The long dark tea time of the soul

More than 60000 people (mostly tribals) attended a rally in Dantewada today. The rally was called by CPI (Communist Part of India) to protest against illegal land acquisition by essar steel in two villages of Dantewada district, namely Dhurli and Bhansi. The people also protested against Salwa Judum. The rally was entirely peaceful and people came as far as 200 km. Most of them walked to the venue. This despite the fact that their was no major leader addressing the rally and no party paid for their transportation.
Interestingly the Dantewada district administration had originally denied permission to hold the meet, citing security reasons. Not once, but thrice. Apparently, the administration was of the impression that protesting against essar is illegal in Dantewada. The organizers went to the CG high court in Bilaspur. The high court instructed the collector of Dantewada to ensure that the permission is granted for the rally, and ensure adequate police presence at the venue.

Ironically, the district administration on Dantewada allows the armed SPO and salwa judum cadres to roam around freely, kill at whim, extort from the common men and women, beat anyone, and doesn’t feel that they are a security concern. For them anyone opposing industrial houses, however large in numbers, however peacefully, they are a threat to peace.
Here it is important to note why are people angry with essar? As I wrote in my earlier post, the government of CG has acquired land in Dhurli and Bhansi on behalf of essar. Essar steel has signed an MoU with the CG govt to set up a steel plant in Dhurli near the Bailadila iron mines. Since Dhurli falls under fifth schedule, hence express permission of gram sabha is required before acquiring land. The people of Dhurli naturally protested against it. On 30th august, a gram sabha was forcefully conducted in Dhurli. Before the gram sabha, some prominent panchayat members known for their opposition to the proposal were arrested on 26th August on a false charge. Their bail was denied. On 30th, villagers were called one by one to a room, where the MLA, Collector and essar officials were present and forced to sign on a document. Despite that the meeting was inconclusive, as quorum was not achieved. The next meeting was called on 9th september. This time the administration took no changes. This time quorum was not necessary, as this is the second gram sabha on the same subject. Again the arrests were made and the entire road was sealed off. CRPF was deployed on the entire stretch. All villagers in Dhurli were ordered to stay in their homes. One by one each of them were escorted to the panchayat building by armed police and forced to sign on a document. The document said that the villagers agree to the rehabilitation package and are ready to vacate their land.
The details can be found in the memorandum (pdf) submitted by the people of Dhurli/Bhansi to NCST. Down to earth did a cover story on it last month. The dte story can be read here (link: word document).  On 13th september 15000 adivasis took out a rally from Dhurli to Dantewada protesting against the illegality of the whole process. Daily Chattisgarh was the only newspaper that highlighted the rally . Every other national and international newspaper carried on the essar story that tribal protesters have agreed to give up their land in favour of the steel plant.
Dhurli is a 100% adivasi village located on the road. The people here have never supported the naxalites. The state paid them back.

The rally attended by 60000 people is a welcome sign. Hope never fades.