To: Dr. Raman Singh, Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh
 
Cc: P. Chidambaram, Home Minister of India
Cc: ESL Narasimhan, Governor of Chattisgarh
Cc: Joy Oomen, Chief Secretary of Chattisgarh
Cc: Shrimati Sonia Gandhi President of Congress Party

We are watching with alarm the intimidation of individuals and peaceful civil society groups in Chhattisgarh. There appears to be a deepening pattern of violations of basic human rights. The state has first bulldozed the premises of Vanvasi Chetna Ashram (VCA) on May 17th, threatened its volunteers and on December 10th, the International Human Rights Day, arrested VCA volunteer Kopa Kunjum and his lawyer Alban Toppo of Human Rights Law Network without being presented the reasons for their arrest.

There has been a severe erosion of civil rights in Chhattisgarh. Although Alban has been later released, we have learned that both of them have been beaten up in police custody. Social workers like Dr. Binayak Sen and Ajay TG, who have sought accountability from the state have been harassed systematically. Others, like Manish Kunjam, the President of Adivasi Mahasabha, have had security withdrawn by the administration despite receiving death threats.

The Salwa Judum rally on Dec 10th issued open threats to Himanshu Kumar of VCA. The rally also coincided with the date when six women, raped by Salwa Judum activists were supposed to depose in court. These women have been facing constant intimidation.

The district administration has been carrying out a series of efforts to scuttle the peaceful padyatra in the Gandhian tradition planned by VCA in Dantewada to bring normalcy back to the region and to highlight the atrocities meted out to the adivasi communities.

I, the undersigned, extend my fullest support to the padyatris in Dantewada, and demand that the government of Chattisgarh take immediate steps to:
1. The immediate release of Kopa Kunjam and the protection of his life
2. Bring the police personnel to book who are responsible for the beating up of Kopa Kunjum and Alban Toppo in custody
3. Ensure the safety of the padyatris in Dantewada from attacks by any groups
4. Ensure the safety and justice of tribals who have lodged complaints, such as the rape victims

Yours Sincerely,