The Human Rights Forum (HRF) condemns the detainment and harassment by the Chattisgarh security forces of rights activists of the Coordination of Democratic Rights Organisations (CDRO). The activists, numbering 25 and from the States of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Chattisgarh and Delhi, are being held in Dubbathota village of Sukma district since last afternoon.
The CDRO team was on a fact-finding exercise to investigate reports of, among other human rights violations, recent aerial bombings by the security forces in south Bastar. The administration was informed about the visit in advance and there was no cause to obstruct their activity in any manner. To detain and harass them is completely unacceptable.
Are we to believe that the Chattisgarh government is intent on covering up wanton illegalities by the security forces as recent reports of aerial bombing suggest? Why then is legitimate democratic activity seeking to enquire into these highly disturbing reports being disallowed?
We call upon the Chattisgarh government to immediately release all the CDRO activists and desist from hindering their lawful right to unearth facts.
VS Krishna
(HRF Coordination Committee member
TS & AP)
S. Jeevan Kumar
(HRF Coordination Committee member
TS & AP)
02.02.2023
Hyderabad