Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Condolence message: Wangari Maathai
We were shocked to hear the demise of Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and Right Livelihood Award Laureate Wangari Maathai. It is untimely and a very great loss. Her contribution and struggle will always inspire PVCHR.
The entire PVCHR family members express profound sorrow and condolences. We pray to the Almighty Lord to give courage, strength and support to her family. On behalf of the PVCHR please accept our silent prayers.
PVCHR family
The entire PVCHR family members express profound sorrow and condolences. We pray to the Almighty Lord to give courage, strength and support to her family. On behalf of the PVCHR please accept our silent prayers.
PVCHR family
Monday, September 26, 2011
Justice, Liberty, Equality Dalits in Independent India
The book can be purchase from
Frontpage
Level 6, Constantia
11 Dr U N Brahmachari Sarani
Kolkata 700017, India
T: +91 33 6519 0171
email : info@frontpagepublications.com
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Saturday, September 24, 2011
Five year strategy of PVCHR (2010 - 2014)
A report "The State of Human Rights in India in 2010": AHRC report state that PVCHR stopped to work on hunger issue after 2009. http://www.pvchr.net/2011/09/controversy-on-ahrcasian-human-rights.html.
But please see the five year strategy of PVCHR from 2010 - 2014 which consitute hunger as an important issue:
PVCHR Five-Year Strategic Plan
But please see the five year strategy of PVCHR from 2010 - 2014 which consitute hunger as an important issue:
PVCHR Five-Year Strategic Plan
Friday, September 23, 2011
Constitution of the Core Group of NGOs in the National Human Rights Commission(NHRC)
Our organization Peoples' Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR) selected under section 12 (i) of The Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is mandated to encourage the efforts of Non- Governmental Organization (NGOs) and institutions working in the field of human rights. The commission has been fulfilling this objective its "issue based" interaction /partnership with various reputed NGOs who have built up a credible reputation of dedicated work in the area of Human Rights. A core Group of NGOs to serve as a Monitoring Mechanism for consultation has been constituted in the year 2001 and re- constituted from time to time which made several useful and constructive suggestions in its meetings for the consideration of the commission.
Thus keeping in mind especially the renewed focus of the commission for the realization of Civil, Economic, Social and Cultural Right as well as to extend the reach of the Commission to the different regions of the country to provide sectoral and regional representation, the commission has reconstituted the Core Group of NGOs are as follows:
i. Shri Javed Adibi
Executive Director
National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People
ii. Shri Suhas Chakma
Director
Asian Centre for Human Rights
iii. Shri Kailash Satyarthi
Founder
Bachpan Bachao Andolan (BBA)
iv. Shri Rita Sarin
Country Director
The Hunger Project – India
v. Shri Rakesh Jinsi
Secretary General
SOS Children's Village of India
vi. Shri Mathew Philip
Executive Director
South India Cell for Human Rights Education and Monitoring (SICHREM)
vii. Smt. Sugatha Kumari
Secretary – ABHAYA
viii. Puja Marwaha
Chief Executive
CRY – Child Right and You
ix. Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi
Convener
Peoples' Vigilance Committee on Human Rights
x. Shri Paul Divakar
Secretary General
National Campaign for Dailt Human Rights
xi. Dr. Ruth Manorma
President
National Alliance of Women (NAWO)
xii. Shri Baghambar Patnaik
Human Rights Activist and Adviser
4. The terms of reference of the core group shall be the following:
i. To identify the broad area of cooperation between NHRC and NGOs and suggest its mechanism.
ii. To identify important human rights issue which could be jointly taken up with the NGOs after considering the suggestions/proposals received from them.
iii. To advise the commission on International Human Rights Convention.
iv. To discuss and suggest mechanism for continuous and meaningful interaction of the commission with the civil society.
v. To consult and interact on a regular basis on the issue concerning human rights and build up a data base of NGOs.
vi. To consider any other issues relevant to the consultation with the NGOs.
5. The Core Group may meet at intervals deemed necessary by the group.
6. The member of the Core Group shall be entitled to TA/DA for the journey undertaken by them in connection with the Core Group meetings as per norms approved by the commission.
7. The Core Group shall submit their report from time to time to the commission with its recommendations.
NGOs core group of NHRC
NGOs core group of NHRC
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Receipt on memorandum on the Lokpal Bill,2011
Receipt on memorandum on the Lokpal Bill,2011of PVCHR by Standing Committee.Receipt letter writes,"Please be assured that your views will be taken into consideration by the committee headed by Dr.Abhishek Manu Singhvi."
Please find PVCHRs'memorandum:
http://www.pvchr.net/2011/08/comment-on-lokpal-bill-2011pvchr.html
Receipt letter on memorandum on the Lokpal Bill,2011:
Memorandum on the Lokpal Bill,2011
Please find PVCHRs'memorandum:
http://www.pvchr.net/2011/08/comment-on-lokpal-bill-2011pvchr.html
Receipt letter on memorandum on the Lokpal Bill,2011:
Memorandum on the Lokpal Bill,2011
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Shehla Masood: RTI activist silenced forever
http://www.milligazette.com/news/2332-shehla-masood-rti-activist-silenced-forever
There has been no breakthrough in the Shehla murder case as of now. Masood, who was a prominent Right to Information Activist, was shot dead outside her residence while on the way to attend anti-corruption campaign in support of Anna Hazare at the Bhopal Club on 16 August. Murder of RTI activist Shehla Masood continues to be shrouded in mystery as it gets more entangled with each passing day.
There has been no breakthrough in the Shehla murder case as of now. Masood, who was a prominent Right to Information Activist, was shot dead outside her residence while on the way to attend anti-corruption campaign in support of Anna Hazare at the Bhopal Club on 16 August. Murder of RTI activist Shehla Masood continues to be shrouded in mystery as it gets more entangled with each passing day.
Initially, police claimed it to be a suicide case. With intense pressure from all quarters the probe was handed over to CBI. Later on CBI took up the investigation and during the process of investigation has revealed that police tampered with her mobile phone and made a number of calls from her mobile after her death. Not only this, CBI has also found some crucial evidence from Shehla’s car, which was earlier not traced or ignored by the Bhopal police. It is believed that Shehla had threatened to expose wide spread corruption in the state machinery days before her murder. There are also reports that Shehla had earlier informed the authorities about the threat to her life from a senior police officer. At the time of her death, Masood was waiting for replies to over 40 RTIs she had filed in different departments of the state government. Masood had also filed many controversial RTIs related to income tax details about BJP Rajya Sabha MP Anil Madhav Dave and his NGO.
In 2008, Shehla had also made a written complaint about harassment and threatening calls at the City’s Maharana Pratap Nagar Police Station. Family members of Shehla have claimed that Shehla had told them that a BJP MP Anil Dave was her biggest enemy. Police and CBI may also question BJP MP Tarun Vijay because phone records show that he talked to Shehla before she got killed. Tarun Vijay while defending his position at a press conference in Delhi said that Shehla was a very good friend and she was associated with many programmes of Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Foundation as an event manager. He further said that it is natural that those in contact with her may be questioned. During the process of investigation CBI recreated the scenes to investigate it further or to find some clue or leads that can help them to nab the killers. The CBI is contemplating to exhume the body of Shehla Masood. BJP MLA from Bhopal Dhruv Narayan Singh, who is also the son of former late chief minister Govind Narayan Singh, has been questioned about his relationship with Masood.
Taking note of the online petition filed by Lenin Raghuvanshi a human right activist from Varanasi the National Human Rights Commission has asked the Director General of Police of Madhya Pradesh to give a report within four weeks. The Madhya Pradesh government has announced a reward of Rs one lakh for providing any clue about her murderers. Surprisingly there has been no word from Anna Hazare on the Shehla murder case. She died while on her way to join the corruption campaign launched in support of Anna Hazare in Bhopal. Shehla headed the Madhya Pradesh chapter of the Anna Hazare-led anti corruption campaign.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Controversy on AHRC(Asian Human Rights Commission) report
On Sept 2, 2011, we have sent our first point by point reply on allegations made by AHRC against PVCHR. We received their response on Sep 6, 2011. Again on Sep 6, 2011, we wrote our second mail to AHRC on the same subject. In that mail we sought permission from AHRC for putting all the communications in public domain. We are yet to receive their permission.
http://www.pvchr.net/2011/09/controversy-on-ahrcasian-human-rights.html
Dr Lenin
Executive Directorhttp://www.pvchr.net/2011/09/controversy-on-ahrcasian-human-rights.html
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Upper caste Hindus are playing the game of plan against Dalit Musahar in Eastern part of UP, India
http://detentionwatch.blogspot.com/2011/09/upper-caste-hindus-are-playing-game-of.html
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: PVCHR ED <pvchr.india@gmail.com>
Date: Sun, Sep 18, 2011 at 6:50 PM
Subject: Upper caste Hindus are playing the game of plan against Dalit Musahar in Eastern part of UP, India
To: PVCHR <pvchr@rediffmail.com>
From: PVCHR ED <pvchr.india@gmail.com>
Date: Sun, Sep 18, 2011 at 6:50 PM
Subject: Upper caste Hindus are playing the game of plan against Dalit Musahar in Eastern part of UP, India
To: PVCHR <pvchr@rediffmail.com>
We received the information from Mr. Mahatim Mushar from Sakara village under Ram pur police station, Jaunpur that In charge of Bhadohi Kotawali of Sant Raidas nagar came to Sakara village under Rampur Police station of Jaunpur district and detained Dabbal Mushar son of Rama and Dilbahar son of Jetu on nearly 8 AM of 18 September 2011.
When Mahatim of same village went Bhadohi Kotwali and asked to in charge of Kotwali about the reason, then he abused him and told that Dilbahar and Dabbal stolen Gun of a Brahmin.
It is noted that this Mushar are fighting against Mafia don Munna Bajarangis' Gang.Please immediately intervene against this manipulating act.
With warm regards,
Lenin Raghuvanshi
Secretary General
PVCHR
SA 4/2 A, Daulatpur, Varnasi-221002
Mobile:+91-9935599333
‘FORUM-ASIA' team visits Shehla Masood's residence
http://www.dailypioneer.com/state-editions/bhopal/7229-forum-asia-team-visits-shehla-masoods-residence.html
A three-member fact-finding team of Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development 'FORUM-ASIA' visited the residence of slain RTI activist Shehla Masood on Saturday afternoon.
The team will document a report about the conditions in which the RTI activist was living and threats she was facing after filing the RTI applications in various department.
Shehla was found murdered in her car in front of her residence on August 16. The district police investigated the case for around 16 days and later the CBI started probe.
The report will be shared with the United Nations Organisation (UNO) to gauge the conditions in which human rights activists work in India.
Commenting over the fact-finding report, Managing Trustee of Peoples' Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR) Shruti Nagwashi, who is one of the members of the team, said that the team has documented some information shared by the father of Shehla Masood and there is nothing investigative in that information.
"Since, the CBI has announced `5 lakh reward for providing any evidence in the murder case, Shehla's father has lost all hope in the probe," Nagwanshi said.
http://www.freepressjournal.in/news/21216-voices-concern-calls-for-protection.html
OUR STAFF REPORTER BHOPAL
A team of Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development ( FORUM- ASIA) on Saturday held discussion with the family members of slain RTI activist Shehla Masood, at her residence in Koh- e- Fiza. The exercise is a part of the Forums fact finding mission ( FFM) in India.
Talking to Free Press Shruti Nagvanshi of FORUM- ASIA said the defenders of freedom of expression and RTI activists are in dire need of protection from the state to carry out their activities, exercising right to information which has been enshrined in the Constitution of India, the international human rights instruments ratified by India, UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders as well as the Right to Information Act 2005 respectively.
She said the FFM is assessing overall situation of defenders of human 3rights, including RTI activists in India, and gathering information of selected cases besides documentation of the human rights violation and abuses.
The case study of Shehla Masood is a part of fact finding report to further enhance advocacy capacity towards the protection and promotion of human rights in India. The report would be forwarded to NHRC and other institutions and demanded them to investigate the cases of murder of human right defenders in the country, said Nagvanshi.
The team includes Kundan Aryal from Nepal, Shruti Nagvanshi and Bal Krishna Basant from Bangkok besides a number of local activists.
The team is assessing the situation of RTI activists in India and gathering information of select cases
A three-member fact-finding team of Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development 'FORUM-ASIA' visited the residence of slain RTI activist Shehla Masood on Saturday afternoon.
The team will document a report about the conditions in which the RTI activist was living and threats she was facing after filing the RTI applications in various department.
Shehla was found murdered in her car in front of her residence on August 16. The district police investigated the case for around 16 days and later the CBI started probe.
The report will be shared with the United Nations Organisation (UNO) to gauge the conditions in which human rights activists work in India.
Commenting over the fact-finding report, Managing Trustee of Peoples' Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR) Shruti Nagwashi, who is one of the members of the team, said that the team has documented some information shared by the father of Shehla Masood and there is nothing investigative in that information.
"Since, the CBI has announced `5 lakh reward for providing any evidence in the murder case, Shehla's father has lost all hope in the probe," Nagwanshi said.
http://www.freepressjournal.in/news/21216-voices-concern-calls-for-protection.html
OUR STAFF REPORTER BHOPAL
A team of Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development ( FORUM- ASIA) on Saturday held discussion with the family members of slain RTI activist Shehla Masood, at her residence in Koh- e- Fiza. The exercise is a part of the Forums fact finding mission ( FFM) in India.
Talking to Free Press Shruti Nagvanshi of FORUM- ASIA said the defenders of freedom of expression and RTI activists are in dire need of protection from the state to carry out their activities, exercising right to information which has been enshrined in the Constitution of India, the international human rights instruments ratified by India, UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders as well as the Right to Information Act 2005 respectively.
She said the FFM is assessing overall situation of defenders of human 3rights, including RTI activists in India, and gathering information of selected cases besides documentation of the human rights violation and abuses.
The case study of Shehla Masood is a part of fact finding report to further enhance advocacy capacity towards the protection and promotion of human rights in India. The report would be forwarded to NHRC and other institutions and demanded them to investigate the cases of murder of human right defenders in the country, said Nagvanshi.
The team includes Kundan Aryal from Nepal, Shruti Nagvanshi and Bal Krishna Basant from Bangkok besides a number of local activists.
The team is assessing the situation of RTI activists in India and gathering information of select cases
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Dhanbad Ecosystem is at peril as illegal mining going with impunity
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: shabana khan <shabana@pvchr.org>
Date: Sat, Sep 17, 2011 at 2:01 PM
Subject: re: Dhanbad Ecosystem is at peril as illegal mining going with impunity
To: jrlawnhrc@hub.nic.in
Cc: akpnhrc@yahoo.com, Lenin Raghuvanshi <pvchr.india@gmail.com>
From: shabana khan <shabana@pvchr.org>
Date: Sat, Sep 17, 2011 at 2:01 PM
Subject: re: Dhanbad Ecosystem is at peril as illegal mining going with impunity
To: jrlawnhrc@hub.nic.in
Cc: akpnhrc@yahoo.com, Lenin Raghuvanshi <pvchr.india@gmail.com>
To,
Chairperson,
National Human Rights Commission
New Delhi
Dear Sir,
I want to draw your attention towards the news publishsed in e- newspaper Newz First on 17th September, 2011 regarding Dhanbad Ecosystem is at peril as illegal mining going with impunity http://www.newzfirst.com/web/guest/full-story/-/asset_publisher/Qd8l/content/dhanbad-ecosystem-is-at-peril-as-illegal-mining-going-with-impunity?redirect=/web/guest/home
DHANBAD - An independent fact finding team visited the different sites of Coal India Limited (CIL) in the back drop of Performance Audit of Coal India Limited by Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India.
CAG has revealed that CIL mines are being undertaken without environmental clearance. This has been corroborated even by the Jharkhand Pollution Control Board which ordered the closure of 22 mines operated by Bharat Coking Coal Limited, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Coal India. However, the team was dismayed to note that on 26th August, 2011, the Jharkhand court had ordered a status quo till August 30, 2011 despite this illegal mining is going on with impunity.
The team comprised of Paranjoy Guha Thakurta, Shekhar Agarwal, Rajnish Kumar, Gopal Krishna and Ashok Agarwal. The team visited several sites including Ghanuwadih, Boka pahari, Jairampur, Tisra, Siding no. 9, Sudamdih, Patahardi, Lodana, Jharia. The team met activists of Jharia Coalfield Bachao Samiti. The team carried out the visited during September 11-12, 2011.
The team also met the veteran parliamentarian Basudev Acharya who was here to protect RSP College where he studied in 1960-62 due to underground fire region near Bhagatdih. The college was started in 1951. It is believed that the underground fire is about 60 metres from the college and is inching towards it at the rate of 2.2 metres/ month. There is anger among the residents because of the criminal callousness of Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL), a subsidiary of CIL. The coming 20 months or so appears to be crucial for Jharia which faces an impending ecosystem disaster if central and state governments do not act with unprecedented urgency to avert it.
The team witnessed BCCL management's lackadaisical approach in saving the college by digging trenches at very slow pace. The residents alleged that the company was deliberately delaying the action to get hold of these plots for its mining projects unmindful of human cost. The team met the activists of Jharia Coalfield Bachao Samiti who are demanding that open cast mining be stopped immediately, resettlement and rehabilitation policy of BCCL be revised and all endangered areas of Jharia Coalfileds be urgently stowed and rendered safe.
The team in its preliminary observation feels that CAG should conduct an environmental audit at the earliest and suggest remedial measures to arrest the ongoing decline of the Dhanbad's ecosystem to avoid catastrophe in near future. The team will release its final observations in the coming days.
Therefore it is kind request please take appropriate action at earliest.
Thanking You
Sincerely Yours
Lenin Raghuvanshi
Secretary General
PVCHR/JMN
SA 4/2 A Daulatpur, Varanasi - 221002
Mobile No: 09935599333
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Book on Dalit discourse in Independent India
It's my pleasure to share that Front Page publication published the book "Justice, Liberty, Equality: Dalit's in Independent India" on the discourse based on grass root works of the PVCHR.
Frontpage is an independent publishing house pioneering a distinctive approach to excel in publishing critical debates; with perfect focus on anticipating market preference, frontpage is committed to utilise every opportunity to launch innovative publications with the help of acknowledged specialists.
If you want to purchase the book please communicate to Mr. Abhijit Mazumder at am@frontpagepublications.com
Please visit given below URL for more information
http://www.frontpagepublications.com/images/Justice.pdf
http://www.frontpagepublications.com/images/Justice.pdf
http://www.frontpagepublications.com/critical_debates.html
http://www.eruditor.com/books/item/9789381043042.html.en
http://www.amazon.com/Justice-Liberty-Equality-Critical-Frontpage/dp/9381043043
http://www.kriso.lv/Justice-Liberty-Equality-Dalits-Independent-India/db/9789381043042.html
http://www.saxo.com/dk/author/lenin-raghuvanshi.aspx
http://www.lovereading.co.uk/author/Lenin-Raghuvanshi/gd/Lenin-Raghuvanshi.html
http://www.eruditor.com/books/item/9789381043042.html.en
http://www.amazon.com/Justice-Liberty-Equality-Critical-Frontpage/dp/9381043043
http://www.kriso.lv/Justice-Liberty-Equality-Dalits-Independent-India/db/9789381043042.html
http://www.saxo.com/dk/author/lenin-raghuvanshi.aspx
http://www.lovereading.co.uk/author/Lenin-Raghuvanshi/gd/Lenin-Raghuvanshi.html
BVHRPC to continue its fight for human rights
http://www.testimonialtherapy.org/2011/09/bvhrpc-to-continue-its-fight-for-human.html
http://www.sentinelassam.com/cachar/story.php?sec=2&subsec=12&id=89712&dtP=2011-09-14&ppr=1#89712
SILCHAR, Sept 13: Barak Valley Human Rights Protection Committee (BVHRPC) since its inception in 2002 has been fighting for upholding the cause of human rights and its protection. Whenever, there is report of violation of human rights, the Committee through its fact finding team after thorough investigation takes up the case at the national and international forums for effective check and initiation of action against the guilty and justice to the victim of torture, pointed out Neharul Ahmed Mazumdar, secretary general of the Committee, while addressing the gathering on the occasion of the ‘honour ceremony of the torture victims’ held at Banga Bhavan here today in association with the People’s Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR), Varanasi, and Rehabilitation and Research Centre for Torture Victim (RCT), Copenhagen, Denmark.
BVHRPC has been working against all odds, but it is universally acknowledged that ‘truth ultimately prevails’. With the active support of PVCHR and RCT, Barak Committee after receiving specific complaints goes deeper into the circumstances and related facts to unravel the truth and works out strategy to give justice to the victims. At this ceremony, ten men and women who were victims of domestic violence, torture by security forces as well as other forms of human rights abuses were honoured. These victims of torture were enlisted after their ‘testimonial therapy’ in a eight-day-long session for point to point scrutiny and examination of their statements.
Neharul Ahmed Mazumdar added to say that the sense of security infused in them, in fact, empowers them to the bold and assert their rights for self-defence. He pointed out most of the victims are from the economically backward and minority communities. It is most unfortunate, as he said, laws are used and misused for oppression and suppression. Security forces are often misguided and misused by persons with malafide intentions to score personal gain. The ‘Honour Ceremony’ pointed out Manindra Shankar Gupta, chairman of BVHRPC, said would embolden the victims to join the fight against injustice and torture caused by the various forms of violence. Chief Guest on the occasion Lenim Raghuvanshi, secretary general PVCHR, and Shirin Sabana Khan of PVCHR, addressing the assembly said that with the cooperation of people in general, the crusade against violation of human rights could be more strengthened and a world could be created through mass awakening and resolve free from torture and violence. It was their optimism that with the world wide voice against such criminal acts, it could become a reality, and not remain a dream.
http://www.sentinelassam.com/cachar/story.php?sec=2&subsec=12&id=89712&dtP=2011-09-14&ppr=1#89712
SILCHAR, Sept 13: Barak Valley Human Rights Protection Committee (BVHRPC) since its inception in 2002 has been fighting for upholding the cause of human rights and its protection. Whenever, there is report of violation of human rights, the Committee through its fact finding team after thorough investigation takes up the case at the national and international forums for effective check and initiation of action against the guilty and justice to the victim of torture, pointed out Neharul Ahmed Mazumdar, secretary general of the Committee, while addressing the gathering on the occasion of the ‘honour ceremony of the torture victims’ held at Banga Bhavan here today in association with the People’s Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR), Varanasi, and Rehabilitation and Research Centre for Torture Victim (RCT), Copenhagen, Denmark.
BVHRPC has been working against all odds, but it is universally acknowledged that ‘truth ultimately prevails’. With the active support of PVCHR and RCT, Barak Committee after receiving specific complaints goes deeper into the circumstances and related facts to unravel the truth and works out strategy to give justice to the victims. At this ceremony, ten men and women who were victims of domestic violence, torture by security forces as well as other forms of human rights abuses were honoured. These victims of torture were enlisted after their ‘testimonial therapy’ in a eight-day-long session for point to point scrutiny and examination of their statements.
Neharul Ahmed Mazumdar added to say that the sense of security infused in them, in fact, empowers them to the bold and assert their rights for self-defence. He pointed out most of the victims are from the economically backward and minority communities. It is most unfortunate, as he said, laws are used and misused for oppression and suppression. Security forces are often misguided and misused by persons with malafide intentions to score personal gain. The ‘Honour Ceremony’ pointed out Manindra Shankar Gupta, chairman of BVHRPC, said would embolden the victims to join the fight against injustice and torture caused by the various forms of violence. Chief Guest on the occasion Lenim Raghuvanshi, secretary general PVCHR, and Shirin Sabana Khan of PVCHR, addressing the assembly said that with the cooperation of people in general, the crusade against violation of human rights could be more strengthened and a world could be created through mass awakening and resolve free from torture and violence. It was their optimism that with the world wide voice against such criminal acts, it could become a reality, and not remain a dream.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Heard the unheard voice of survivor of the extra - judicial killing
Mr. Pancham Patel (father of deceased Santosh Patel) recieving compensation
Testimony of Ramlal Patel
My name is Ramlal Patel and I am 30 years old. I am son of Panchamram Patel. I live in Purabpur village (Ahrak), which falls in jurisdiction of Badagaon Police Station in Varanasi district. We are 5 brothers and my youngest brother is Santosh Patel, who is 20 years old. He has been quite simple boy and has never done anything bad to sully his image.
On 13th December 2006, Santosh was called for partying by Manoj Yadav and Bablu Yadav at their residence. Santosh mentioned about this to all of us and left for it at 5.00 p.m. Before leaving, he told me that he was not interested for a night halt but his friends were forcing him that he stays in the night. At 8.30 p.m, on that, my elder brother, Ramnaresh Patel, who works at a post office In Kanpur, got a call on his Mobile 09451330615 informing that Santosh has met with an accident and he is admitted at Pragya Hospital, Harhuan. Even Mobin Khan, who lives in our neighbouring village, also gave this information at our home. Listening to Mobin Khan all of us got scared. After that I and my nephew, Ramchandra left for Pragya Hospital to know the whereabouts of Santosh. Then, reaching I came to know from a doctor that such accident case hasn't come to the hospital.
I called my elder brother, Ramnaresh and I tried that mobile number, from where I got the information, but it was switched off. We were groping in dark and were quite nervous. I and my nephew were standing at the marketplace and thinking what has been the matter. At that time, an Inspector asked us what we were doing in the night. Then, we narrated the entire incident to him, and then he called a constable with whom he was familiar. After that, the constable informed the Inspector over phone that at Harhuan Bazar, there was a burglary at a widow Kalawati's house. One among them the burglars was killed and his dead body is lying at the police station. Listening to this, instantly we rushed to the police station and saw his body at the police station. Seeing that, we started crying. Police told he was killed while committing burglary so come along with the panchayat pradhan and others tomorrow in the morning then only the body would be sent for post mortem.
Shocked and tears in our eyes we reached our home. Family members were crying and screaming. In the morning, I accompanied by panchayat pradhan and other villagers went to the police station. After reaching there, we came to know that brother's dead body was sent to BHU, on the previous night. Then, villagers burst into anger and staged protest blocking the road. In the meanwhile, the local MLA (Member of Legislative Assembly) Ajay Rai came and assured that he would raise the police highhandedness in the assembly. At that time, it seemed that the MLA had come to extend his helping hand but it was just to hoodwink us to break the protest. I and my brother went to BHU, where we saw the SHO. Then, we entered to the cremation ground for consigning the body in the flames, I saw SHO moving out. When photos of my brother's dead body was taken, I saw there were bruises and injuries, as it seemed that he was tortured before his death.
After his cremation, when we reached the police station for filing a FIR against Manoj Yadav and Bablu Yadav. Then SHO Mahendra Pratap Yadav refused to file the FIR. After a while I came to know that SHO was closely related to Manoj and Bablu. Seeing the police attitude, we were passing through terrifying moments and ran for justice from pillar to post. Then, I came in touch with functionaries of People's Vigilance Committee for Human Rights (PVCHR). They generated confidence in me, which helped in filing a report against the police. Court took action against the police. Police adopted pressure tactics through our relatives in the village so that we withdraw from the case. They used to say, police is with no one, so please do not go against the police. At that time, we were also getting scared and used to think that police harasses and abuses innocent poor people so they do not have faith on them. I told my relatives in the village, the way the police tortured my brother that reverberates in my mind. I wish either I take up arms against the police or I should die. In this struggle if we win then it would be an example for the poor people so that they can rise to the occasion.
After that, I went to Ramsinghpur village to know all the facts. Villagers told on 13th December 2006 at 7.30 p.m. a police van came carrying brutally beaten half dead body and a bicycle. Police threw the body on the road. When villagers asked the police, they said that he has been killed while committing burglary. Then villagers responded that he was still alive and asked should we take him to hospital so that when he recovers, he would be able to disclose the names of other assailants. But police did not heed to the villagers.
While working in field or doing other work his face runs before our eyes. We feel exhausted. The burglary was committed by two sturdy men covering their face with gamchha (a thin cotton towel) but my brother was lanky and thin. After listening to this, I was quite scared about friends and police. Villagers living in Ramsinghpur refused to depose before the Court as eye witness to the incident and they told me, "If someone interrogates in the village, then we can narrate the entire incident."
My family is simple and has a social acceptance. The allegation of burglary has sullied the image of the family. Still the family has not been able to emerge out of that turbulence caused due to killing of my younger brother. Whenever the joint family meets, then the absence of Santosh disturbs us a lot. When I see someone similar in looks to my brother, then his face crossovers my mind and jolts my sensibilities. We all get disturbed, when we think about him. We used to put our physical labour in the field and my younger used his physical and mental talent, which increased our output. The year when the unfortunate incident took place, we were thinking of getting our younger brother married. We have decided that when we would be successful in getting justice, then we would put up the photo of my younger brother in the home. Now our prime objective is to bring fore the police brutalities and seek justice. It might prove to be an example and break the fear among the people about police terror and brutalities.
Our descendents would get lesson out of it. While narrating the testimony I feel quite relieved and relaxed. Whenever I think about my brother I cannot sleep. It makes me restless. In the search of justice, we knocked to many doors but there was no meaningful response. Even we were contesting it in the court also. Then my father filed a complaint with National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), New Delhi and on 10th February 2011, NHRC directed Chief Secretary, Government of Uttar Pradesh to release a compensation of Rs. 5,00, 000/- (Rupees Five Lakh). Still now the UP Government has not acted upon NHRC's directive of 17th March 2011. My father did not file his complaint to NHRC for compensation but was seeking justice. NHRC's directive makes it amply clear that my brother was killed by police on false encounter and erring policemen should be given exemplary punishment. Still now policemen are putting pressure on our family members. I am quite scared while venturing out. On the one hand I happy at NHRC's directive for compensation and fear and despondency grips my mind seeing the guilty policemen moving scot-free.
Please see the youtube to hear expression of Ram Lal Patel and his father Pancham Patel after receiving to compensation:
Monday, September 12, 2011
दिल्ली बिश्वबिधालय मे दलित छात्रा को ज्योतिष नही पढाये जाने के समबन्ध में
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: PVCHR MINORITY <minority.pvchr@gmail.com>
Date: 2011/9/12
Subject: दिल्ली बिश्वबिधालय मे दलित छात्रा को ज्योतिष नही पढाये जाने के समबन्ध में
To: jrlawnhrc@hub.nic.in
Cc: akpnhrc@yahoo.com, "pvchr.india" <pvchr.india@gmail.com>
From: PVCHR MINORITY <minority.pvchr@gmail.com>
Date: 2011/9/12
Subject: दिल्ली बिश्वबिधालय मे दलित छात्रा को ज्योतिष नही पढाये जाने के समबन्ध में
To: jrlawnhrc@hub.nic.in
Cc: akpnhrc@yahoo.com, "pvchr.india" <pvchr.india@gmail.com>
सेवा मे, 12 सितम्बर 2011
अध्यक्ष,
राष्ट्रीय मानवाधिकार आयोग
नई दिल्ली
विषय:- दिल्ली बिश्वबिधालय मे दलित छात्रा को ज्योतिष नही पढाये जाने के समबन्ध में।
महोदय,
मै, आपका ध्यान 12 सितम्बर 2011 की दैनिक जागरण की खबर 'डीयु मे दलित छात्र नही पढ सकते ज्योतिष' पर आकृष्ट करना चाहता हुँ।[i] http://in.jagran.yahoo.com/news/national/crime/5_18_8198195.html
लेख है कि, दिल्ली बिश्वबिधालय मे दलित छात्रा सविता को संस्कृत विभाग द्दारा जाति के आधार पर ज्योतिष पढने पर मना कर रहा है।
महोदय, इस सम्बंध में निवेदन/मांग है सविता को ज्योतिष पढने से रोकने वाले के बिरुध कार्यवाही की किया जाय। कृपया अतिशीध्र आवश्यक कार्यवाही करने का कष्ट करे ।
भवदीय
डा लेनिन
(महा सचिव)
मानवाधिकार जन निगरानि समिति
एस.ए. 4 /2 ए,दौलतपुर,वाराणसी
मोबा.न0:+91-9935599333
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Honour Ceremony of Survivors of Torture and Organised Violence
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=122473137853142
Barak Human Rights Protection Committee (BHRPC), Assam; People s Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR), Varanasi and Rehabilitation and Research Centre for Victims of Torture (RCT), Denmark are going to hold an Honour Ceremony of Survivors of Torture and Organised Violence to honour some survivors from Barak valley.
Your presence is solicited to strengthen the fight for elimination of torture and violence.
Your presence is solicited to strengthen the fight for elimination of torture and violence.
Thursday, September 08, 2011
Condemn the killing of people in Delhi and terror with remembering Ken from Norway
Condemn the killing of people and terror with remembering Ken from Norway on Norwegian Killing
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Ken Opprann
From: Ken Opprann
These last few days has been like a nightmare.
Personally it has been hard to understand that such acts could be perpetrated in this corner of the world. However, it came as no surprise that there are individuals in Norway - or elsewhere,
who are capable of perpetuate such heinousness crimes. This is what this world has become...........
Sunday service at Oslo Cathedral was attended by the King/Queen/Prime minister/other ministers and commoners alike.
The Cathedral was packed to capacity but there were no metal detectors or other security measures when people entered. Very few uniformed police was to be seen outside.
I hope this will set the standards for time to come and that the country is not thrown out in a frenzy of panic and governmental control.
The US ambassador was also present. I hope it was a revelation for him to see how Norway deal with this trauma. We do have an open society and this is the way it should remain.
Regardless of incidents - violent or not, a society should be measured by its openness rather than the restrictions of movement for its citizens.
Sane people can never accept that extremists of any kind are allowed to set the agenda for how a society should develop. To fight back with more openness is the only way for healing.
Ken
Ken Opprann,
Photographer,
Helgesensgate 10,
0553 Oslo,
Norway
Website: www.kenopprann.no
Date: Mon, 25 Jul 2011 11:08:58 +0530
Subject: Fwd: our prayers
From: pvchr.india@gmail.com
To: kenopprann@hotmail.com
Dear Ken,
Greetings from PVCHR
We heard on television about the terrible loss happened in your country and we strongly condemn about the massive bomb blast. We are praying for again peace & harmony and on behalf of the PVCHR please accept our silent prayers.
In Solidarity
PVCHR family
Tuesday, September 06, 2011
वाराणसी के काशीबिधापीठ ब्लाक के 11 गाँवो मे कुपोषण के खतरे के समबन्ध मे
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: PVCHR MINORITY
From: PVCHR MINORITY
Date: 2011/9/6
Subject: वाराणसी के काशीबिधापीठ ब्लाक के 11 गाँवो मे कुपोषण के खतरे के समबन्ध मे
To: jrlawnhrc@hub.nic.in
Cc: akpnhrc@yahoo.com
Subject: वाराणसी के काशीबिधापीठ ब्लाक के 11 गाँवो मे कुपोषण के खतरे के समबन्ध मे
To: jrlawnhrc@hub.nic.in
Cc: akpnhrc@yahoo.com
सेवा मे, 6 सितम्बर 2011
अध्यक्ष,
राष्ट्रीय मानवाधिकार आयोग
नई दिल्ली
विषय:- वाराणसी जिले के काशीविद्यापीठ ब्लाक के 11 गाँव मे कुपोषण के बढते खतरे एवम प्रशासन की उदासिनता के समबन्ध में।
महोदय,
मै, आपका ध्यान 6 सितम्बर 2011 की अमर उजाला की खबर ' काशी विद्यापीठ के 11 गाँवो मे कुपोषण का खतरा'पर आकृष्ट करना चाहता हुँ।[i] http://www.amarujala.com/city/Varanasi/Varanasi-38015-140.html
लेख है कि, वाराणसी जिले के काशी विद्यापीठ के 11 गाँवो लोहता बाजार, रहीमपुर, महमूदपुर, केराकतपुर, चुरामपुर, धमहापुर, हरपालपुर आदि मे कुपोषण का खतरा बढ गया है । 13 अक्टुबर 2010 तथा 3 फरवरी 2011 को बी.एच.यु. लैब मे जांच के बाद चिकित्सको की टीम ने शासन को इस समबन्ध मे लिखा भी परंतु अभी तक कोई कार्यवाही नही हुई ।है.भुगर्भ जल के प्रदुषित होने की वजह से बच्चो के साथ ही बडे और बुजुर्ग भी गम्भीर बिमारियो से ग्रस्त हो रहे है।
महोदय, इस सम्बंध में निवेदन/मांग है ग्रामीण परिवारो को अतिशीध्र सहायता उपलब्ध करायी जाय,स्वच्छ पेय जल हेतु संचालित योजनाओ की जांच की जाय तथा दोषियो पर कार्यवाही की जारी किया जाय।कृपया अतिशीध्र आवश्यक कार्यवाही करने का कष्ट करे ।
भवदीय
डा लेनिन
(महा सचिव)
मानवाधिकार जन निगरानि समिति
एस.ए. 4 /2 ए,दौलतपुर,वाराणसी
मोबा.न0:+91-9935599333
Controversy on AHRC(Asian Human Rights Commission) report
On Sept 2, 2011, we have sent our first point by point reply on allegations made by AHRC against PVCHR. We received their response on Sep 6, 2011. Again on Sep 6, 2011, we wrote our second mail to AHRC on the same subject. In that mail we sought permission from AHRC for putting all the communications in public domain. We are yet to receive their permission.
Dr Lenin
Executive DirectorPlease refer to End note: 68, Page number: 132("The State of Human Rights in India in 2010": AHRC report). It goes like the following: "Starvation deaths of children in Uttar Pradesh were a campaign issue for Mayawati during the state assembly elections and at the same time for some NGOs in Uttar Pradesh. Mayawati won the election and like any other politician soon forgot it. Then came Mr. Rahul Gandhi who opposed Mayawati during the Parliamentary elections. With the help of a local NGO, which the NGO plentifully and happily provided for cheap publicity, Rahul Gandhi made use of a couple of cases reported by the AHRC as a political campaign tool against Mayawati. After the elections, the Congress that Rahul Gandhi leads forgot that children continue to die in Uttar Pradesh. So did the local NGO. This NGO is now interested in providing psychological help to victims of torture to recover from trauma, since the funding money is in it. Project driven and short sighted human rights activism, undertaken merely for fame and/or sheer survival or employment is a curse of India's Human Rights movement."[i]
The above mentioned end note is manipulation of facts, interpreted according to individual perception to malign myself, my organization and the NGOs of this country sitting in a foreign country, far away from the scene of action. It is an attempt to undermine the credibility of the organizations and the activists but also to derail the struggle for human rights of the dalits, tribals and others marginalized sections of the society.
Let me rebut your findings in the following way;
Point 1
AHRC: Starvation deaths of children in Uttar Pradesh were a campaign issue for Mayawati during the state assembly elections
PVCHR: Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) led by Ms. Mayawati Bahan ji, who is presently the Chief Minister of the state did not published any manifesto during assembly election in 2007. The party under her leadership fought on the single issue to establish rule of law in the state. The issue of starvation death was nowhere in her agenda. In fact, the party never released its election manifesto in 2007.
Immediately after the election PVCHR and AHRC issued hunger alert on starvation of dalit boy Mukesh http://www.humanrights.asia/news/hunger-alerts/HA-014-2007. It followed by another hunger alert on starvation and malnutrition of Musahar (Rat eaters) dalit boy Jigar was released http://www.humanrights.asia/news/hunger-alerts/HA-015-2007.
Point 2
AHRC: …."and at the same time for some NGOs in Uttar Pradesh.
PVCHR: Since 2000, and not since 2007, our organization has been fighting against hunger, malnutrition, starvation and raising the issue of weavers and mushars. In 2003, PVCHR filed the case against hunger death of 18 children in Raup village of Sonbhadra district, Uttar Pradesh. Shockingly, AHRC published this case in its website in the name of other NGO without mentioning PVCHR's intervention. We in PVCHR decided not to protest at all. To mark the struggle against hunger, we built a monument in the same village, which was inaugurated by none other than Mr. Basil Fernando, Executive Director, AHRC and child poet Tumul.
Please read an article written on the struggle against hunger in Uttar Pradesh. http://sapf.blogspot.com/2005/10/breif-history-of-struggle-against.html).
Point 3
AHRC: "then came Mr. Rahul Gandhi who opposed Mayawati during the Parliamentary elections. With the help of a local NGO, which the NGO plentifully and happily provided for cheap publicity, Rahul Gandhi made use of a couple of cases reported by the AHRC as a political campaign tool against Mayawati. After the elections, the Congress that Rahul Gandhi leads forgot that children continue to die in Uttar Pradesh. So did the local NGO."
PVCHR:
Assembly election to the State Assembly was held in 2007 and the election to the Lok Sabha was held in 2009.
In 2007, when AHRC issued hunger alert on the case of a malnourished dalit boy Mukesh based on information from PVCHR, NDTV had already highlighted the case. The office of Mr. Rahul Gandhi inquired about the case over mobile phone. This happened primarily because during that election, PVCHR was running awareness campaign for voter about the criminal background of the candidates on the information provided in their affidavit. This initiative of PVCHR was happening under the guidance of UP Election Watch and Association for Democratic Right (ADR). The UP Election Watch office was running from the office of PVCHR. I had also received calls from other very important political leaders, media persons and International NGOs. All these were shared with the team members.
In fact, when Mr. Gandhi took steps to provide medical support to Mukesh, one of our activists passed it on to NDTV. Seeing this Mr. Gandhis' office called me and asked to ensure that no propaganda is made out of this help.
On this Mr. Bijo Francis, AHRC wrote an article in his publication "Ethics in Action". http://www.ethicsinaction.asia/archive/2008-ethics-in-action/vol.-2-no.-1-february-2008/can-human-rights-work-bring-change-the-story-of)
At the sametime, following AHRC Hunger alert on Jigar Mushar, Anei village, Varanasi District, Ms. Mayawati Bahan Ji, Chief Minister, Uttar Pradesh sent the Special Secretary, Revenue Dept to the Anei village. Seeing such a high level official the Mushars demand land from the state government. This angered the state administration and the Chief Minister herself addressed the press against anti – hunger initiative of PVCHR. Soon after, i.e., on 9th December, 2007, Mr. Rajendra Tiwari, a local criminal with huge political clout, lodged an FIR under 505 (B) IPC against five activists of PVCHR. The administration was prompt enough to file the charge sheet. But fortunately Honb'le High Court awarded stay on arrest and then stays on court proceeding of the case.
AHRC released urgent appeal and its update. Please refer to http://www.humanrights.asia/news/urgent-appeals/UP-163-2007/?searchterm=PVCHR and http://sshirinkhan.blogspot.com/2010/01/update-india-human-rights-organisation_11.html
At this point, AHRC preferred to go silent on this case and withdrew from all communications with PVCHR. However, considering the degree of threat from the state, with support from many other national and International we stood to the ground. This was recognized by the Irish organization Frontline and the European Union. The former provided financial support for fighting the case. While the later has highlighted the issues of human rights defenders at risk all over.
Today, the same Anei village is known as "child centric model village". The state distributed land to the Mushars. The pre-primary school run by PVCHR has been upgraded to Primary School, which is now taken over by the state. The Mushars became the barefoot worker of PVCHR and fighting for the rights of Mushars of other villages.
Point 4
AHRC: "This NGO is now interested in providing psychological help to victims of torture to recover from trauma, since the funding money is in it. Project driven and short sighted human rights activism, undertaken merely for fame and/or sheer survival or employment is a curse of India's Human Rights movement".
PVCHR: Since its establishment, in 1996, PVCHR is fighting against caste atrocities and torture. Between 2006-08, PVCHR was state partner of EU-FNF-PWTN initiated "National Project for Prevention of Torture" implemented in 47 districts across 9 states. In UP, the project covered 7 districts.
The collaboration with RCT is extension of EU project to provide psycho - legal support through testimonial therapy (TT). Is it wrong to work with the victim of torture? I think, AHRC also works on this subject with the RCT. Do you do it for the getting justice for the victims or for money and fame? Based on the outcome of TT, more than 50 organisations have come together to form National Alliance on Testimonial Therapy (NATT) for its promotion to strengthen rule of law in India.
On June 26, 2011 on the occasion of International Day against Torture the PVCHR and a network of over 70 organisations from 6 states organised a Regional Convention at Lucknow. More than 1200 victims and survivors of torture belonging to dalit and minorities joined the convention, which was also attended by the Chairperson, National Commission for scheduled caste and the focal point for the Human Rights defenders from National Human Rights Commission. In the convention Dynamic Action Group (DAG), Voice of People (VoP), National Alliance on Testimonial Therapy (NATT) and Right to Food and Work, Uttar Pradesh, Detention Watch played significant role. In which the issue of the food security came as main important issue in declaration. Please see the link: http://www.testimonialtherapy.org/2011/06/lucknow-declaration.html
PVCHR has been filling Public Interest litigations in Honorable High Court, Allahabad and National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in the case of hunger of weavers and suicide of farmer in Bundelkhand.
In 2010-11 an anti – malnutrition campaign, called Voice of people (VOP) was launched in 17 districts of Uttar Pradesh and PVCHR launched in 200 Villages of Varanasi, Sonbhadra and Ambedkar Nager districts. Executive Director of PVCHR as a member of executive council of VOP brought the issue of Malnutrition in agenda of VOP. Dr Lenin Raghuvanshi is presently the campaign coordinator of VOP.
PVCHR without any financial support filed hundreds of petitions against human rights violation from various states of India. Please see www.petition-nhrc.blogspot.com and in the two years hundreds of bonded labour were rescued and did intervention in many cases of malnutrition.
You can have an understanding of our legitimate claims of our work of 2010-11 against hunger, malnutrition and starvation in the following links.
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https://www.scribd.com/document/733437019/PVCHR-works-in-IRCT-annual-report PVCHR works in IRCT annual report by pvchr.india9214 on S... -
In the annals of cultural confluence and societal upliftment, the third convention of the Sahastrabuddhe (Chitpawan Brahmin) Kool Sammelan, ... -
In a small courtroom in Varanasi, the heavy air was filled with anticipation. Paru Sonar, a name once synonymous with despair, was now on ...