PVCHR: Building Resilience and Empathy: A Journey of Healing and Empowerment in Uttar Pradesh

Tuesday, October 31, 2023

Building Resilience and Empathy: A Journey of Healing and Empowerment in Uttar Pradesh

PVCHR, in collaboration with the United Nations Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture (#UNVFVT) and the International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims (#IRCT), recently initiated a series of folk schools to confront a deeply troubling incident and dismantle the culture of silence prevailing in the region. Spearheading this endeavor was Ms. Shirin Shabana Khan, Program Director at PVCHR, who underscored the fundamental rights enshrined in Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. Her comprehensive insights into various forms of intervention and government helplines enriched the discussions, drawing the participation of 45 individuals.

The subsequent honoring ceremony, which spotlighted survivors of police torture, provided a platform for 12 individuals to share their poignant and harrowing experiences related to the same distressing incident. Notably, the testimonies of Mr. Suresh Giri Gosai and Mrs. Asha were shared with profound empathy, eliciting a shared sense of understanding and compassion. Symbolic of solidarity and support, the traditional Gamachha represented a powerful tribute bestowed upon the survivors.

The testimony provided by Asha, a 32-year-old resident of Kalwari Bazaar, Thana-Madhihan, Mirzapur district, lays bare a distressing sequence of events. In the face of persistent power outages and water scarcities, the community sought to address their grievances peacefully. However, the intervention of the police exacerbated the situation, leading to turmoil and violence.

Despite the reassurances of Tehsildar Phoolchand Yadav that no charges would be brought forth, the community was dismayed to discover their names implicated in a case involving 117 people. The fear and sense of betrayal palpable in Asha's account reflect a loss of trust in the authorities and a vulnerability to being falsely accused.

The incident has had a lasting impact, instilling fear and uncertainty about their future, while raising concerns about their safety and security. Their plea for an impartial investigation and the dismissal of the cases against them echoes the need for justice and the restoration of their dignity. Asha's narrative serves as a poignant reminder of the hurdles faced by marginalized communities in their pursuit of fair treatment and equal access to essential resources.

Similarly, Suresh Giri Gosai's testimony sheds light on the precarious circumstances faced by him and his family following a tumultuous incident. The account delineates the challenges stemming from enduring issues of water and electricity shortages, which prompted the community to engage in peaceful protests. Notwithstanding the assurances given by the Tehsildar that no legal action would be taken, Suresh and his family were dismayed to find themselves implicated in a case.

The opacity of the process, exemplified by the authorities' refusal to provide a copy of the First Information Report (FIR) and their subsequent warning to secure bail or face further harm, underscores the vulnerability and fear experienced by the family. Suresh's depiction of the emotional and psychological toll on his well-being, coupled with the financial strain resulting from the need to arrange bail for his sons, offers a poignant insight into the pervasive ramifications of such incidents on marginalized communities.

His plea for a fair investigation and the aspiration for justice and security underscores the necessity for equitable treatment and due process within the legal system. Suresh's account serves as a compelling testament to the challenges confronted by individuals and families in asserting their rights and seeking redressal in the face of adversity and systemic injustices.

The ceremony also recognized the fearless journalism of Mr. Santosh Giri, who fearlessly documented a peaceful protest despite facing threats from corrupt elements within the police force.

The ensuing discussion revolved around plans for further action on the case, culminating in the resounding chant, "Long live human dignity and freedom." Subsequently, the team journeyed from Mirzapur district to Sonbhadra district, where they visited the resilient community of Raup.

Within Raup, the team learned of the complete electrification of the Ghasia ghetto, a significant milestone attributed to the intervention of Member of Parliament Shri Pakauri Lal Kol and human rights activist Lenin Raghuvanshi. This development brought a renewed sense of hope to a marginalized community that has long grappled with adversity.

The village, predominantly comprising the Ghasia Basti tribes, known for their rich cultural heritage and traditional dance forms, has faced numerous challenges stemming from territorial corruption and recurring famines. The persistent issue of a reliable water supply, exacerbated by broken pipelines, continues to be a pressing concern for the community, adding to their daily struggles. PVCHR's steadfast efforts in establishing a school within the settlement and their successful opposition to the construction of a stadium in the area underscore their unwavering commitment to uplift rural communities in India.

The recent electrification of the Ghasia ghetto in Raup, facilitated by the intervention of Member of Parliament Shri Pakauri Lal Kol and human rights activist Lenin Raghuvanshi, stands as a testament to the community's resilience and unwavering determination in the face of adversity. The interconnection between this narrative and PVCHR's ongoing dedication to advocating for justice and empowerment in marginalized communities highlights the profound impact of their tireless endeavors.

Through the personal accounts of Suresh Giri Gosai and Asha, this article amplifies the voices of the marginalized, emphasizing their plea for justice and equity. By shedding light on the challenges confronted by these communities, the article serves as a poignant reminder of the indomitable spirit and enduring strength that define the residents of Raup.

List of 12 Honored Survivors at the Ceremony in Kalwari Bazaar, Thana-Madhihan, Mirzapur District: