People's Democracy

THE barbaric police attack on the tribal people of Chiruin Markundi village near Robertsgunj in Sonbhadra district and the naked display of power recently was enough to send shivers down the spine of the civilised people. The episode raises a big question mark as to whether there is any real meaning of independence and democracy for the poor and the unprivileged?

On August 25, at about 8 in the night, three jeeps full of policemen from Robertsgunj reached the tribals’ colony and unleashed terror against them. Women and men, the old and the children --- all were mercilessly beaten up. Amid the shrill screams, cries and tears, the policemen ceaselessly exhibited their ‘valour’ by targeting the poor Adivasis. Their houses, made of thatched grass, were razed to the ground. Dozens of women were hurt. Amongst them were Sanichari, Phulwa, Kalpatia, Bilasi, Munia and others. Even today, their hands, feet and backs bear the marks of brutal blows delivered by the police. A person named Phulchand was seriously injured, as his hand was broken by the police. He is still in hospital.

When I reached there on August 31, alongwith the CPI(M) district secretary Premnath and district committee member Dr Singla, Javed Akhtar of Samajwadi Party and Suresh Singh of SJP, the ransacked huts bore testimony to the barbaric police action. The terrified faces of women, naked children and ill-clad men reflected the impact of the brazen display of power and the brutality of the police onslaught. Sukhan Prasad and Charku told us that these people, belonging to the Ghusia tribe, lived on hills and made their living by selling wood. After the ban on timber felling, they were facing a near-starvation situation. Most of these tribals then migrated and started living in thatched huts in the ground of the proposed DC office, pulling rickshaws for their living.

The provocation for the attack was the firm resolve of the tribals to protect the honour of their women. When two youth of the village, Phulchand and Somaru, went to the main road shops to buy some essential items on August 25 evening, two policemen waylaid them. The policemen asked them to bring them maal (girls) from their colony or at least aid them in the effort. When the tribal youth refused to cooperate with the policemen, they were told that they would be shot for being Naxalites. Both of them were beaten up mercilessly and Phulchand’s right hand was fractured. While the people of the colony carried him to the SP’s residence, the policemen unleashed a reign of terror in their habitation and ransacked it, so that they face no resistance whenever they wish to satisfy their lust. Instead of taking action against the policeman who had the temerity to demand women, the police arrested seven persons.

It is to be noted here that almost all these tribals are very good artists who perform the popular traditional dance Karma, Jhumar and Dumkaj. Many of them have been rewarded for their performances by the government of India. The barbaric police action on these tribals only reflects the state of our society today. When the government throttles cultural and artistic expression by using fascistic methods, why should the police force respect these tribal artists? The government has given them certificates for their performance but no land to earn their livelihood.

The tribals disclosed that there were hundreds of acres of gram sabha land in the neighbourhood. The CPI(M)’s Sonbhadra district committee has decided to take up the issue of securing land for these landless tribals. A multi-party delegation consisting of leaders from the CPI(M) and other parties met the inspector general of police and demanded stringent action. Two policemen who had asked for girls, have been put behind the bars and the district magistrate is conducting an inquiry.

ON August 15, when the nation was celebrating the Independence Day, the Mushahar tribals in Peduka village in Varanasi district were being terrorised by the police and threatened to be dragged to jails. A person named Phenku was mercilessly beaten up and tortured in the police station. The police was determined to teach the tribals a lesson as they resisted police oppression and false charges. The terrified tribals then abandoned their homes and fled.

When the tribals sent a message to the CPI(M)’s district party office, the district secretary met the superintendent of police and demanded a halt to this reign of terror immediately. A massive demonstration under the leadership of Khet Mazdoor Union was organised on August 21. It was only after the intervention of the local CPI(M) unit that the tribals returned to their homes.