanasi through photography is along with Shruti,Lenin,Kabeer


Lenin,Shruti,Anupam,Kang and Kabeer in Belwa


Shruti,Founder of Savitri Bai Phuley women Forum is giving speech at protest at Pindara SDM office of Varanasi


Shruti and her son Kabeer in Belwa village of Varanasi



Shruti and Lenin are talking with Nut Dalit

Friday, November 21, 2008

Rule of colonial and feudal police in Uttar Pradesh

http://www.mynews.in/fullstory.aspx?storyid=12873#
Rule of colonial and feudal police in Uttar Pradesh


Dr.Lenin/Shabana Khan 21/11/2008 7:44:22 PM(IST)


On 125 birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi India Government signed on UN CONVENTION AGAINST TORTURE AND OTHER CRUEL, INHUMAN OR DEGRADING TREATMENT OR PUNISHMENT (UNCAT), but worst work yet to be ratified. The Police Laws are not yet reformed still they are following laws which were implemented last 125 years i.e. during British reign. Owing to this continuously police is doing torture which is threat to rule of law and democracy. Like this a tear –jerking story of police torture is highlighted by PVCHR through the YouTube and blogs.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNiivWoO-v8

http://sapf.blogspot.com/2008/11/police-torture-of-doctor-and-lawyer-in.html

PVCHR came to know about Dr. Amar Deep Gupta and did testimony with the joint endeavor of Rehabilitation and Research Centre for Torture Victim (RCT), Denmark for providing psychological support and un-censoring his voice for political campaign against torture. After looking video footage of police torture the brutal face of police in Uttar Pradesh same as a old age colonial form of police system. If you want to establish rule of law and democracy we have to make police system democratic, pro-people and scientific.

PVCHR also send petition to Director General of Police, Lucknow, National Human Rights Commission, New Delhi Chief Minister, Chief Secretary, and United Nation Urgent action, Asian Human Rights Commission, Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International. In wee SP/AD of UPPCC replied Thank you for writing to us. Your complaint has been send to IG complaint cell of DGP UP at 1 Tilak Marg Lucknow for further action. Your are requested to wait for reply or contact IG Complaint cell directly at control room tel no 0522-2208596. Your interaction is extremely valuable to us.
Dr. Amar Deep Gupta is permanent resident of S 11/24 in Chowkaghat under jurisdiction Jaitpura in Varanasi district. Dr. Amar Deep was happily living with his joint family in his ancestral house. Dr. Amar Deep opens “Deep clinics” in one part of the house S 11/23 in chowkaghat since long time.

One day afternoon anti encroachment expedition came and start demolishing Dr. Amar Deep’s clininc with out giving any prior information, in which medicine and surgical instrument of lakhs Rupees were buried in the ground. Dr. Amar Deep Gupta advocate Ratan Deep Gupta shows all original supportive documents which prove it as his own ancestral property.


When Dr. Amar Deep was showing paper to Circle Officer Chetganj Mr. Ashok Kumar Verma then some anti element throw stone and C.O gets injury on his face in reactionary work Station officer, C.O, city magistrate and other policeman present at that time brutally beat Dr. Amar deep Gupta and Ratan Deep Gupta with stick and butt of the gun until both of them faint. Policeman arrest both Dr. Amar Deep and Ratan Gupta.

After of the incidence wife of Dr. Amar Deep (Ms. Mamta) and Ratan Deep Gupta (Ms. Shikha) went to Jaitpura police station to know about their husband. Station in charge Hari Ram Maurya and other police officer start abusing both Mamta and Shikha with filthy word. Police officer yelled and tried to terrorize them by swinging stick. Mamta and Shikha through media came to know that Dr. Amardeep and Ratan Deep are kept in Jaitpura police station.

According to Mamta and Shikha Dr. Amar Deep Gupta was faint and Ratan Deep Gupta right leg was fractured and he was drenched with blood. Approximately at 1:30 pm Ratan Deep Gupta condition become critical due to bleeding and he was admitted to District hospital in Varanasi in police custody. Amar Deep Gupta also becomes serious and he was also admitted to District hospital at 9 pm in the night. Dr. Amar Deep Gupta and his brother were beaten by police and inspite of this there were charged under fake case under section 147/325/332/333/352/353/504/506 of Indian Penal code and cr. L A .Act by police officer.

Political will and the people’s courage are very important for fighting back the torture and it is a real example of that. One person did recording of entire atrocities with his mobile phone and inform to PVCHR.

Before taking testimony Dr. Amar Deep Gupta was in phobia and fear with the police and he has feeling of Shame. However after testimony Dr. Amar Deep is agree to fight back against the atrocities done by the police. Otherwise case of him under carpet as his own private pain.

As election is coming and we, the people will make pressure on political party for the ratification of UNCAT and also for the reform in police law according the recommondation of police commission.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Nov 19, 2008: Rohila Peace Pilgrimage in India: Second Report


http://lenin-shruti.blogspot.com/2008/11/presentation-of-acha-peace-star-award.html

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Nov 19, 2008: Rohila Peace Pilgrimage in India: Second Report
Varanasi was last stop on the Indian part of our 2008 Peace Pilgrimage. Our visit there on October 29, 30 and 31 was quite a success.
On the first evening, the Citizen’s Front organized a formal ceremony for presentation of one of the four 2008 ACHA Peace Star Awards to Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi. Twenty-five individuals had been invited, but about seventy-five people showed up! Some of them had come from the neighboring state of Bihar.
Local newspapers and TV channels provided wide coverage to the Awards Ceremony on October 29 as well as the following day.
Credit goes primarily to the good work Dr. Raghuvanshi, his wife Shruti (see their picture attached with this message), and under their leadership, Peoples Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR) have been doing, for the last several years, to improve the lot of the low caste and deprived sections in U. P. and Bihar.
Next morning we participated in a discussion with the students of the Malviya Peace Centre at Banaras Hindu University. The discussion was led by the Center Director Prof. Priyankar Upadhaya and Prof. Ashok Kaul of the BHU Sociology Department.
On October 31, our last day at Varanasi, we visited the PVCHR office, where we held a discussion with the key members of their staff on the theme of our Peace Pilgrimage – Peace in my Family, Harmony in My Neighborhood.
At Varanasi we also met with some residents of a Muslim neighborhood which had been the scene of communal clashes for several years during an annual Hindu religious procession through its streets. The problem was resolved when the Muslims decided to keep their shops and homes shuttered during the procession and not to respond to the aggressive posturing by some its participants and organizers.
Besides we learnt how a Muslim leader helped maintain communal harmony in the tension-laden city, just after a terrorist attack at a Varanasi Hindu temple.
Together with our meetings at Bhopal, Lucknow, and Allahabad, our visit to Varanasi marked the beginning of a new chapter in the history of the Association for Communal Harmony in Asia. It represented an attempt on our part to reach out beyond the Internet to establish personal contacts with some key peace, harmony and human rights organizations and their leaders.We hope to turn these contacts into effective working relationships.
Also as a part of our visit students of three public schools and one Madrasa took the ACHA Pledge of Peace and Harmony:
“I pledge –
I will not use mu hands or my words to harm anyone;
I will treat my sisters and daughters with at least as much love and respect as I treat my brothers and sons; and
I will treat all my neighbors as deserving of my respect, regardless of their class, caste sect or religion.”

Kundan and I are thankful to ACHA Members Dr. Sachin Tewari and Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi for the success of the Indian part of our Peace Pilgrimage. In spite of serious illness of his mother, Dr. Tewari arranged our meetings at Bhopal, Lucknow and Allahabad.
During our stay at Varanasi we also had the opportunity to visit Sarnath, where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon, and witness the sunrise prayers at the Dasashvamedha Ghat on the western bank of the River Ganges.
Since leaving Varanasi, we have witnessed the nightfall prayers to Ganga at Rishikesh, Chhath rituals at Hari-ki-Pairi, and the Sunset Flag Lowering Ceremony at the India-Pakistan Border Crossing at Wagah. Also we have visited the Chandi Temple at Haridwar, Golden Temple at Amritsar, Yadvindra Gardens at Pinjore, Rock Garden at Chandigarh, Taj Mahal and Fort at Agra, Chishti Dargah at Fathpur Sikri, Amber Fort and Birla Temple at Jaipur, and the Bahai Lotus Temple and Humayun Tomb at Delhi.
Besides, in the company of Arun, one of our sons, we have visited with family and friends at Rohtak, Karnal, Patiala, Jalandhar, Chheharta, Chandigarh, Murthal, Faridabad, and Delhi.
This morning (Nov 19) we have returned to Mumbai where we will enjoy the company and hospitality of our cousin Kuldip Mehta and his family until we embark on the Pakistan part of our Peace Pilgrimage on the night of November 23.

--
Pritam K. Rohila, Ph.D.
Executive Director
Association for Communal Harmony in Asia (ACHA)
www.asiapeace.org & www.indiapakistanpeace.org

Monday, November 10, 2008

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh: A minor girl sacrifices her life due to negligance of administration

http://www.mynews.in/fullstory.aspx?storyid=12431#


Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh: A minor girl sacrifices her life due to negligance of administration

manoj kumar pandey 10/11/2008 12:02:22 PM(IST)


Varanasi: On 6th November, 2008 Namita died from diseases that affected her due to acute starvation. Due to death of Namita Pal her parents, sisters and brother were immersed in great sorrow. That time instead of showing sympathy, the police authority was trying to snatch the dead corpus of Namita Pal, as they wanted to dispose it off. When her family member denied to hand over the dead corpus to police, the police started to beat her father and mother. The police also pushed her minor brother. The authorities conducted an autopsy on her dead body and later disposed the body off in the River Ganges, without handing it over to the family.


However the PVCHR is informed that the autopsy report reveals that Namita died from acute pneumonia, anaemia and malnutrition. On 7th November, 2008, at 6:00 pm, PVCHR along with other human right organization had conducted a candle-light protest and pay their tribute to this small martyr before Ambedakar Statue at Kuchary in Varanasi. The worker of the different organization expressed their views and said that the death of Namita Pal was very shameful for administration as she was earlier detected as malnourishment of 4th grade and it came to the knowledge of administration. The police is making fearful to the person who silently putting his demand through administration. With this the police are directly violating the right of freedom and speech guaranteed to citizen in the article 19 of Indian Constitution along with administration the national human right commission is not able to protect the rights to live with dignity of a person. The core group member of PVCHR Ms Shruti Nagvanshi exclaimed with sorrow that in spite of all efforts we could not save this child. It is directly violation of right to live with dignity. The state government should act immediately.

In the meanwhile, it is also reported that the administration is in a hurry measuring the land the family was claiming so far and has already taken steps to allot the land to the family. However the land is allotted to the struggler Doodh Nath Pal for residence and one lakh rupees (Rs 100000/ ) has been given to him from the chief minister of UP. If this assistance would be provided earlier, life of that innocent could be saved. The administration realized its duty immediately after the death of that poor and innocent child.

However Asian Human Right Commission (AHRC) issued an urgent appeal on the application made by PVCHR which can be visited at http://www.ahrchk.net/ua/mainfile.php/2008/3065/

Instead of this a story in mynews.in has been published at http://www.mynews.in/fullstory.aspx?storyid=11758

Friday, November 7, 2008

Israel: Child Right Violation is spreading and alarming

http://www.mynews.in/fullstory.aspx?storyid=12327


Israel: Child Right Violation is spreading and alarming

Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi/Shabana Khan 7/11/2008 5:43:55 PM(IST)


On 4-5 June 2008 night Israel soldier arrest Salwa Salah and her cousin Sara Siureh from their homes in Bethlehem, in the occupied Palestinian West Bank. Salwa Salah and her cousin Sara Siureh, age 16 and who turn 17 to this month.

The Israeli military commander placed them under administrative detention for four months without charge or trial, and without any arrangements in place to bring them to trial. On 5 October their administrative detention orders expired but were extended for a further three months until 3 January 2009. The Israeli army claims that Salwa and Sara were involved in activities which constitute a "security threat" but has provided no evidence to substantiate the allegations, thereby denying them the possibility of challenging the allegations before a court of law.

Both Sara and Salwa are detained in Damoun prison, in the north of Israel, in violation of the Fourth Geneva Convention, which stipulates that Palestinian detainees must be held within the Occupied Palestinian Territories and not in Israel.

United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) in 1989, by the United Nations General Assembly through Resolution 44/25. The Convention entered into force in Israel in November 1991, but as with most other international conventions and treaties, Israel denies its applicability to the Palestinian territory.

Palestinian children are not protected by the legal and procedural safeguards that apply to Israeli children (under the age of 18) and are instead subject to Israeli military orders and procedures which do not comply with the UN Convention on the Right of the Child, to which Israel is a party. The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child has expressed concern that Israeli legislation discriminates between Israeli and Palestinian children.

They are among some 275 Palestinian children detained in Israeli jails, 13 of them detained administratively, without charge or trial. Administrative detention orders are issued by Israeli military commanders for terms of up to six months, which can be renewed indefinitely. Indeed, in 2007 alone, hundreds of Palestinian children have been arrested and detained, and around 340 are still currently imprisoned. Most of them are held inside Israel, in contravention of international humanitarian law. Furthermore, the Israeli military routinely resorts to cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment amounting to torture when dealing with Palestinian children during arrest, interrogation and detention procedures.

Since the start of its occupation of the Palestinian territory in 1967, Israel has carried out policies and practices that have continuously violated Palestinian children'''s civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights. These violations did not cease with Israel's ratification of the Convention in 1991. On the contrary, they escalated and reached unprecedented levels during the second Intifada . Between 1991 and September 2000 (period preceding the second Intifada ) 249 Palestinian children were killed as a result of Israeli military activity in the occupied territory, and since the start of the second Intifada (September 2000) 899 Palestinian children were killed by Israeli military activity.

These violations demonstrate that other States Parties to the UNCRC have failed to take measures, according to their individual and collective responsibility under the Convention, to place pressure on a State Party violating the Convention.

People’s Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR) is sturdily criticizing the arrest of these two girls and detention of other children in Israel prison. PVCHR also appeal please write letter to Shimon Peres President of the State of Israel info@peres-center.org, public@president.gov.il calling for the release of Salwa Salah and Sara Siureh unless they are charged with recognizable criminal offences and are promptly brought to justice in full compliance with international human rights standards ratified by Israel.

Monday, November 3, 2008

Presentation of ACHA Peace Star Award, 2008 to Dr Lenin Raghuvanshi

http://www.mynews.in/fullstory.aspx?storyid=12158#



Presentation of ACHA Peace Star Award, 2008 to Dr Lenin Raghuvanshi

Sant Vivek Das/Manoj kumar pandey 3/11/2008 3:01:03 PM(IST)


On 29th October, 2008 the Executive Director of Association for Communal Harmony in Asia (ACHA) Dr Pritam K Rohila has given ACHA Peace Star Award, 2008 to Dr Lenin Raghuvanshi, a social activist, during his peace pilgrimage to India and Pakistan. On the occasion Ashok Anand moderated the ceremony. In his introductory speech he explained all about Dr Lenin and his organization People’s Vigilance Committee on Human Right (PVCHR). He told how Dr Lenin and his organization PVCHR had strived for the upliftment of most deprived Mushar, Nat community, bonded labour women and children. The ways of Dr Lenin was not easy, it was full of thorn.


However, in spite of hindrances Dr Lenin neither forgot his mission nor deviated from his path. When he made free to the bonded labour, he came at the target of influential person, who are the owner of brick kiln and received many threat from them. Dr Lenin not only strived to make them free but also made efforts to settle their life. The labour also received compensation and wages form their owner through Court due to initiation taken by Dr Lenin. When he worked for the upliftment of the dalits, nats mushar, he faced protest from upper caste. Always he was made realized that he born in upper caste so he should efforts for upper caste. Dr Lenin feels the pain of mushar nats by going to their locality. He made them aware about their rights and opportunities. Due to efforts of Dr Lenin, the Mushar, and the Nat communities get up and demanded for their rights. Now they have white and red ration card. Due to which they get ration at subsidy rate from government. Their problems of hunger have been reduced to maximum extent. In last Mr Ashok Anand focused on the family life of Dr Lenin and said that Dr Lenin married with Ms Shruti Nagvanshi and has an eight year old son Kabir Karunik. Ms Shruti Nagvanshi gave her contributory support to Dr Lenin in all walk of his struggle.


On the occasion the senior advocate Tanveer Ahamad Siddique told why he has nominated Dr Lenin for this award. He expressed his views in emphasized way. He supported his views by saying that when no upper caste persons like to go in mushars and nats locality, Dr Lenin not only went to their localty but also felt their pain. He became the ray of hope for these deprived communities. Advocate Tanveer Ahamad Siddique also told that when the riot between Hindu and Muslim took place and every body was living under fearful and horrible environment and no one had courage to come out of his house, that time Dr Lenin courageously leaded mashal julus (fire march) form Lahurabir to Madanpura to protest the NSA charged against the 13 muslim person. That time he challenged the administration and compelled the administration to take back the NSA from these 13 persons. He said that he nominated Dr Lenin for ACHA Peace Star Award, 2008 because of his overwhelming work for justice to victims of bonded labour, deprived community, women, and children and for raising voice for community in minority. In last advocate Tanveer Ahamad Siddique expressed his commitment to assist Dr Lenin in legal matter.


Another senior advocate Harishankar Singh was also present at the occasion and admired the work of Dr Lenin and he also appreciated Ms Shruti Nagvanshi for her valuable support to Dr Lenin in every walk of life. He added that the work of Dr Lenin was not easy but heartily cooperation of Ms Shruti Nagvanshi made it easy. Advocate Harishankar Singh also offered his legal assistances to Dr Lenin if necessary.

The recipient of the ACHA Peace Star Award, 2008 Dr Lenin told the importance of opportunity in the life of the person by giving the example of Kalpu. Kalpu was a person of the so called lower community of Gorakhpur, went to Halland (the Netherland) as a labour, but he returned as one of the top most billionaire of that country. He supported his statement by saying that the so called upper caste community had grabbed the opportunities of lower caste community from more than three thousand years. If they might be given opportunities, they will be able to prove their ability and skill like upper caste people. Dr. Lenin also said that this honor is not only belongs to him, he dedicated his award to Varanasi city, his organization PVCHR and its members. Dr Lenin expressed his views that all communal riots are sponsored by politician, fundamentalist and extremists. They attack on muslim to destroy the small scale industries and cottage industries of weaving, artisan, and other domestic art, so that the foreign company may launch their product at higher prices. These politicians, extremists, and fundamentalists are the real culprit and the innocent citizens are the victim.

The chief guest of ceremony Dr. Pritam K. Rohila and his wife Mrs. Kundan also expressed his opinon. Dr Pritam K Rohila told about ACHA and said that after the demolition of Babri Masque in 1992 in Ayodhaya, a large scale massacre took placed in India and Pakistan. Communal riots in these countries took the life of many innocent people. It disturbs the peace of Asia. So it was decided to spread harmony in these two communnities. He founded ACHA in Portland, USA. This award has been started from 1995. This award is given to the person who promotes peace and harmony in communities in Asian countries. He also told that every year they select a theme for ACHA. This year’s theme is “peace in my family, harmony in my neighborhood.”



ACHA has a pledge of peace and harmony, which are as follows:

I pledge –

I will not use my hands or my words to harm anyone:

I will treat my sisters and daughters with at least as much love and respect as I treat my brothers and sons; and

I will treat all my neighbors as deserving of my respect, regardless of their class, sect, or religion.

He also appealed to organize Indo-Pak Peace Day on any day between 14th August Pakistan’s Independence Day and 21st September International Peace Day. He added that India and Pakistan are neither the enemies of each other nor they are dangerous for each other. So, first time in the history Pakistan has replaced its army from Indian border. It indicates that the environment of India and Pakistan is good at present. Both the countries are the victim of extremist and fundamentalist, who reside in these countries. He also said “if god creates us, why are we discriminating and spreading hatred among community? God treats us equal, who are we to treat the human community unequal?” This is dangerous for every one. He said that peace movement is not like the other movements against any particular task as the task completes the movements also finish. The peace movement is a precautionary measure and it should be promoted continuously so that the disturbances may be prevented. Peace movement is not a movement until general person will not cooperate. He also acknowledged the efforts of PVCHR for dalits, bonded labour, children and woman. He also said that this is the land of Mahavir, Buddha, Kabir etc, so he started his peace pilgrimage from India. He will also go to Pakistan to give this award to B.M. Kutty, Karamat Ali Mubshir Mirza during his peace pilgrimage. Mrs Kundan admired the work of Dr. Lenin and appealed to the people that if in so early age Dr. Lenin could do this job, why every person should not try to do the same. She said that she had learned many things from Dr. Lenin and PVCHR. She also appealed to the people to forget the past event which created enmity and overlook the mistakes committed by other and forgive them. She also appealed to the people to live with harmony, so that actual human development can take place.

Though the entire person acknowledged the work done by Dr Lenin and described their views from different angle, but in last every person recognized the importance of peace. All of them advocated maintaining peace in their family. Peace in family brings peace in society, peace in society brings peace in locality, and peace in locality brings peace in countries. All of these automatically bring peace in the world.


In last Ms. Shruti Nagvanshi expressed his thanks to Dr. Pritam K Rohila, his wife Mrs. Kundan, Advocate Tanveer Ahamad Siddiqui, Advocate Harishakar Singh, Ashok Anand and all the members and staff of PVCHR along with media person and other person presented at the occasion.


In this regard Archbishop Desmond Tutu, P C Alexgender - Retd. IPS & Human Right Defender, Sankar Sen - Retd IPS & Ex. Director of National Human Right Comission, Bijo Francis- Asian Human Right Commission, Chris Cusmano – Ashoka Innovator for public, Advt. Fr. Dibakar Parichcha – Secretary Social Communication Archdocese Cuttack, Bhubneshwar, Dr Darin – Srilankan Economist, Mr Eric- RCT, Advt. John Clancey - Chairperson Asian Human Right Commission, Mr Subodh – Chairperson Forum Asia, Nagi Maganti – Filmmaker, Baseer Naweed – Ashoka Fellow Pakistan, Shobha Nayer – Editor Dignity Dialogue, Henri – People’s Watch, Voice of People(VOP), Shabanam Hashmi –ANHAD, Awais Sheikh - Peace Ambassador President Pak-India Peace Initiatives, Kamal Pathak – Coordinator Documentation and Protection Unit Advocacy Forum-Nepal, Kate Currawalla - President Maharashtra Dyslexia Association, Amitabh Thakur - SP (intll), Faizabad, Faras Mukhtar - Country Director Strategic World Impact, etc have sent congratulation from the core of their heart to Dr Lenin Raguvanshi for this great achievement.



Sant Vivek Das is theHead Priest of Kabir ChauraMath.

Thursday, October 30, 2008

“Peace in my family, harmony in my neighbour”

http://www.mynews.in/fullstory.aspx?storyid=12016#


“Peace in my family, harmony in my neighbour”


Shabana Khan 30/10/2008 3:43:38 PM(IST)

A discussion was held on 30th October, 2008 at 11:00 A.M. on “Peace and Harmony in South Asia” at Malviya Centre for Peace and Research (MCPR), faculty of social science, Banaras Hindu University.


The main participant of the discussion were Dr. Pritam K. Rohila, Executive Director of Association for communal Harmony in Asia (ACHA), Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi, Director, People’s Vigilance Committee on human Rights (PVCHR) an “ACHA STAR PEACE AWARDEE 2008”, Prof. Ashok Kaul, an eminent sociologist, Department of Sociology, BHU, Prof. Priyanker Upadhaya Coordinator Malviya Centre for Peace and Research, BHU and Mrs. Kundan Rohila and Ms. Shruti Nagvanshi an peace activist.


Discussion was moderated by Prof. Ashok Kaul. Dr. Pritam briefly presents ACHA and its mission in front of the student and he also welcomed suggestion from the student how to tackle this problem. Every year ACHA presents a theme on peace and campaign for it. ACHA may consider any day for its campaign between 14th August – 21st September. This year ACHA’s theme on peace was “Peace in my family, harmony in my neighbour”. In the discussion, Dr. Pritam was focusing on the theme and asserted that if we bring peace in family we can achieve peace in neighbourhood.

The other participants Dr. Lenin briefly presents the work of PVCHR and emphasizes the importance of peace in the conflict ridden situations. Prof. Priyanker Upadhaya an eminent scholar of peace and conflict studies asserted that territorial nature of state formation in South Asia has been the part of problem in the region and its difficult to achieve the peace.

Students were also taking keen interest in the discussion. Suggestion and comments were welcomed. Relevance of Gandhian thought on peace was reconsidered. History, culture and religion were also recognized as a key element for bringing peace in the society.


More than 30 people were present in the discussion. Students from departments of the university and the scholars of the subject also participated. Vote of Thanks was given by Prof. Priyanker Upadhaya

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Uttar Pradesh: Eye wash tactics of Administartion for Dalits

http://www.mynews.in/fullstory.aspx?storyid=11934



Uttar Pradesh: Eye wash tactics of Administartion for Dalits

Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi 27/10/2008 10:11:00 AM(IST)


PVCHR has taken initiative in a matter of allotment of land to the Mushar community on lease for agriculture of village Jungle , Vishunpura. The Mushar community is landless and they have no other means of livelihood except to labour in another field at very low wages. Though they have been allotted land from the state but they could not find possession due to order of cancellation of Hon’ble High Court. PVCHR send the matter to National Human Right Commission, New Delhi and requested the matter to be inquired. National Human Right Commission has registered the case in the case no. 6247/24/2005-2006/M-4. National Human Right Commission asked the State administration to hold a inquiry.

The State administration sent its report after inquiry. The inquiry was conducted by DM through SDM Padrouna B.S.Choudhary.. The Revenue Collector made an inquiry through Subordinate Revenue Collector and submitted his report on 6/10/2005. The report makes it clear that six person of Mushar community have been allotted the additional declared land on lease for agriculture purpose. But the Honorable High Court cancelled the order of declaration by Ceiling Authority and transferred to subordinate court for disposal. So there is no possession over land.

However, to declare ceiling is the act of Government, which is cancelled by Honorable High Court, but in this process the interest of Mushar community is fed up. They are schedule caste and landless people. They have no other means of livelihood except doing labour over others’ field. So it is the duty of the state to comply the interest of Mushar on behalf of them.


The details of lease holder of Village Jungle Vishunpura are as follows:-

1. Issri son of Jingga has been allotted Gata no. 280 K/0.182 hectares. This land is pledged to Sant son of Changur, Caste Lonia by taking money.

2. Kishun lal son of Mallu has been allotted Gata no. 230 G/0.235 hectare. This land is pledged to Smt Prabhawati wife of Nageena, Caste Turha by taking money.

3. Narayan son of Shanichar has been allotted Gata no. 147/0.182 hectare. This land is pledged to Dhukhi son of Bhola, by taking money.

4. Virijhan and Ram Chandra both are son of Guptar has been allotted Gata no. 455 M/0.142 hectare. This land is included in road of PWD.

5. Bindheshwari son of Jingga has been allotted Gata no. 283/0.093 hectare. This land is inherited by three sons Kanta, Gulab, Nathuni of deceased Bindheshwari. Kanta and others have pledged to Shambhu son of Chandi by taking money.

6. Somari son of Shimal has been allotted Gata no. 162 CH/0.089 hectare. This land is pledged to Zakirullah son of Khedan, by taking money.

7. Sundar son of Shanichar has been allotted Gata no. 399 M/0.089 hectare and 6M/0.09. This land is pledged to Bhadur son of Jamuna, Caste Lonia and Sudama son of unknown by taking money.

8. Ram Ugrah son of Jiut has been allotted Gata no. 467/0.182 hectare and 720 G/0.081 hectare. Out of which Gata no. 467/0.089 has been sold to Lal Babu Son of Luxmi caste Turha and Gata no.720 G/0.081 was under possession of Mahendra and other, which has been released in favour of Ram Ugrah son of Jiut by Subordinate Revenue Collector on 04/10/05. Mustered has been sown in this Gata no. 720 G/0.081.

9. Other lease holder has possession land.

All the above mentioned lease holder either pledged their allotted land or sold it. One land is included under road of PWD. So the purpose of Government to allot land for agriculture purpose is fed up. They do not have possession over land. There is clear cut provision in UP Zamindari Abolition Act that nontransferable land is neither sold nor be pledged.

Subordinate Revenue Collector has given his action report to SDM Padrouna on 05/10/05 in which he submitted that he gave possession to Ram Ugrah on Gata no. 720 G with the help of police. However the possession of other Mushar community is to be assured. Though the other five people have been allotted land for agriculture purpose but they still have no possession over these land. So immediate possession is their prompt need.

Along with this the inquiry was done in social welfare like ration card, old aged pension, handicapped pension, widow pension. In a report of Subordinate Revenue Collector sent to Revenue Collector on 03/09/05, it is mentioned that there is 24 Mushar families. Out of which five family Kanta son of Bindheshawari, Ramchander son of Guptar, Sunnnar son of Jiut, Kishore son of Jagdev and Gulab son of Bindhashawari, have no ration card. Six family Channar son of Mannu, Narayan son of Shanichar,Ramdhani son of Bachcha, Somari son of Bhimal, Ramagya son of Akalu and Ram Avatar son of Bachcha, have told that their Antyodaya Ration Card(Red Card) has been made, which is in the possession of Village Head Ram Pyare.

Five families have no ration card, though they belong to Mushar community and they are very poor and living below the poverty line. The other six family have Antyodaya Ration Card (Red Card), but it is in possession of Village Head Ram Pyare and they are not being able to get its benefit. The Antyodaya Ration Card (Red Card) holder told that they get 35 kg (wheat+rice) after Rs 100/ per month. The person who do not have ration card, they have given Rs 100/ per body to Village Head Ram Pyare to make ration card.

No family of Mushar community has been allotted Indira Awas. Marachiya wife of late Sunnar,Ramdeya wife of late Guptar,Shamadeya wife of late Bachcha and Badhia wife of late Mallu, are the real candidate of old aged pension, but their pension has not been accepted. There are no women of dependant widow category. Guddu son of Jagdev is eligible for handicapped pension, but nobody gets pension.

Total 14 family of mushar community have been allotted land of Gram Sabha for agriculture purpose, but only 7 persons could get possession. One person Jagdev son of Banshi has been allotted a non-agricultural land and drainage is flowing over land. Remaining six lease holders have no possession over land.

Taking above mentioned circumstances in to account PVCHR requested to national human right commission to ask appropriate authority to do the needful urgently, so that the Mushar community of Village Jungle, Vishunpura, may get possession over allotted land and those who have not been allotted land, may be allotted land and they have not to work over others’ land. If they have been depossesed from their land by any other means, they may get possession over land. All the persons of Mushar community may get their red or white card for which they are eligible. They are also candidates for Indira Awas Yojana, old aged pension, widow pension and they shall be provided these facilities to ensure their constitutional and other statutory right.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Uttar Pradesh: Family Striving for Basic Aminities

http://www.mynews.in/fullstory.aspx?storyid=11758#


Uttar Pradesh: Family Striving for Basic Aminities

Manoj Kumar Pandey/Shruti Nagvanshi 23/10/2008 10:03:06 AM(IST)

Doodh Nath Pal is the resident of Gokulpur village, Harhuaa, of Badagoan police station in Varanasi. He is very poor and belongs to other back ward class. He has been living in the village for more than twenty years. He used his voting right in many elections and he has voter identity card. He lived along with his family in a hut which was constructed over the land of Gram Sabha. His family comprises his wife Chirounji Devi, and four children Soni Natthu Pal Kavita, and Namita. He earned his livelihood by daily wages labour.


One day the village head Shiv Shakti Singh alias Rajan Singh demolished the hut of Doodh Nath Pal along with his companion and Lekhpal (the lower authority dealing with land). They made the land plane with tractor. At that time it was raining heavily and his house hold articles were being damaged due to rain. His family became homeless. Even they had no place to cook food. His children became dependent over the mid day meal for food.


Doodh Nath Pal had made several complaints against village head in written to all authority like station house officer of police station Badagoan, SSP-Varanasi, District Magistrate Varanasi, Commissioner Varanasi Division, and Inspector General Varanasi Zone, but no one had paid heed to the plight of that poor person. Even the SO of police station Badagoan abused him and threatened him to put in prison in a fake case. After becoming penniless he sat on protest at District Head Quarter along with his family. When the health of his two children Kavita and Namita became deteriorating, the SDM First admitted them in Pandit Din Dayal Governmental Hospital. They were under treatment there for four days. Since his problem of residence was still unsolved, so he sat on protest again along with his family. At least the SDM Pindra came to him and assured him to allot land for his residence. He ended his protest and waited for action taken by administration in his favour, but no action was taken from the side of administration. Again he sat on protest along with his family. Here, the Chouki In charge of Kuchary admonished him not to sit on protest at night. Again the SDM Pindra came to him and assured him to allot land for his residence due to pressure exerted by media. On the same day the SDM Pindra ordered to Kanoongo and Lekhpal on phone to measure the land to allot the Doodh Nath Pal. At the same time the health of his child Namita became deteriorating due to malnourishment. So she was admitted to Pandit Din Dayal Governmental Hospital. Here, the SDM Pindra came to the hospital and assured the Doodh Nath Pal that he would be allotted two biswas (approximately 2730 sq ft) of land as soon as he would be discharged from hospital. At the same time he had given Rs 100/ as financial assistance to his family. Now it appeared that the problem of this poor person would come to an end and he would be allotted land for his residence, but his unfortunate had not left him.


When he had been released from hospital, he approached to Lekhpal and asked for allotment of land. The said Lekhpal replied that he after preparing somre related document and he would measure the land. Again when he contacted to Kanoongo, he said that he was participating in funeral. After becoming penniless Doodh Nath Pal contacted to SDM Pindra, Kanoongo, Lekhpal on phone, all of them assured that his land would be measured on the same day. He had waited till afternoon. Having seen no response from the side of administration he contacted to SDM Pindra on phone and asked for allotment but this time the SDM Pindra showed his inability and advised him to contact to District Magistrate. Doodh Nath Pal remained stun after hearing his answer and all his hopes have gone into sand dunes. Desperately he asked the contact number of District Magistrate, the SDM Pindra showed his inability and had not given the number. When he asked about the matter to Kanoongo, he said that the SDM Pindra had refused to measure the land.


It is alleged that the village head Shiv Shakti Singh alias Rajan Singh has personal enmity with Doodh Nath Pal as he had voted to other candidate in the election of village head. The village head has hand in glove with lekhpal (a lower authority to deal with land matter). The village head threatened many time to Doodh Nath Pal to leave village otherwise he would finish the life of Doodh Nath Pal and his family. The village head is very influential person and he has access to higher authority in police and administration. On the other hand Doodh Nath Pal is very poor and belongs to other backward community. The village head has tried to implicate in a case and showed that a criminal case is registered against Doodh Nath Pal in police station Mirzamurad, Varanasi.


In entire matter the role of administration can not be understood. On one hand they assured him to allot the land for residence but on the other hand they took back their order. They did not give any explanations for cancellation of their order. It seems that the SDM Pindra assured to allot the land only to finish his protest. He never had intention to allot the land to that poor person. However, in entire matter his family suffered a lot. His family have been deprived from their basic needs i.e. food, shelter. This is time when children are in need to be provided nutrient diet, but they are struggling for two meals, which violates the right to food provided in Indian Constitution. His two children Soni and Natthu Pal are school going but their study is badly affected in entire episode. It is the duty of state to protect the constitutional rights. Though Doodh Nath Pal has been living in the village for more than twenty years but he no ration card, BPL or Antyodaya card, job card have been granted to him. Since Doodh Nath Pal has no safe place to reside, so he is bound to sit on protest along with his family. He is compelled to live the nomadic life. It is the duty of state to provide basic amenities of life but state is showing negligence towards its duty.


Where on one hand the state machinery remain fail to perform its duty, PVCHR on other hand provide all assistance time to time. Having seen the malnourished condition of his child Namita, PVCHR had provided financial assistance of two thousands rupees through Ms Parul Sharma (NRI of Sweden), which finance the kitchen project of PVCHR. Apart from that PVCHR has complaint to District Magistrate Varanasi, and Chairperson of National Human Rights Commission, and to Chief Minister of U.P., Commissioner of Varanasi through its sister concern Savitri Bai Phule Women Forum (SWF) to provide him administrative help immediately. Recently Doodh Nath met with Home Secretary along with his family when he came on visit to Varanasi.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

A voice against Social Exclusion, Religious Marginalization and Communal Fascism

http://www.mynews.in/fullstory.aspx?storyid=11648#



A voice against Social Exclusion, Religious Marginalization and Communal Fascism

Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi 21/10/2008 11:54:10 AM(IST)


NAFRE Jan Andolan (National Alliance for Fundamental Right to Education - People’s Movement), had organized an All India consultation on ‘Social exclusion, Religious marginalization and communal fascism’ at Bangalore from 13th October, till 15th October, 08.



The purpose of this consultation is to examine in detail the historical origin, machination of the politics of Social Exclusion and Religious Marginalization. As an outcome, NAFRE – Jan Andolan has come out with a declaration on this topic.



The socio-economic, cultural relation in the Indian sub-continent has undergone a sea-change in the post-independence era in favour of the rich and the powerful. While the Indian economy said to be doing very well – the people are not – particularly the marginalized! The simple reason is that the basic structure and discriminatory character of the Indian society remains unchanged. As a result, vast majority of the marginalized communities are excluded from access to power and resources and are denied their full rights as human beings.



The phenomena of social exclusion, religious marginalization and communal fascism have emerged as serious challenge to all those who are struggling to create an egalitarian society. Debate and discussion on inequalities itself is diminishing in the society today. In fact, more effort goes into rationalizing inequalities than in discussing how equality might be achieved.



In order to facilitate a serious public debate and to bring the issue of Social Exclusion to the centre stage, NAFRE Jan Andholan had organized a 3 day All India Consultation at Bangalore from 13th-15th October 2008. The intent was to bring communities and activists together to re-affirm the faith in building an egalitarian society and collectively evolve an agenda to work toward social and economic equality.



The three day consultation witnessed participation from NAFRE representatives as well as resource persons well versed in the field - Eknath Awad, Prof. Kancha Ilaiah Braj Ranjan Mani, Aloysius, Mohammad Siraz, Cynthia Stephen, to name a few.

Inaugurating the consultation, Eknath Awad, Convener, BHA (Baal Haq Abhiyaan) made a fervent appeal to the participants not to look at the manifestations in the society, but the root causes of inequalities. The country is confronted with lack of alternate political model and emphasized that the victims of caste, religious, gender discriminations should come together to challenge the existing social order.



In his key note speech, Prof. Kancha Ilaiah, author of several books and columnists in several dailies, analyzed the atrocities and violences – particularly against the minorities in Orissa, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh observed that the Indian society is in the midst of a civil war-like situation and every one need to be prepared for the same and said that without a civil war, true freedom, independence and equality is not possible. There is no social democracy (all men/women are equal) in Hindu religion. Annihilation of Hinduism, rejection of Sanskrit-based vernacular languages is pre-conditions for the war. He suggested that state funded, quality education would lead to rational thinking and eventually will lead to establishing a just society.



Braj Ranjan Mani, author analyzed how Brahminism established oppressive and discriminatory knowledge system in Indian society, which he termed it as ‘knowledge based violence’. The dominant class later consolidated themselves in power and had the power to ‘produce and reproduce knowledge’. He also pointed out that the historical construct is antithetical to the marginalized community perspective. The need of the hour is to work towards bringing ‘Emancipatory Education’, or Egalitarian Education’ to challenge the dominant construct.



Aloysius, a well-known author spoke on Nation, Nationalism, Caste and Hinduism highlighted that the Indian polity is fundamentally ‘Brahminical’. He pointed out the Brahminical mind-set that was existing at the time of the Independence movement. The leadership looked at the Independence movement from a culture/nationalist view, rather than from viewing it from the perspective of political representation and equal rights for citizens. The Hindu mindset further reinforced the belief ‘men are born differently and therefore should be treated differently’ and this was consciously constructed as the modern ideology. Without equal citizenship, one can not call India as a nation.



Mohammad Siraz, Writer and an Activist analyzed Indian history and pointed out how history has been brahminized and distorted in favour of the Hindu majority and at the same time portraying the indigenous converts (minorities) as ‘invaders, outsiders’. He also said that India is not a nation; it is a multi-nation and is in the process of evolving as a nation. Brahminical mindset of – identifying sources or power and appropriating power’ need to be challenged.



Senior Advocate and Social Activist Mohan Kumar analyzed the current situation in the pretext of Brahmanism and Imperialism in the realm of Communalism in Orissa and Karnataka



Anton Gomes, Coastal activist spoke of how the fishing community in the Indian coastal is completely excluded due to Indian politics and the impact of CMZ on the livelihood of the fishing community.



Muttamma, Tribal activist discussed about the denial of rights to adivasis and the issue of displacement and its impact on the community.



Arun Kumar spoke about the impact of Brahmanism and Imperialism on education and how it has permeated into the education system. He discussed how the impact must be seen In terms of class room interactions, teacher training, syllabi, curricula etc.



The consultation was concluded with a declaration that lays emphasis on the belief that it is necessary to establish a democratic society based on the culture of Justice, Equality, Liberty and Fraternity, as envisioned by Buddha, Mahatma Jyothi Rao Phule E.V.R.Peryaar, and Baba saheb Ambedkar. The declaration analyses how hegemonic ideology is born out of the segregation of society into various unequal social groups with graded inequalities and functions through structured institutions like Caste, Patriarchy, Religion and Nation State. It also recognizes the value of indigenous cultural streams and how they have promoted the Dignity of Individuals and Community and belief in non-exploitative and non-hegemonic cultural fabric for thousands of years. It further analyses the institutions of family, caste, religion, culture, politics where women from various social strata are subjugated to different levels of discrimination. It identifies that the sectarian politics and its culture of intolerance have already played havoc, more so in the post-independence period by unleashing communal tensions, wars where loss of life and blood shedding has seriously broken the canvass of cultural harmony resulting in communal fascism. It also recognises the fact that today development policies like SEZ, CMZ, all round privatization have further marginalized and excluded the historically disadvantaged communities, and imposed acute conditions of human existence (malnutrition, suicide and hunger deaths), livelihood crisis, deprived human development, forced migration, large scale displacement, etc. All of this also has an impact on children and the future of a truly egalitarian society lies in the holistic growth of our children by creating a just and secure environment for them.



The declaration finally recalls the struggles that innumerable leaders like Jyothiba Phule, Narayanguru, Ayothidas Pandithar, Periyar EVR, Babasaheb Ambedkar, Paditha.Ramabai, Rettamalai Srinivasan, have waged for the emancipation of the indigenous people of this country. With this declaration the concludes with members resolving to re-dedicate themselves to take forward the struggle of the indigenous communities and to bring an end all forms of domination, oppression, exploitation and to achieve human liberation.


Dr. Lenin is executive committee member of Voice of People(VOP),which is allinace member of NAFRE for UP state

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Friday, October 10, 2008

Indian activist: Massacre of Christians planned in advance

http://www.asianews.it/index.php?l=en&art=13449&size=A

http://wwrn.org/article.php?idd=29339

» 10/10/2008 17:09

INDIA
Indian activist: Massacre of Christians planned in advance
Nirmala Carvalho
Lenin Raghuvanshi has visited Orissa as a member of a fact-finding team established by the European commission for the prevention of torture. Hindu radicals have a program for expunging Christians from the region and reconverting tribals and pariahs to Hinduism.


Bhubaneshwar (AsiaNews) - The campaign of attacks against Christians in Orissa was planned for months. This is the claim of Lenin Raghuvanshi, director of the People's Vigilance Committee on Human Rights. Mr. Raghuvanshi visited Orisa as part of of a fact-finding team for the European commission for the prevention of torture.

Speaking to AsiaNews, he says that "In the Kandhamal district, it is very clear that a cleansing of marginalized Christian populace is taking place by RSS, BajrangDal and VHP cadres (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, Bajrang Dal, Vishwa Hindu Parishad)."

The wave of violence has so far killed 61 people, injured 18,000, destroyed 4,500 homes, and burned and razed 181 churches. It was apparently motivated by the killing of Swami Laxamananda Saraswati, a leader of the VHP, last August 23. He was killed by a group of Maoists, but Hindu fundamentalist groups immediately accused the Christians of the assassination.

"In fact, on August 14," Raghuvanshi explains, "nearly 10 days before the death of Swami Laxamanada, a mob of RSS people came to Sahasipudar village and threatened the people of the perils of following the Christian faith . These extremists also warned the margnisalised Christian community that henceforth the Gita [editor's note: one of the sacred books of Hinduism] was their sacred book."

In Orissa, campaigns to reconvert Christian tribals and pariahs back to Hinduism date back for decades. The swami killed in August was himself a fierce promoter of this. Last December, on Christmas eve, he was the one who had pushed for new attacks against Christians, in which 13 homes were burned and 3 people killed, while thousands of faithful were forced to flee.

"After the December anti-Christian violence," Raghuvanshi says, "three families converted to Hinduism out of fear. It is most unfortunate, in a broken down church the picture of Swami Laxamandanda has been installed."

Mr. Lenin Raghuvanshi recently won the “Acha Peace Star” prize for his efforts for reconciliation among communities in India. Commenting further on the violence in Orissa and on his work with the fact-finding mission, he says: "We were witnesses to most deplorable and inhuman atrocities, most probably, these fundamentalists forces are whipping up communal frenzy with a view to the state elections scheduled next year. Here elections are won at the cost of human lives - how much lower can humanity stoop?"

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Sunday, September 21, 2008

India: Fifteen-year-old girl abducted and sold while police did nothing

http://www.mynews.in/fullstory.aspx?storyid=10065

Andhra Pradesh: Over 15000 protested impunity for Hindutva extremists in Massive rally

http://www.mynews.in/ful
lstory.aspx?storyid=10334



Andhra Pradesh: Over 15000 protested impunity for Hindutva extremists in Massive rally
Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi 21/9/2008 12:15:02 AM(IST)

The All India Christian Council (AICC) organized a Mega public meeting at Gymkhana Grounds at 10 am today followed by a Massive Rally in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. This rally was held in protest to the atrocities and havoc created by the members of the Sangh Parivar organizations since August 23, 2008, in Orissa, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and other states. Over one hundred churches were burnt and over 60,000 thousand Christians displaced in this communal violence in six states across India.


Over 15,000 people attended this Mega Rally in large numbers representing all the 24 districts of Andhra Pradesh. Leaders of all major political parties participated in the rally. Also Sikhs, Buddhists, progressive Hindus, and Muslims participated and extended their solidarity and support for the Christians who were victimized across India.


Dr. Sam Paul, aicc National Secretary of Public Affairs, said, “The Central Government is not acting on the violence against Christians as it supposed to act. We demand that the government should impose a ban on Sangh sponsored groups like VHP, Bajrangdal, and RSS. Provocative statements by certain fundamentalist Hindutva leaders have saddened the vast majority of Hindus as well as minority communities. These extremist groups have committed unprovoked attacks against Christians and falsely accused them of “conversions”. Responsible leaders should unconditionally condemn the murder of any Indian citizen – including Christians.”


The aicc leaders remarked once again that the majority of attacks in Karnataka occurred on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in coastal areas. In Orissa, the aicc estimates 50,000 Christians are displaced with 14,000 in government relief camps, 35 people killed including two pastors, and over 4,000 Christian homes destroyed by arson. The violence, which at one point spread across 12 of 30 districts in the state, now seems to be contained to Kandhamal District.


National Congress Party Mr. B. Manikya Varaprasad, Member of Legislative Assembly, said that the Central Government had taken the issue very seriously and had discussed it at length in the Congress Working Committee. Mrs. Shankuntala, Prajaraajyam Party representative, Mr. Jelli Wilson, M.L.C. of Communist Party of India, members of the Telugu Desam Party, and other political parties participated in the Mega Rally and condemned attacks against Christians. All the political party leaders unanimously condemned the violence and declared that the state governments of Orissa and Karnataka are responsible for the recent attacks on Christians. They expressed that the central government should ban the Hindutva organisations like VHP, Bajrangdal, and RSS. And also they demanded that Presidential Rule be imposed on both Orissa and Karnataka states. The leaders, in the midst of differences, extended their full support to protect the democracy of India.


The All India Christian Council (www.aiccindia.org), birthed in 1998, exists to protect and serve the Christian community, minorities, and the oppressed castes. The AICC is a coalition of thousands of Indian denominations, organizations, and lay leaders.