By TCN News,
Narmada district / Satara / New Delhi: As many as 12 oustees of Sardar Sarovar Dam from Gadher village in Narmada district of Gujarat jumped into the Narmada canal on October 6 to awaken the administration to their plight of 22 years.
False promises; snatching away of rights and even hope; continued mistreatment and harassment at the hands of police and administration; physical, psychological and emotional exploitation … all this and much more. These are not just sporadic instances but a common pattern of grave injustices where people have been displaced in the name of ‘development’.
“The officials claimed that the 12 who committed suicide were ‘rehabilitated’ in 1992. However, in reality, they still have not been given alternate land and government job to one family member at the time of acquiring their land, which is clear and outright non-compliance of Narmada Water Dispute Tribunal Award 1979, Rehabilitation policy of Government of Gujarat and orders of the Supreme Court,” a release from the National Alliance of People’s Movement (NAPM) said.
Another unfortunate incident of death caused by displacement is from Satara district of Maharashtra, venue of the ongoing struggle against the Wang-Marathwadi dam. The people affected by the dam have not received any compensation in spite of written assurances and approvals. “For the last four years, the villages near the dam are getting submerged during monsoon and yet no relief has ever reached them,” the release claimed.
For last few months, Kashinathbhau Mohite, one of the most active members of the struggle, was facing harassment by administration over cases filed during peaceful and democratic protests held previously. “He along with others was being harassed at the Dhebewadi police station. He ended his life on October 7,” NAPM alleged.
“Who killed this victim of ‘development’ without justice? How many more lives will be taken in the name of ‘development’?” the release questioned, and added, “We strongly condemn the state’s apathy towards the displaced persons and the continuous harassment and oppression at multiple levels.”