3rd death unravelled at IIT Kanpur

PRESS RELEASE

THIRD DEATH UNRAVELED AT IIT KANPUR
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Dated: 22nd September, 2007


More skeletons are falling from the cupboard of Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur. The prestigious and world renowned Institute seems to have a practice of suppressing information about untimely deaths of daily wage workers on the campus.

Following the revelation of deaths of 12 years old Rohit by snake/scorpion bite followed by refusal by IIT Medical Centre to treat him on the pretext that he was not an employee’s son and 24 years old Udayvir Yadav by electric shock from his own welding machine on 26th and 30th August, 2007, respectively, information about whom IIT administration first tried to suppress, there were murmurs of a third death.

Now it is confirmed that Mohammad Rustam, resident of Malda, W. Bengal, aged between 50-55 years, died around 26th July, 2007, due to snake/scorpion bite in the early hours like Rohit. He is survived by 3 sons and 3 daughters. He used to work at the Core Lab construction site near Wind Tunnel and SIDBI Centre on campus. His dead body was shipped out silently of the campus in a tractor trolley and buried in a graveyard near a Mosque in Naramau. The Mukhiya of his village was summoned and the matter was settled.

The nexus of IIT administration and contractors first tried to summarily dispose of these case so that neither are liable for the deaths. In spite of the best efforts by IIT Director to strangle right to expression by placing a ban on anybody from IIT officially approaching the media, the news about three deaths leaked out.

Some IIT professors also feel indignant that the stories of deaths have been revealed to the outside world. They are not so much concerned about the families of the dead or the poor working conditions of the workers who have made it possible for them to enjoy world class material facilities on the campus. The insensitive and cold attitude of IIT community to the deaths of daily wage workers and shoddy manner in which they are dealt must by strongly condemned.

It shows IIT in very poor light so far its respect for human rights record is concerned. The guilty at the Medical Centre, at least in the case of Rohit’s death, must be punished and dependents of deceased must be immediately compensated. The IIT administration must put in place a transparent and verifiable system for ensuring due rights of the daily wage workers under the law of the land. Health care for families of workers, education for their children and good quality housing (to prevent incidents like snake/scorpion bites) is the minimum basic responsibility of IIT if it is to live up to its reputation of a world class institution.


Sandeep Pandey
National Convenor
National Alliance of People's Movements (NAPM)

First Indian gets 2007 Rafto Prize for human rights

First Indian gets 2007 Rafto Prize for human rights

This is the first time an Indian has been awarded the prestigious Rafto Prize for Human Rights. The announcement came today morning in Bergen, Norway office of The Rafto Foundation that India's National Campaign on Dalit Human Rights (NCDHR) shall get the coveted Rafto Prize. The award ceremony is due this year on 4 November 2007.

The Rafto Prize is a human rights award gaining international status, several past Rafto laureates like Aung San Suu Kyi, Josè Ramos-Horta, Kim Dae-Jung and Shirin Ebadi, have subsequently been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. The Rafto Prize contributes to a focus on human rights violations and on people and communities which need the attention of the world.

The National Campaign on Dalit Human Rights (NCDHR) will receive the 2007 Rafto Prize for its brave struggle to promote Dalit rights, and for its efforts to emphasise that the discrimination and oppression resulting from caste prejudice is a serious violation of international human rights.

The NCDHR was established in 1998 by a group of human rights organisations and activists concerned with the status of Dalits' rights in India. NCDHR's efforts include documenting human rights violations, providing legal assistance to victims of discrimination and atrocities, and lobbying national and internationally. The organisation has led a successful campaign to raise awareness of the Dalits' plight and discrimination they suffer. NCDHR's struggle has been instrumental in mobilising international human rights organisations to combat caste-based discrimination both in India and neighbouring South-East Asian countries.

India 's constitution clearly states that discrimination based on religion, sex or caste is prohibited, yet the Dalits continue to face systematic discrimination in all spheres of Indian society. Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar (1891-1956), who was himself a Dalit and the architect behind the Indian Constitution, conceded that, "Rights are protected not by laws, but by the social and moral conscience of society".

India 's efforts to enforce laws that are meant to protect Dalits are severely flawed. Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh became the first leader of his country to compare the condition of Dalits with that of black South Africans under apartheid. India must prioritise the fight against the oppression of Dalits and other marginalised groups, and ensure an end to the systematic violation of human rights.

Millions of Indians are born into a social and cultural system which fundamentally conflicts with the notion that all human beings are born free with equal rights. Of India's more than 1 billion citizens, 167 million are labelled as 'impure', 'casteless' or 'untouchable'. These are referred to as Dalits, meaning 'the oppressed'. The identity of the Dalit people, and their struggle for dignity and basic human rights, has been formed through thousands of years of humiliation, discrimination, and exclusion.

Dalits are refused equal access to education and health services, experience harsh discrimination in social and religious life, and are excluded from all but the most menial of jobs. In many areas, Dalits have their property taken away from them, and are forced to relocate to other villages and towns against their will. Every day, the Indian police and the judicial system turn a blind eye while Dalits are subjected to caste-motivated murder, rape, and harassment.

The caste system is an intrinsic part of Hinduism, the world oldest religion, and the dominant faith in India. According to the teachings of Hinduism, all individuals are born into a caste which awards them different status and defines their opportunities in life. Caste discrimination is also a problem within other religions. An example of this is Christian churches discriminating against Christian Dalits through allocating separate mass and burial grounds for them.

The oppression experienced by the Dalits today indicates that respect for human rights cannot be taken for granted, even in democracies such as India, which is a signatory to most international human rights conventions.

Strengthen health systems to control Dengue: WHO

Strengthen health systems to control Dengue: WHO

Published in:

The Statesman (India), 21 September 2007

The Scoop Independent (New Zealand), 20 September 2007
The Seoul Times (South Korea), 6 October 2007


"It is critical for countries to strengthen their health systems for prediction, early detection, preparedness and early response to dengue outbreaks," said Dr Samlee Plianbangchang, WHO South-East Asia Regional Director, at a WHO meeting to review and endorse the 'Strategic Framework for the Prevention and Control of Dengue' in the Asia-Pacific region.


In India Dengue is the leading cause of hospitalization and death among children. Increasingly every year, regular outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases across India leave scores of people dead and swamped hospitals and clinics, exposing the country's appalling public health system. Last year in 2006, three members of the Prime Minister's family were taken to hospital suffering with high fever, a dengue symptom, sparking grave concern and media spotlight.

"The fever is not always fatal but in extreme cases patients might need a blood transfusion to replace platelets and stabilise internal organs. When a patient's platelet count drops the blood's clotting property diminishes and this raises the possibility of continuous bleeding and eventual death. The cost of hospitalisation and treatment is high, especially when a blood transfusion is required," said Dr Rishi Sethi, MD, DM, of King George's Medical University.

Dengue fever is an infectious disease, transmitted by mosquitoes and found in hot and humid climates. Dengue transcends international boundaries and is an acute problem, with about 75% of the population in the Asia-Pacific region at risk.

WHO appealed to governments of Asian countries to accelerate key interventions in the control of dengue, which include policy and regulatory support and partnerships within the health sector and with other ministries such as the environment, education, law and tourism.

Several countries in the region are already facing an unprecedented increase in dengue cases this year. Indonesia is reporting over one hundred thousand cases, which is a 10% increase from the numbers reported last year. Myanmar has seen a 33% increase reporting 11,577 cases so far this year and Thailand has 40,258 cases this year, an increase of 27%. Bhutan reported its first case in 2004 and has seen a gradual increase in the numbers; and Nepal reported its first case in 2006.

Countries must implement a national strategy that will eliminate breeding places of the mosquito vector.

Deaths due to dengue hemorrhagic fever can be reduced by seeking early care and the provision of standard case management in health facilities and hospitals.

Dengue is a man-made problem which is linked to globalization, rapid unplanned and unregulated urban development, improper water storage and unsatisfactory sanitary conditions, which provide breeding grounds for the mosquito. Movement of people to and from urban areas is another major factor.

The dengue virus spreads through the bite of the infectious female Aedes mosquito, primarily Aedes aegypti, which breeds in artificial containers and improperly managed garbage where clean or clear water accumulates. Because dengue is an ecological disease, prevention is the key to effective control.

Individuals can take simple steps such as emptying all water containers at least once a week and ridding their surroundings of containers that collect rain water, which will help to prevent the laying of eggs by the mosquitoes that are the dengue vector.

Hall-of-Shame: USA arrests and harasses those who march for peace

Hall-of-Shame:
USA arrests and harasses those who march for peace
Sirish Agarwal, a dedicated peace activist, a member of Asha Parivar (www.ashaparivar.org), who has been living in USA for some time now, and proactively participating in development activism on issues of human rights violations around the world, participated along with 100,000 other people who marched for peace in Washington DC on 15 September 2007.

This march for peace was from the White House [house of USA President] to the Capitol Hill [USA Parliament house] in Washington DC, to demand an immediate end to the occupation of Iraq. The march concluded in a dramatic “die-in” of 5000 people surrounding the Capitol Hill to symbolize death of Iraqi people and US troops. USA police labels this as “one of the largest acts of civil disobedience in recent years.”

Almost 200 people were arrested, including peace activist Sirish Agarwal.

This mass action came on the heels of the pro-war Petraeus report to US Congress and George Bush's wholehearted endorsement of the report. Meanwhile, the war is raging on, destroying Iraqi society.

Nearly 4,000 U.S. solidiers and up to 1 million [1,000,000 people] Iraqis have died since the U.S. invasion in March 2003.

“We are proud of Sirish and each one of the 100,000 people who demonstrated commitment to establishing a just social order in the world, and came out to march for peace” said senior social activist and Magsaysay Awardee Dr Sandeep Pandey.

US Congress as custodian of public aspirations has failed to end Iraq war. It should either resign or exercise its powers under War Powers Resolution 1973 withdraw authorization of Iraq war and cut funding for Iraq war.

The US Supreme Court as custodian of US constitution should play its role under the system of checks and balances to protect the democratic and constitutional rights of American public to end Iraq war at its earliest to save further loss of life, end of misery of Iraqi refugees and help restore peace in the world.

Noted Narmada Bachao Andolan activist and leader of National Alliance of People’s Movements Arundhati Dhuru said that “Peace and mutual co-existence has helped humanity and our history proves that dialogue, not war, has brought results. It is shameful for US government to arrest and penalize people who have done nothing wrong rather come out on their own inner calling to save needless deaths and misery in Iraq. Sirish has made us proud, and so has every person who walked in the march of peace.”


DAY V: Anti-AFSPA Solidarity fast ends on a positive note in Manipur

DAY V: Anti-AFSPA Solidarity fast ends on a positive note in Manipur


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The five day fast in Keishampat, Imphal in support of Irom Sharmila Chanu, who has been on fast for 7 years deamanding repeal of AFSPA, ended on 17th September, 2007 on a positive note. Members of Manipur Forward Youth Front, which played a crucial role in organizing this fast and senior ladies of All Manipur Tammi Chingmi Apunba Nupi Lup, who were even spending the nights at the fast site along with people fasting were present during the conclusion.

The women of AMTCANL blessed all the fasters after offering them juices to break their fast. Wangkhemcha Chingtamlen, a writer from Manipur, presented copies of his books ‘A short history of Kangleipak (Manipur)’ to all the fasters.

Faisal Khan is taking a letter from Irom Sharmila, who handed this letter to the visitors when they visited her on 16th September, 2007 in hospital, for Sonia Gandhi, the chairperson of UPA.

The fasters when visiting the massacre sites on the evening of Sptember 16th, 2007 were disturbed to see that the monument built by people in Heirangoithong, in the memory of 14 people who were killed on 14th March, 1984 by CRPF, was destroyed by the Army last year.

Faisal Khan speaking at the conclusion offered to raise Rs. 25,000 on behalf of Asha Parivar to rebuild this monument.

Faisal Khan also said that the struggle of people of Northeast and Kashmir was one and would make efforts to work for the unity of people’s movements in these areas.

Sampamcha Kanglaipal – (+91-9862096539)
Irom Singhjit Singh – (+91-9863151540)
Radha – (+91-9856164548)
Biju Barbaruah – (+91-9435198562)

Fate of 25,000 families hinge on Sept 20 NCA meet

Fate of 25,000 families hinge on Sept 20 NCA meet


Narmada Control Authority (NCA) is likely to meet on Thursday 20 September in New Delhi to assess the current rehabilitation status of the 25,000 families affected by the Sardar Sarovar Dam (SSD) reservoir, and to decide on completing the dam height by installing the gates.

Although the legitimate rehabilitation of more than 25000 families in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat is far from complete, yet the authorities have been pushing strongly to install the remaining 16 meters of gate.

The adivasi, dalit, fisher folk, peasant and farmer families are affected. Filling of the SSD reservoir began in 1994, increasing number of families have been affected, and living conditions worsened since then.

“The height of the dam cannot be increased until the rehabilitation of all the families affected at the full height of the dam (138.68 meters, with back water effect at the Maximum Reservoir Level) are completely rehabilitated, with cultivable lands and other amenities, as per the stipulations of the Narmada Water Disputes Tribunal Award (NWDTA) as well as the repeated orders of the Supreme Court” said senior Narmada Bachao Andolan activist Arundhati Dhuru.

“If a decision is taken in violation of the rights of the affected people, who, as you know, are struggling for more than two decades to ensure their livelihood security and dignity of life, it will be a disaster not only for the Narmada Valley but also affecting the integrity and legitimacy of our democratic polity and governing institutions and its purposes” remarked Arundhati.

A petition letter has been submitted to the Prime Minister’s office and other officials as well.

The petition submitted at PMO, demands as following:

* The rehabilitation of more than 25,000 families should be completed, as per the law i.e. land for land rehabilitation and other amenities to all those who have legal rights for it, in their own state, before the dam is completed

* The height of the Sardar Sarovar Dam should be stayed (as per status quo) until and unless rehabilitation is completed in a just and appropriate manner

* Since the fishing families are loosing their livelihood, they should be provided legal rights for fishing in the reservoir and other amenities

* Illegal cash for land rehabilitation be banned, which is presently known as the Special Rehabilitation Package (SRP)

* The serious issues of land and livelihood of those who are already resettled, but not yet rehabilitated, in Gujarat, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh resettlement sites, should be redressed before the dam is completed

* The Monitoring bodies such as NCA and Grievance Redressal Authorities (GRA) should comprehensively and directly asses the ground realities regarding the implementation of rehabilitation, before coming to any conclusion regarding the status of rehabilitation

September 20 NCA meet will decide how much priority our elected representatives give to rehabilitation, livelihood security and dignity of life of over 25,000 families affected by the Sardar Sarovar dam reservoir.

Magsaysay winner Sandeep Pandey visits fasting Irom Sharmila




Magsaysay winner Sandeep Pandey visits fasting Irom Sharmila
Rediff NEWS
http://www.rediff.com/news/2007/sep/17look.htm


September 17, 2007

















Caption: Irom Sharmila with Magsaysay Award winner Sandeep Pandey.

An application under the Right to Information Act was filed on Monday in New Delhi demanding that the Prime Minister's Office provide vital information pertinent to not only the Justice Jeevan Reddy Commission, but also the Veerappan Moily Administrative Reforms Committee, which were government-appointed bodies formed to review Armed Forces Special Powers Act.
Magsaysay Award winner and social activist Sandeep Pandey rued continued imposition of 'draconian' AFSPA and other 'black laws' in conflict-ridden north-east India and Jammu and Kashmir.

Pandey saluted the guts shown by Manipuri lady Irom Sharmila for her continued lone battle against imposition of AFSPA in the north-east.
"Irom Sharmila has been on fast since December 2002 in protest against continued imposition of AFSPA, but not a single official from the government has gone to meet her over the years to give her assurance that the government is taking note of her protests," Pandey said.


DAY IV: Activists on solidarity fast meet IROM SHARMILA

DAY IV: Activists on solidarity fast meet IROM SHARMILA

















The highlight of the fourth day of solidarity fast in support of Irom Shrmila in Imphal was a meeting in the Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital after due permission from the authorities of the people fasting with Sharmila. Sharmila became very emotional in the beginning and she said what she was doing was for all living beings. She said that truth will be victorious in the end and that it was God’s will that she had to undergo this fast. Because of a tube which goes through her nose she has to lift her head while talking. She shared the gist of a 1110 line poem that she has written in her solitary confinement. The visitors spent about 45 minutes with Sharmila. A jailor accompanied them.
At the dharna site today young women of Rabi School of Nursing and R.D.O Lamshang as well as embroidery workers of Ketawn turned out in large numbers to extend support to the solidarity fast and demand repeal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act.
Representatives of Salei Apunba Nupi Lamjing, Salei Lup Chingamokh, Mahila Shanti Sena and All Manipur Tammi Chingmi Apunba Nupi Lup attended the dharna today. Overwhelming presence of women has been a highlight of this dharna all throughout. People who were on fast on the fourth day included Sandeep Pandey, Faisal Khan, Prem Kumar, Biju Borbaruah, Rakesh Naorem, Mahesh Pandey, Rajeshwar Ojha, Manish Kumar, P.H Sakhi, Sapamcha Kangleipal, Romesh Konthoujam and Premjit Kshtrimayum.


In the evening candle light vigils were observed at Malom, Hirongoi Thong and Terabazar, three massacre sites in Imphal to pay tributes to people who have been killed, raped, tortured under the AFSPA. It is noteworthy that Irom Sharmila’s 7 year fast was triggered by killing of 10 innocent people by the Army in 2000 at Malom.


Sampamcha Kanglaipal – (+91-9862096539)
Irom Singhjit Singh – (+91-9863151540)
Radha – (+91-9856164548)
Biju Barbaruah – (+91-9435198562)

Anti-AFSPA activists file RTI application at PMO

Anti-AFSPA activists file RTI application at PMO

Today on Monday 17 September 2007, an application under the Right-to-Information (RTI) Act has been filed by Suchi Pande in New Delhi demanding PMO (Prime Minister’s Office) to provide vital information pertinent to not only Justice Jeevan Reddy Commission but also Veerappan Moily Administrative Reforms Committee, which were Government-appointed bodies formed to review Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA).

It is understood that these two reports recommended repealing the AFSPA that had led to gross violations of human rights by Indian troops in the conflict ridden region.

In October 2006, Union Home Ministry had endorsed the recommendations of the Justice Jeevan Reddy Commission to repeal AFSPA (online at: http://www.e-pao.net/epRelatedNews.asp?heading=1&src=071005). The Act is still in force in Manipur, Assam and Nagaland.

Today also marks the fifth day of solidarity fast going on from September 13 at Keishampat junction, Imphal, Manipur, in support of Irom Chanu Sharmila, who has been fasting since past 7 years, demanding to repeal the AFSPA.

The RTI application demands certified copies of the following three vital information related to AFSPA:

* The reports of both the above mentioned commissions on AFSPA and their recommendations

* What action has been taken by the Government of India to comply with the recommendations of the above mentioned two government appointed bodies on AFSPA

The RTI application also makes a note that “If the PIO [Public Information officer of PMO] is of the view that the information or part thereof requested falls under section 8(1) of the RTI Act and is therefore exempt, please note that the PIO must read section 8 (1) and section 10 together and make available relevant portions of both the reports that are not exempt under section 8(1); at the same time as per section 10 provide reasons for the exempted sections”.

The present UPA Government had constituted the Justice Jeevan Reddy Commission in 2004 to review AFSPA in response to an intensive campaign led by ‘Apunba Lup’. The ‘Apunba Lup’ in Manipur observed Anti-army Act Day on September 11 to mark the completion of five decades of the act in the North-East.

“It is not only the North-East region but the human rights violations are going on in almost every place of India. Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of encounter killings in the country, but there is no draconian law like the AFSPA there. The Government of India is biased against North-East and J&K in this aspect” said Dr Sandeep Pandey, Ramon Magsaysay Awardee (2002) and leader of NAPM (National Alliance of People’s Movements) and Asha Parivar.

The AFSPA which is operative at the time of a 'suspected' riot(s) in order to 'maintain public order', allows killing by shooting, entering and search of property, and arbitrary detention, etc., its abuse is currently spawning grave human rights violations in some parts of India. Under the powers of AFSPA, on 2 November 2000, the Indian military opened fire on its own citizens in the state of Manipur.

Since then, Irom Sharmila, a resident of the tragic state, has refused to eat and drink anything in resistance to indiscriminate use of the AFSPA against civilians.

The response of the Indian government to her resistance has been repetitively evasive: the government has repeatedly arrested her on a charge of 'attempted suicide', confined her in hospitals, and then freed her under applicable law, but, up until now, has failed to provide any fundamental alternative to the law in question.

Now RTI Act gives a beacon of hope to the people demanding AFSPA to be repealed.

WOMEN AND CHILDREN CONTINUE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE THIRD DAY OF FAST IN SUPPORT OF IROM SHARMILA IN IMPHAL

SOLIDARITY FAST CONTINUES TO GET MASSIVE SUPPORT: DAY III

WOMEN AND CHILDREN CONTINUE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE THIRD DAY OF FAST IN SUPPORT OF IROM SHARMILA IN IMPHAL

Dated 15th September, 2007

The third day of fast in support of Irom Chanu Sharmila, who has been fasting for 7 years demanding repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, was attended by representatives of Manipur Peace Committee, Rashtriya Yuva Sangathan, All Manipur Social Reformation Development Samaj, All Manipur Tammi Chingmi, Apunba Nupi Lup, The Salvage of Distressed North East Region Group, Ukhrul SODNER, Ukhrul, Mahila Shanti Sena, Gandhian Institute of Rural Development, Thoubal and a number of students and teachers from City Montessori Higher Secondary School.
The people who were on fast on the third day included Biju Borbaruah, N. Medhabati Devi, Sandeep Pandey, Rajeshwar Ojha, Prem Kumar, Mahesh Pandey, Faisal Khan, Manish Kumar, Iboyai, Rakesh Naorem, John Groser, Mrinchiui, Jakir, Abdul Kalam, Aku, Indadula, Y. Nabhachandra, Premjit, H. Manglem, B.C Sharma, W. Ingobi, Md. Islammudin and Md. Abdul Jabar Famous Manipuri actor R.K Reiki also paid a visit in the morning to the fast site to express his solidarity to the struggle against AFSPA.
Special mention must be made of Manipur Forward Youth Front which has been the backbone of this struggle taking care of all the logistical support for organization of this fast.

Sapamacha Kangleipal (+91-9862096539)
Irom Singhjit Singh (+91-9863151540)
G. Radha Pyari Devi (+91-9856164548)
Biju Borbaruah (+91-9435198562)

Anti-AFSPA protestors demand "Free Burma and Aung San Suu Kyi"



Anti-AFSPA protestors demand "Free Burma and Aung San Suu Kyi"



The ongoing solidarity fast in support of Irom Chanu Sharmila's struggle to repeal Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) has broadened its agenda congruent with the declarations of past New Delhi (2005) and Lahore (2006) Peaceful South Asia Conventions – demand for a Free Burma and Free Aung San Suu Kyi.

Aung San Suu Kyi is imprisoned under the 1975 State Protection Act in Myanmar (Burma), which grants the government the power to imprison persons for up to five years without a trial. She has been intermittently under arrest of one kind or the other since 1990.

Irom Chanu Sharmila – the iron lady of Manipur in India , has been on a continuous fast since 2000 demanding repeal of AFSPA.

Despite the restrictions of house arrest, Aung San Suu Kyi continued to campaign for democracy, similar to Irom Sharmila, who has been under confinement and steadfastly protesting against AFSPA since past 7 years now.

Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt has endorsed this fast along with hundreds of other organizations and individuals globally.

Countless people are fasting for five days (13-17 September) in Keishampat junction, Imphal, Manipur, to lobby more support to the anti-AFSPA campaign.

Significant others from different countries in the world have signed up on www.ashaparivar.org to fast for varying durations from September 13 to support the campaign.

The launch of this five days solidarity fast came two days after the 'Apunba Lup' observed Anti-army Act Day on September 11 here to mark the completion of five decades of the act in the North-East. The present UPA Government had constituted the Justice Jeevan Reddy Commission in 2004 to review AFSPA in response to an intensive campaign led by 'Apunba Lup'.

By 1988, Burma was burgeoning with pro-democracy movement, fueled by the energy and idealism among the country's young people. There were demonstrations against the repressive, one-party socialist government. Aung San Suu Kyi was drawn into the pro-democracy movement, which was snuffed out by State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC), which seized power on September 18, 1988. Thousands of pro-democracy advocates were killed.

Next came a general election in 1990, which political parties were allowed to contest. Aung San Suu Kyi, who was leading the National League for Democracy (NLD), won a landslide victory, with 80 per cent support. SLORC leaders refused to accept the election results putting the elected pro-democracy leaders under house arrest, including Aung San Suu Kyi.

Despite the restrictions of house arrest, Aung San Suu Kyi continues to campaign for democracy. She was awarded the Nobel Prize for peace in 1991.

The protests of Sharmila and Aung San Suu Kyi represent the most ideal form of peaceful struggles for a democratic demand.

Their victory is essential for the strengthening of democracy in South Asia and for the respect for human rights around the world.

Their victory will determine whether the voice of common citizen will be heard or the state will continue to trample over people's rights with anti-people laws and policies.

Day II: Solidarity fast continues to get support

Day II: Solidarity fast continues to get support

On the second day of the fast in support of Irom Sharmila in Keishampat, Imphal representatives of NIPCO (National Identity Protection Committee), AMSU (All Manipur Student Union), HERICOUN, Thangmeiband Khunthokhambi Meira Paibi lup (TKMPL), AIHRA (All India Human Right Association), All Manipur Social reformation and Development Samaj, All Manipur Tammi Chingmi Apunba Nupi Lup and AMKIL (All Manipur Kanba Ima Lup) came to extend support to the demand to repeal Armed Forces Special Powers Act.

Even on the second day hundreds of school students belonging to DAV Public School and North Point Higher Secondary School joined the dharna for the entire day. Former MLA, L. Ibomcha Singh came to the fast site and presented copies of his book ‘Manipur under AFSPA – A Bizzare Experience’ to the people fasting as well as those who had come in support. People who were on fast on the second day included Rakesh Naorem, Biju Birbaruah, Faisal Khan, Sandeep Pandey, Rajeshwar Ojha, Mahesh Pandey, Manish Kumar, Prem Kumar, Dr. G Satyabhama, NG. Tondon, N. Bimola, H. Sobita and S. Ibeton.

The fast in Imphal is also making a demand to ‘Free Burma’ and ‘Free Aung San Suu Kyi’ through speeches and posters.

Sapamacha Kangleipal (+91-9862096539)
Irom Singhjit Singh (+91-9863151540)
G. Radha Pyari Devi (+91-9856164548)
Biju Borbaruah (+91-9435198562)

RTI Act gives hope to anti-AFSPA protestors in Manipur

RTI Act gives hope to anti-AFSPA protestors in Manipur














IMPHAL: Many people are fasting for five days (13-17 September) in Keishampat junction, Imphal, Manipur, to lobby more support to Irom Chanu Sharmila, who has been fasting since past 7 years, demanding to repeal the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA).

They declared today that an application under the Right to Information Act (RTI) shall be filed in Prime Minister’s office (PMO) to help the cause. Delhi-based RTI activist Suchi Pandey shall file the application.

The reports of Jeevan Reddy Commission 2004 and Veerappa Moily Administrative Reforms Committee earlier haven’t been made public, and RTI application shall be filed in PMO demanding information related to the status of these two reports and actions taken on the recommendations, said Magsaysay Awardee Dr Sandeep Pandey.

It is understood that these two reports supported the demand to repeal the AFSPA that had led to gross violations of human rights by Indian troops in the conflict ridden region.

The launch of this five days solidarity fast came two days after the ‘Apunba Lup’ observed Anti-army Act Day on September 11 here to mark the completion of five decades of the act in the North-East. The present UPA Government had constituted the Justice Jeevan Reddy Commission in 2004 to review AFSPA in response to an intensive campaign led by ‘Apunba Lup’.

“It is not only the North-East region but the human rights violations are going on in almost every place of India. Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of encounter killings in the country, but there is no draconian law like the AFSPA there. The Government of India is biased against North-East and J&K in this aspect” lambasted Dr Pandey, who also heads NAPM (National Alliance of People’s Movements) and Asha Parivar.

“Prolonged imposition of the Act has hampered all developmental fronts. Because of the large-scale violation of human rights including extra judicial killings, atrocities and raping of women and girls by the security personnel with immunity granted under the Act, the people of the North eastern region are becoming more and more alienated from the mainstream India” said Biju Borbaruah, another NAPM activist from N-E India.
Biju further observed that the people of North-East want peace and development but have been compelled to join the unrelenting protest against the oppressive Act.

Talking about the separatist movement in the north-eastern region, Dr Pandey said: “Continuous presence of military in this region will have a severe impact on the people. If this process goes on, the Northeast will soon become militarized state. Whatever form of Naxalism, separatism and terrorism exists, the only way to solve is by political solution. It is up to the people of the region to find out an amicable solution. What the local people want should be respected. The Government will facilitate talks. I think dialogue is the only way to solve the insurgency. Militarisation will never solve the issue.”

Sharmila had gone on hunger strike on November 2, 2000 demanding the repeal of the AFSPA, after soldiers of the Assam Rifles allegedly killed ten young Meitei men in Malom. Three days later, police arrested Sharmila on charges of attempted suicide. To keep her alive, she was forcefully fed a cocktail of vitamins, minerals, laxatives, protein supplements and lentil soup through the nose with a rubber pipe.

Hundreds others from different countries in the world have signed up on www.ashaparivar.org to fast for varying durations from September 13 to support the demands of 'Iron lady' from Manipur – Irom Sharmila.

Manipur: Irom, the iron lady




Manipur: Irom, the iron lady

Is it because Irom Sharmila represents a region which is so remote for us--geographically and socially--that what happens to the 38 million people residing there is none of our business? - Shobha Shukla

As a woman I feel privileged to be living in a state (UP) run by a woman and in a country whose highest office is adorned by a woman and where the reins of the ruling party are in the hands of yet another woman. A formidable trio indeed, doing any feminist proud. Yet as a woman, I am deeply ashamed of not being aware till recently, about the laudable achievements of a fourth woman which surpass the 'tiranga power'. This woman is 34 years old Irom Sharmila Chanu from Imphal- a superwoman in the real sense of the word.

This woman has been on an indefinite hunger strike since November 2, 2000, protesting peacefully against army atrocities on the peace loving people of Manipur and the entire North East region. She is requesting a repeal of the repressive Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFPSA) which has been used with brazen brutality resulting in the killing of innocents and rape/molestation of countless hapless women in the conflict ridden areas of north east India.

Now in the 7th year of her marathon fast, Sharmila has been in and out of police custody, arrested for 'attempt to commit suicide'; hospitalized, forcibly nosefed through tubes, but has not touched any solid or liquid food or even water. Her organs are now failing steadily.

This unique protest of Sharmila is one of the longest solitary and peaceful struggles of our times--unique also because it has gone largely unnoticed by the press and public alike and totally ignored by the government.

Why this inhuman indifference?

Is it because Irom Sharmila represents a region which is so remote for us--geographically and socially--that what happens to the 38 million people residing there is none of our business?

Is it because she is not affiliated to any political party or social organization and does not come under the protective banner of any outfit?

Is it because the Mahatma's tool of non violent protest has become obsolete in this age of brutal violence and Gandhigiri is actually dead?

Is it because the glowing Indian economy has deadened our senses towards all acts of human rights violation unless they occur in the 'mainland mainstream India?

It is high we at least start searching for the right answers as Sharmila's lone fight has stretched to 7 years, making her body a battle field. The people of Manipur are solidly behind her ,but they are fighting a losing battle. Manipur has been a wasteland of fears and counter fears for decades. With the army on one side and rival insurgents on the other side, the present is dark and the future dismal for them. Sharmila began her historic fast unto death to protest the killing of 10 innocent people when the army opened fire at Malom bus stand in Imphal (in retaliation to the bombing of an army column by insurgents. This was the proverbial last straw for the likes of Sharmila. She protested against the excessive militarization of the north east region and the promulgation of the draconian AFSPA aiming to curb the civil rights and liberty of the common people.

Are we going to remain silent, basking in the glory of our ignorance? Or are will we support this gritty 'iron lady' in her peaceful protest against a callous state and an indifferent media/public of mainland India? A 100 T.V.channels and yet we are oblivious.

It is a miracle indeed that Sharmila is still alive. And that is perhaps God's way of saying that she is on the right path and also giving us a chance to atone for our past apathies. For her satyagrah represents the best form of a peaceful struggle for truth, love peace to prevail upon violence and hatred.

Some right-minded citizens from mainland India have decided to support her in her quest for justice. They are starting a solidarity fast from 13th September for a few days outside Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital, Imphal, where Sharmila is currently lodged.

Let all of us become a part of this symbolic effort.

I appeal to the women of India , nay of the whole world, to fast, not for a son or a husband, but for a sister who thinks that 'it is my bounden duty to restore freedom and dignity to my people'.

Let this solidarity fast be an ongoing process. Once in a week or in a fortnight let us fast in moral support of this crusader who has put her life at stake in her quest of seeking justice by peaceful means.

Let us make Irom's mission a movement so that truth may prevail.

Curse of poverty









Friday 14 September 2007

Curse of poverty

Under-nutrition levels in India are among the highest in the world. While the overall state of nutrition and health in India is bad enough, the situation is even worse in the poorer states, not to speak of the more deprived regions within these states.

Around 40% of the children are of low birth weight and around 47% malnourished. It is understood that 60% of infant and child deaths could be prevented only if we were able to check malnutrition among children. This was reported on the last day of the National Nutrition Week (1-7 September) by representatives of the Food and Nutrition Board of the Union government and CARE. CARE has been fighting malnutrition and hunger in UP. The theme for this year’s National Nutrition Week was “Nutrition Promotion for stronger Nation”.

Malnutrition in the form of under-nutrition or deficiencies of essential nutrients continues to cause severe illness and morbidity. It is estimated that more than half of the women suffer from anaemia and almost the same proportion are at risk of iodine deficiency (source: National Family Health Survey). Millions of children are affected by insufficient vitamin A. Keeping in view the severity of the issue, CARE launched the Integrated Nutrition Health Project (INHP) in UP, in close partnership with the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), to improve the health and nutrition status of women and children, especially girl children.

Since infants’ feeding practices are one of the important determinants of child malnutrition, awareness generation on the nutrition care of the children is very important. Mothers and other family members need to be made aware of important issues in care of newborn and children. Therefore, the INHP focuses on the following:

a) Breast-feeding: Early initiation of breast-feeding within one hour of birth is important as this ensures better lactation as well as colostrum availability to the infants, which is considered to be the first immunisation of the child. Colostrum is rich in anti-bodies which safeguard the child from infections. Colostrum also contains high quality proteins and is very rich in Vitamin A which is required for the child’s growth during the first few days of life.

b) Exclusive breast-feeding: Only breast milk and not even water for the first six months fulfils all the nutritional requirements of the child for growth and development

c) Complementary feeding: All children need complementary foods after six months as breast milk alone cannot meet the nutritional requirements of the fast growing child. These complementary foods can be prepared at home with cereals like wheat, ragi, bajra, dal and rice after roasting and powdering, mashed seasonal fruits, green vegetables, etc.

Better utilisation of health services and better acceptance of family planning, and even better education cannot obviously compensate for and overcome the effects of poverty, economic deprivation and poor diet on nutrition, body build and stature. Substantial improvements in the nutritional status of the poorest population groups in the country cannot be achieved merely through programmes for fertility control and child survival through better health services, in the absence of substantial economic improvement. On the other hand, it is also true that the effects of economic improvement would be greatly reinforced through parallel improvement of health services and literacy.

The key to child health lies in much greater emphasis on the physical state, economic state, health and nutrition, and education of the mother. Such attention to the mother must start not after she has become a mother, not even when she is just about to become a mother, but even when she is herself an infant and a child, because it is what happens to her during her own childhood that will eventually determine the adequacy of her maternal state.



IROM, THE IRON LADY

IROM, THE IRON LADY
Shobha Shukla

As a woman I feel privileged to be living in a state (Uttar Pradesh) run by a woman and in a country whose highest office is adorned by a woman and where the reins of the ruling party are in the hands of yet another woman. A formidable trio indeed ,doing any feminist proud. Yet as a woman, I am deeply ashamed of not being aware till recently, about the laudable achievements of a fourth woman which surpass the ‘tiranga power’.this woman is 34 years old Irom Sharmila Chanu from Imphal—a Superwoman in the real sense of the word.

This woman has been on an indefinite hunger strike since November 2, 2000, protesting peacefully against army atrocities on the peace loving people of Manipur and the entire North East region. She is requesting a repeal of the repressive Armed Forces Special Powers Act ( AFPSA) which has been used with brazen brutality resulting in the killing of innocents and rape/molestation of countless hapless women in the conflict ridden areas of north east India.

Now in the 7th year of her marathon fast,Sharmila has been in and out of police custody, arrested for ‘ attempt to commit suicide’; hospitalized, forcibly nosefed through tubes, but has not touched any solid or liquid food or even water. Her organs are now failing steadily.

This unique protest of Sharmila is one of the longest solitary and peaceful struggles of our times---unique also because it has gone largely unnoticed by the press and public alike and totally ignored by the government.

Why this inhuman indifference?

Is it because Irom Sharmila represents a region which is so remote for us---geographically and socially--- that what happens to the 38 million people residing there is none of our business?

Is it because she is not affiliated to any political party or social organization and does not come under the protective banner of any outfit?

Is it because the Mahatma’s tool of non violent protest has become obsolete in this age of brutal violence and Gandhigiri is actually dead?

Is it because the glowing Indian economy has deadened our senses towards all acts of human rights violation unless they occur in the ‘mainland mainstream' India?

It is high we at least start searching for the right answers as Sharmila’s lone fight has stretched to 7 years, making her body a battle field. The people of Manipur are solidly behind her, but they are fighting a losing battle. Manipur has been a wasteland of fears and counter fears for decades. With the army on one side and rival insurgents on the other side, the present is dark and the future dismal for them.

Sharmila began her historic fast unto death to protest the killing of 10 innocent people when the army opened fire at Malom bus stand in Imphal (in retaliation to the bombing of an army column by insurgents. This was the proverbial last straw for the likes of Sharmila. She protested against the excessive militarization of the north east region and the promulgation of the draconian AFSPA aiming to curb the civil rights and liberty of the common people.

Are we going to remain silent, basking in the glory of our ignorance? Or are will we support this gritty ‘iron lady’ in her peaceful protest against a callous state and an indifferent media/public of mainland India? More than 100 TV channels and yet we are oblivious.

It is a miracle indeed that Sharmila is still alive. And that is perhaps God’s way of saying that she is on the right path and also giving us a chance to atone for our past apathies. For her satyagrah represents the best form of a peaceful struggle for truth, love peace to prevail upon violence and hatred.

Some right-minded citizens from mainland India have decided to support her in her quest for justice. They are starting a solidarity fast from 13th September for a few days outside Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital, Imphal, where Sharmila is currently lodged.

Let all of us become a part of this symbolic effort.

I appeal to the women of India, nay of the whole world, to fast, not for a son or a husband, but for a sister who thinks that ‘it is my bounden duty to restore freedom and dignity to my people’.

Let this solidarity fast be an ongoing process. Once in a week or in a fortnight let us fast in moral support of this crusader who has put her life at stake in her quest of seeking justice by peaceful means.

Let us make Irom’s mission a MOVEMENT so that truth may prevail.


Shobha Shukla
(The author teaches Physics at India’s noted Loreto Convent, and is an Asha Parivar (www.AshaParivar.org) activist. She has been writing on development issues in English and Hindi publications. She can be contacted at: shobha1shukla@yahoo.co.in)

Activists to fast in Imphal to support Irom Sharmila




http://www.rediff.com/news/2007/sep/12bobby.htm

Activists to fast in Imphal to support Irom Sharmila

September 12, 2007 16:23 IST


Many people will be fasting in Imphal, Manipur from September 13 while hundreds from different countries in the world have signed the petition to fast for varying number of days (one to five) to support the 'Iron lady' from Manipur -- Irom Sharmila.

Irom Chanu Sharmila, who has been fasting for the last seven years, and government has been forcibly keeping her mostly in hospital confinement, has a clear demand: repeal the amended 1972 Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act.

Not only in Manipur, but even in Dhaka, Bangladesh, civil society has been mobilised by Bangladesh Manobadhikar Sangbadik Forum to organise a symbolic demonstration to support her demands.

The abuse of AFSPA is currently spawning grave human rights violations in some parts of India, say activists. Under the powers of AFSPA, on November 2, 2000, the Indian military opened fire on citizens in Manipur. Since then, Irom Sharmila has refused to eat and drink anything in resistance to indiscriminate use of the AFSPA against civilians.

"I am very encouraged to see how a single woman has been able to withstand a fast for seven years. It only shows how deeply she has been affected by the brutality of our armed forces and her extraordinary determination to fight for justice. As for our authorities, I hope they will soon see the light and recognise the sincere demands of this one person who fights on behalf of thousands of victims of the brutality of our armed forces" said Xavier Sanjivi.

"This fast is to support one of the longest solitary peaceful struggles of our times which saddens our hearts but doesn't move the authorities a bit. We are confident that the truth will emerge victorious one day," remarked Magsaysay Awardee Dr Sandeep Pandey before boarding the train to Manipur.

Dr Pandey, who is the convener of India's largest network of people's movements - the National Alliance of People's Movements will be sitting on a five-day fast along with other activists outside Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital in Imphal from September 13.

International Health Partnership to strengthen health systems

International Health Partnership to strengthen health systems

International Health Partnership (IHP) was launched on 5 September 2007 to save millions of lives by fostering better co-ordination between global aid donors, helping developing countries improve their national health systems and supporting the specific health priorities of developing countries.

IHP brings together a range of stakeholders including health ministers from developed and developing countries, and leaders from the major health agencies and foundations.

Burundi, Cambodia, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique, Nepal and Zambia are the seven ‘first wave’ countries in Africa and Asia that announced to join the new IHP, which is supported by donor governments and agencies representing half of the world’s aid spending on health, which totals $14 billion.

“It is not lack of cash or commitment, or lack of good tools to get the job done. The biggest bottlenecks are inadequate systems for delivering these powerful tools, and ineffective aid. Without explicit support, health systems will not be able to reach the poor, with essential interventions, on an adequate scale, in time” remarked Dr Margaret Chan, Director-General of the World Health Organization at the launch.

IHP will help build national health systems in some of the poorest countries in the world. It will mean healthier people, living longer lives.

The lack of strong health systems, have appallingly slowed down the health response in most of the developing countries. Over time these countries can potentially address the massive health challenges they face, only if they take on the task of strengthening their health systems and receive sufficient international support.

“There is no greater cause than that every man, woman and child in the world should be able to benefit from the best medicine and healthcare. And our vision is that we can triumph over ancient scourges and for the first time in history conquer polio, TB, measles and then with further advances and initiatives, go on to address pneumococcal pneumonia, malaria and eventually HIV/AIDS” said UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown at the launch.

Despite advances over recent years – for example, in expanding vaccination coverage and access to antiretroviral therapy – progress towards achieving the key health targets in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) is too slow, costs lives and must improve. One woman dies in childbirth each minute. Every day, about 28,000 children under five die from largely preventable causes, including malaria; more than 10,000 people are infected with HIV; and 22,000 people become sick with tuberculosis.

This is neither fair nor tolerable. Rates of death and illness must be reduced, health inequalities resolved and access to basic health services vastly increased.

Urgent action is needed if we are to get back on track to reach these goals. This process must be country-led and outcome-driven, based on priorities set out in comprehensive national health plans. It will require increased emphasis on collaboration, teamwork and effective coordination.

The renewed political interest in strengthening health systems gives the important opportunity to redouble efforts to meet the challenge of the MDGs (Millennium Development Goals) head on. Strengthening health systems means addressing key constraints related to health worker staffing, infrastructure, health commodities, logistics, tracking progress and effective financing.

Donor agencies that signed the partnership agreement at the launch were: World Health Organisation, European Commission, World Bank, UNAIDS, UNFPA, GAVI Alliance, UNICEF, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, African Development Bank, Global Fund to Fight HIV and AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, and UN Development Group.

Inequities in health are among the major development challenges. The WHO World Report on “Knowledge for Better Health: Strengthening Health Systems” argued that science must help to improve public health systems and should not be confined to producing drugs, diagnostics, vaccines and medical devices. Biomedical discoveries cannot improve people's health without research to find out how to apply them within different health systems and diverse political and social contexts, thus ensuring that they reach those who need them the most.

Health systems research suffers from a poor image and has been under-funded compared to biomedical research despite widespread recognition of its importance. The field attracts less than one tenth of 1% of total health expenditure in low-income countries. The lack of attention given to this field is also reflected in the fact that only 0.7 % of scientific articles published globally in the year 2000 were in the area of health systems research.

Health systems strengthening, is a continuous process of implementing effective changes in policies and management within the health sector. The approaches to health systems strengthening are manifold and often may be different from country to country, however some of the existing interventions have demonstrated that reducing bureaucracy by streamlined management, increasing cost-effectiveness, improving efficiency through reorganized services, decentralizing health systems, and allocating resources to better address the needs of the population, improve the health systems by making them effective, efficient, and equitable.
Published in:

The Tripoli Post (Libya): 24 September 2007

Why we should fast in support of Irom Sharmila

Why we should fast in support of Irom Sharmila
To sign the on-line petition in support of Irom Sharmila, go to:

Let's talk about why should I fast in support of Irom Sharmila? Because her commitment and resolve has shamed me! And I am a coward, who doesn't have enough courage to go to Manipur and sit with Irom Sharmila. This is the least one can do, in solidarity.

Irom Chanu Sharmila, who has been fasting since last 7 years, and government has been forcibly keeping her mostly in hospital confinement, has a clear demand: repeal the amended 1972 Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA).

The Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) which is operative at the time of a 'suspected' riot(s) in order to 'maintain public order', allows killing by shooting, entering and search of property, and arbitrary detention, etc., its abuse is currently spawning grave human rights violations in some parts of India. Under the powers of AFSPA, on 2 November 2000, the Indian military opened fire on its own citizens in the state of Manipur. Since then, Irom Sharmila, a resident of the tragic state, has refused to eat and drink anything in resistance to indiscriminate use of the AFSPA against civilians. The response of the Indian government to her resistance has been repetitively evasive: the government has repeatedly arrested her on a charge of 'attempted suicide', confined her in hospitals, and then freed her under applicable law, but, up until now, has failed to provide any fundamental alternative to the law in question.

"This fast is to support one of the longest solitary peaceful struggles of our times which saddens our hearts but doesn't move the authorities a bit. We are confident that the truth will emerge victorious one day" poignantly remarked Magsaysay Awardee (2002) Dr Sandeep Pandey before boarding the train to Manipur today. Dr Pandey, who is the convener of India's largest network of people's movements – NAPM (National Alliance of People's Movements), will be sitting on a 5 days fast along with other activists outside Jawahar Lal Nehru Hospital in Imphal, Manipur from 13 September 2007.

Other frontline activists who will be joining the fast in Imphal include: Biju Barboruah, Mahesh Kumar Pandey, Editor of 'Sachchi-Muchchi' Arvind Murti, Jai Shankar, Prem, Paras Ram Rana, and Faizal Khan.

Several other individuals in many parts of the world will be keeping the fast – where they are – for varying durations – in support of Irom Sharmila's struggle, I am just one of them.

North-East India abounds with sordid sagas of rape and molestation of women with alleged involvement of Armed Forces personnel. Who can forget the stunning sight three years back, of about three dozen naked women protesting on the street outside the then Assam Rifles headquarters at Kangla Fort in Imphal carrying placards saying ' Indian Army rape us,'outraged by the rape, torture and murder of 32 year old unmarried Thangjam Manorama?

The AFSPA has been used in the north-east of India, to carry out extra judicial killings, extra judicial deprivation of liberty to people by illegal imposition of curfew, long periods of detention at army posts and camps and use of churches and school as detention or interrogation centers. Torture, with a view to extract confessions, includes beating with rifle butts, kicking with boots and hitting with blunt weapons, giving electric shocks, breaking limbs, depriving persons of food, drink and sleep, hanging persons upside down and beating on soles, burying persons alive, stripping, stuffing chilli powder in nose, eyes and private parts, hands and feet tied, and the whole body suspended over fire with a bamboo in between the hands and legs and threat to shoot, interrogation at gun point. Most of these would be considered a serious offence under sections 330 and 331 of the IPC. Provisions of AFSPA make it extremely difficult for a person to seek any legal recourse for justice.

I heard first about Irom Sharmila when she was awarded the 2007 Gwangju Prize for Human Rights. I was indeed amazed to read about Irom Sharmila's steely resolve, and later I learnt more about her peaceful non-violent struggle from other fellow-activists. An enormous guilt surfaced within me, because I had no courage to go to Manipur and join her struggle, even for tokenism. I rather flew to Thailand.

She has no banner, no organization, no vested interest, no press-release, no statement – except a compulsive singular demand to repeal AFSPA. She hasn't resorted to violence, rather has sacrificed her life to her strongest conviction – repeal AFSPA for the larger benefit to humankind, especially to women in conflict-stricken areas. This is indeed one of the most peaceful non-violent struggles one can come across, and as Dr Pandey noted "I am an atheist. But if there is any divinity it is this. If this is not spiritualism then what is? She is the epitome of purity."

The protest of Irom Sharmila represents the most ideal form of peaceful struggle for a democratic demand. Her victory is essential for the strengthening of democracy in India and for the respect for human rights around the world. Her victory will determine whether the voice of common citizen will be heard or the state will trample over people's rights with anti-people laws and policies.

A fast in solidarity, from wherever you are in the world, is just one of the easy ways to express your solidarity and strengthen Irom's voice.
To sign the on-line petition in support of Irom Sharmila, go to:
www.ashaparivar.org/petition/Sharmila

Under-nutrition levels in India among the highest

Under-nutrition levels in India among the highest

Under-nutrition levels in India are among the highest in the world. Worse still, while the overall state of nutrition and health in India is bad enough, the situation is even worse in the poorer states, not to speak of the more deprived regions within these states.

Around 40% children are low birth weight and around 47% children are malnourished. It is understood that 60% of Infant & child deaths could be prevented only if we are able to check malnutrition among children. This was reported on the last day of National Nutrition Week (1-7 September) by representatives of Food and Nutrition Board of Government of India and CARE. CARE has been fighting malnutrition and hunger in UP. The theme for this year’s National Nutrition Week was “Nutrition Promotion for stronger Nation”.

Malnutrition in the form of under-nutrition or deficiencies of essential nutrients continues to cause severe illness and morbidity. It is estimated that more than half of women suffer from anaemia and almost the same proportion are at risk of iodine deficiency (Source: National Family Health Survey). Millions of children are affected by insufficient vitamin A. Keeping in view the severity of the issue, CARE launched INHP (Integrated Nutrition Health Project) in UP in close partnership with Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), to improve the health and nutrition status of women and children, especially girl children.

Since infants feeding practices are one of the important determinants of child malnutrition, awareness generation on the nutrition care of the children is very important. The mothers and other family members need to be made aware about the following important issues in care of newborn and children. Therefore, INHP focuses on the following:

a) Breast Feeding: Early initiation of breast feeding within one hour of birth is important as this ensures better lactation as well as colostrum availability to the infants, which is considered to be the first immunization of the child. Colostrum is rich in anti-bodies which safeguard the child from infections. Colostrum also contains high quality proteins and is very rich in Vitamin ’A’ which is required for the child’s growth during the first few days of life.

b) Exclusive Breast Feeding: Exclusive breast feeding (only breast milk, not even water) for the first 6 months fulfils all the nutritional requirements of the child for his growth and development
c) Complementary Feeding: All children need complementary foods after 6 months as the breast milk alone cannot meet the nutritional requirements of the fast growing child. These complementary foods can be prepared at home with cereals like wheat, ragi, bajra, dal and rice after roasting and powdering, mashed seasonal fruits, green vegetables, etc.

Better utilisation of health services and better acceptance of family planning, and even better education cannot obviously compensate for and overcome the effects of poverty, economic deprivation and poor diets on nutrition, body build and stature. Substantial improvements in the nutritional status of the poorest population groups in the country cannot be achieved merely through programmes for fertility control and child survival through better health services, in the absence of substantial economic improvement. On the other hand, it is also true that the effects of economic improvement would be greatly reinforced through parallel improvement of health services and literacy.

The key to child health lies in much greater emphasis on the physical state, economic state, health and nutrition, and education of the mother. Such attention to the mother must start not after she has become a mother, not even when she is just about to become a mother, but even when she is herself an infant and a child, because it is what happens to her during her own childhood that will eventually determine the adequacy of her maternal state.

Time to check campus violence

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Time to check campus violence
The Statesman, India
6 September 2007


Many Dhaka University teachers and students were manhandled and detained for staging a peaceful protest. They were questioning the presence of an army camp at the Central stadium of the university for which they were brutally beaten up by army and police forces and several of them were detained.

Civil rights organisations in the world have strongly condemned the attack on the university faculty and students. Asha Parivar, an international network of individuals who are committed to establishing a just and humane social order free from all discriminations, has spoken out against the incident.

“The quality of education and the prevalence of campus violence in Bangladesh, particularly in institutions of higher education, and their unavoidable interaction, are some of the major concerns in the country’s educational sector,” reported a Dhaka University Press publication **Quality of Education and Campus Violence** in 2000. Despite these reports, the grim scene at the university hasn’t changed much over the past years.

Campus violence is not just limited to Bangladesh. In India too, especially northern state universities are ridden with campus violence. “Instead of enhancing the standards of these seats of learning, the faculty members have to bother about how to just keep the normal affairs going” said Magsaysay awardee Dr Sandeep Pandey, who is also the convener of India’s largest network of people’s movements - NAPM (National Alliance of People’s Movements).

Not only did the army and police manhandle the protesting Dhaka University students and teachers, but also five professors, including the general secretary of the Dhaka University Teachers’ Association, Dr Anwar Hossein, who is also the Dean of the Faculty of Biology and Molecular Sciences, were detained by the military backed interim government of Bangladesh under the emergency rules.

The students were staging a peaceful protest against the presence of army camp at the Central stadium of the university when army and police mercilessly started beating them up in their attempt to check the growing resistance from students and faculty members.

Dr Hossein had also led a movement earlier against the BNP-Jamaat-e-Islami regime whose police had molested a female student of the same university. At midnight, the police raided the ladies’ dormitory and many of the protesting students were taken into custody. This was on the 28th of July 2002. There has not been any significant decrease in violence and sexual harassment on campuses; in fact, the violence has become increasingly raucous.

Dr Sandeep Pandey adds: “Sadly, violence in institutions of education has become a normal affair. The outbreak of violence and lawlessness on campuses of educational institutions is regrettable. Today’s need is reorientation of the educational structure. Education should be made vocational and humane.”

Activists of NAPM and Asha Parivar (www.ashaparivar.org) have condemned the detention of students and five professors and demanded their immediate and unconditional release from the state’s custody. KM Sabir, senior advocate, Supreme Court of Bangladesh, has supported the struggle not only to release the detained professors and students, but also to restore a more conducive environment on the campus.

Online at: http://www.thestatesman.net/page.news.php?clid=4&theme=&usrsess=1&id=168890

After 20 years, RTI is another blow to Hashimpura survivors

After 20 years, RTI is another blow to Hashimpura survivors


It was disappointing that despite of 615 RTI applications filed by victim families and survivors of Hashimpura custodial killings more than 100 days ago, vital information hasn’t been provided by the UP State government. These RTI applications were filed on 24 May 2007 in Lucknow– to mark 20th anniversary of the Hashimpura bloodbath and their unduly agonising long wait for justice!

Most of the critical information pertinent to the case, including the Crime Branch - Central Investigation Department (CB-CID) report, has not been provided. RTI Act had earlier provided hope to these people who have been struggling despite of all odds for justice since past 20 years.

Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) personnel had allegedly gunned down over 40 people on 22 May 1987 (all muslim). The Hashimpura massacre occurred during the communal riots that broke out in Meerut in May 1987. Apparently, the immediate provocation was the Rajiv Gandhi-led Central government's decision to open the Babri Masjid for worship by Hindus.

The triad of police, administration and judicial system made all efforts to delay or even expunge the case in some instance.

On 24 May 2007, they had asked the State to tell them why these PAC accused have not been suspended from service while being prosecuted for custodial murders? What departmental proceedings and disciplinary action, if any, were initiated against them? Why was there a delay of almost a decade in even charge sheeting the PAC accused? Why were most of those indicted by the CB CID Report let off the hook? They are asking for the CBCID Inquiry Report into the PAC killings to be made public.

In 1988, the State government ordered an inquiry by the CB-CID. The CB-CID 's report, submitted to the State government in 1994, was never made public. In 1995, some of the victims moved the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court to make the report public and to prosecute those indicted in it.

Also in May 2007, Senior Supreme Court advocate Vrinda Grover had filed 2 RTI applications with the Home Department of UP Government. These RTI applications asked for a copy of CB-CID inquiry report. The State was also asked to reveal how many persons were indicted by the CB-CID report as complicit in the PAC killings and why did the State sanction criminal prosecution only against 19 PAC men and not all the others indicted in the CB-CID report?

No reply has been given to these two RTI applications filed by Vrinda Grover. The State has simply chosen to stonewall the citizens’ right to information.

Today (3 September 2007) Vrinda Grover met the Appellate Officer at CB-CID who accepted that the information should have been provided in response to RTI applications, and assured Vrinda and other activists including Magsaysay Awardee (2002) and senior social activist Dr Sandeep Pandey that prompt remedial action shall be taken.
In response to the remaining 613 RTI applications filed by victim families and survivors in May 2007, some information has been provided which also includes duly-attested blank pages! The Annual Confidential Report (ACR) of the accused PAC men reveals that mass custodial killing of muslims doesn’t even invite a negative entry. Ironically the ACR noting for the year 1987 gives the accused PAC men a glowing and congratulatory entry. Further documents provided in response to these RTI applications disclose that accused PAC men were suspended very briefly and then quickly re-instated in service on flimsy grounds.

The struggle of survivors and family members of those killed in Hashimpura massacre, has undoubtedly intensified over the past 20 years, despite of all disappointments and multi-prong attempts to wash-it off. It also raises valid questions on the extent to which our systems in governance have turned communal.

No RTI relief for Hashimpura victims


Online at: http://www.rediff.com/news/2007/sep/03bobby.htm

No RTI relief for Hashimpura victims
September 03, 2007 20:43 IST


For the kith and kin of Uttar Pradesh's Hashimpura massacre victims, it has been a long wait for justice. After knocking several doors, the survivors' last hope was the Right to Information Act.

But even that failed to yield results. At least 615 RTI applications were moved 100 days ago (May 24) -- the day which marked the 20th anniversary of the bloodbath in Hashimpura. Some queries were answered, which included some blank pages, said survivors.
However, on Monday, the appellate officer at the Crime Branch-Central Investigation Department assured some activists of prompt action.

Critical information, including the Crime Branch-Central Investigation Department report, has not been provided, the victims said. They alleged that the police, administration and judicial system tried to delay or even expunge the case.

The RTI queries they posed were: Why the Provincial Armed Constabulary accused have not been suspended from service while being prosecuted for custodial murders? What departmental proceedings and disciplinary action, if any, were initiated against them? Why was there a delay of almost a decade in charge-sheeting the PAC accused? Why were most of those indicted by the CB-CID report let off the hook?

The RTI application also wanted the CB-CID inquiry report into the PAC killings to be made public.

In 1988, the state government ordered an inquiry by the CB-CID. The report, submitted to the Uttar Pradesh government in1994, was never made public. In 1995, some victims moved the Allahabad high court to make the report public.

Also in May 2007, senior Supreme Court advocate Vrinda Grover filed two RTI applications with the state home department. The state was also asked to reveal how many persons were indicted by the CB-CID report. No reply has been given to Grover.

While accepting that information should have been provided in response to RTI applications, the CB-CID appellate officer on Monday assured Vrinda and other activists, including Magsaysay award-winner Sandeep Pandey, of prompt action.

Some documents provided in response to the rest of the RTI applications said that the accused PAC men were suspended briefly and then re-instated, said activists.

PAC personnel allegedly gunned down over 40 people on May 22, 1987. The incident occurred during the communal riots that broke out in Meerut after the then Central government opened the Babri Masjid for worship.

Online at: http://www.rediff.com/news/2007/sep/03bobby.htm

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