The ‘Ganatantrik Adhikar Surakhya Sangathan, Odisha, strongly condemns the state government’s repressive approach to prevent prominent environmentalists from joining efforts to protect the environment on Environment Day. Such a move by the government is tantamount to preventing democratic rights activists from participating in any event held to protect the Constitution.
The Rayagada district administration and police have detained environmentalist Medha Patkar, farmer leader Lingaraj Pradhan, and human rights activist Narendra Mohanty at Rayagada station under Section 163(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). The District administration has prepared a list of 24 persons and barred them from entering Rayagada district under the same section. This list includes journalists, social workers, volunteers, writers, poets, cultural activists, dalit activists etc.
This action undermines the right of citizens to freely move and express their views. Section 163 of the BNSS is similar to Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC). The Supreme Court recently expressed concern over the misuse of Section 144, stating it sends a “wrong signal.”
This step by the Rayagada district administration has undermined citizens’ right to express their views while attending a meeting organized for the protection of the natural environment in the Sijimali area near Kashipur in Rayagada district.
In the past, the previous Biju Janata Dal government staged a drama of the abduction of environmentalist Prafulla Samantaray by the police on August 29, 2023; the investigation report has not been released yet. Similarly, on December 16, 2004, during the celebration of Martyr’s Day in Maikanch, a group led by then MLAs Narayana Reddy and Shambhu Nayak was stopped at Tikiri. People of Kashipur were then opposing bauxite mines and alumina plant of Aditya Birla – Uktal Alumina Company and had lost three tribals in police firing.
Today, the Bharatiya Janata Party is doing the same thing in the state as the previous Biju Janata Dal government did. Tribal and Dalit farmers in Sijimali area of Kashipur block in Rayagada district are fighting for their livelihood against multinational companies like Vedanta and Adani. While their fight is constitutional and democratic, both the BJD and the BJP are constantly suppressing the people.
On Environment Day, programs are being organized worldwide to protect the environment. However, detaining Medha Patkar and others while going to such an event is tantamount to strangling democracy. This clearly shows the repressive approach of the government.
The state government is not allowing people to express their free opinion in a non-violent manner. The government is undermining the democratic rights of citizens just to protect corporate interests. This is not a sign of a public-interest government.
How is opposing the bauxite mining proposal of Vedanta and Adani companies tantamount to “disturbing law and order”? We strongly condemn the fact that the democratically elected government, sworn to uphold the Constitution, is engaging in undemocratic activities.
‘GASS’ demands that the state government withdraw the list issued by the Rayagada district administration. The state government should refrain from interfering with the people’s right to move freely and express their opinions. The government should respect the purpose of the law and not misuse it to fulfil its agenda.
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Deba Ranjan, General Secretary, GASS
Dr. Golak Bihari Nath, President, GASS
Ganatantrik Adhikar Surakhya Sangathan, Odisha
Email : [email protected]
