A coalition of civil society organisations and activists issued a press release on Wednesday opposing the Chhattisgarh Authorities’s resolution to ban the Moolvasi Bachao Manch (MBM) beneath the Chhattisgarh Particular Public Safety Act, 2005.
The Chhattisgarh authorities claimed that the Moolvasi Bachao Manch had been repeatedly opposing the event actions in Maoist-affected areas and the camps established for the operation of safety forces. (Representational picture)
In a joint assertion, the teams described the federal government’s transfer as an “alarming misuse of state power” geared toward suppressing activism and intimidating protesters advocating for tribal rights.
The assertion claimed that Manch was fashioned throughout the 2021 Silger protests in opposition to the institution of a safety camp on Adivasi-cultivated lands and has been on the forefront of campaigns in opposition to militarisation, displacement, and exploitation of pure sources within the Bastar area.
“Its peaceful demonstrations have drawn thousands of adivasis, including youth leaders, to demand adherence to constitutional safeguards like the Forest Rights Act (FRA) and the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA). Far from being anti-development, MBM has sought better health and education services, compensation for loss of lives, and a participatory approach to development. However, its opposition to security camps—viewed by locals as symbols of militarization—has led the state to conflate its activism with insurgency,” the assertion mentioned.
It mentioned that the Manch is just not a centralised organisation however a collective motion the place protests function beneath distinctive, localised banners. The federal government’s broad designation of those actions as “unlawful” undermines democratic rules and dangers criminalising peaceable assemblies in villages.
The joint assertion demanded the instant withdrawal of the notification declaring the Manch as illegal and mentioned the federal government also needs to cease harassment or punitive actions in opposition to Manch’s members and supporters.
Earlier, the Chhattisgarh authorities banned the Moolvasi Bachao Manch and claimed that it had been repeatedly opposing the event actions carried out by the central and state governments in Maoist-affected areas and the camps established for the operation of safety forces.
Moreover, the organisation has been inciting the general public in opposition to these actions. The order on this regard was issued by the House Division on October 30, the federal government order mentioned.
“The organization has interfered in the judicial administration, promoting disobedience of legally established institutions, which has led to disturbances in public order and peace, putting citizens’ safety at risk. These actions have been deemed detrimental to the security of the state,” it added.
In the meantime, the inspector basic of police, Bastar Vary, Sunderaj P mentioned there are at the least three instances registered in opposition to Moolvashi Bachao Manch functionaries for involvement in move of funds and provides to the Naxal formations.
“Law is very clear that if any person or organisation either directly or indirectly supports the activities of the banned and prohibited CPI (Maoist), they also would be subjected to stern legal action,” the IG mentioned.