Petition to protest the unlawful detention of
Mr. Abhay Sahoo, President of Posco Pratirodha Sangram Samiti

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To:
Shri Navin Patnaik,
Chief Minister, Orissa,
Fax: 91-674-2400100

Date: October 16, 2008

Dear Chief Minister Patnaik,

We, the people around the world are both shocked and outraged at the continued suppression of the protests against the proposed POSCO project in Jagatsinghpur District of Orissa. The latest tactic used by your government - the arrest of Shri Abhay Sahoo, the leader of POSCO Pratirodh Sangram Samiti, a people's organisation which has been agitating against the forceful take over of their lands for POSCO project - deserves utmost condemnation. We are aware that on the evening of Sunday, October 12th, Abhay Sahoo was arrested near Paradip while he was returning from his medical treatment. The police in the area over the last two years has filed numerous false cases against him and other member of the PPSS, while taking no action against those responsible for the violent attacks on the people of the area. As we had feared these these false cases are now being used to unjustly keep Shri Sahoo under judicial custody in order to silence him and to intimidate those opposed to the project.

It is tragic that state violence is being unleashed against people who are trying to protect their lives and livelihoods. Moreover, the State government's moves to hand over the land to POSCO violates the Forest Rights Act, 2006 and is a criminal offence under the same act. Your government has come down very heavily on its own people, so much so that much of the area is under de-facto occupation of the police. This indicates a breakdown of governance and democratic institutions.

We, the people around the globe are watching your repressive regime and openly condemn your actions

We call upon you to ensure:
  • The immediate release of Shri Sahoo and all other arrested PPSS leaders;
  • Prosecution of all those responsible for violence against the people of the area and compensation to the people for the repression that they have suffered.
  • Restoration of the democratic rights of the people regardless of their position on the project.

Sincerely,

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