The Hindu : National : Medha on fast in Indore jail

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Friday, Aug 03, 2007
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Medha on fast in Indore jail

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: Narmada Bachao Andolan leader Medha Patkar, who is lodged in the Indore jail for the last seven days for launching an agitation seeking “land for land” for villagers displaced by the Narmada dam, has gone on a protest fast.

Ms. Patkar, along with 90 others, was arrested in Badwani last week. Most of the villagers and adivasis were granted bail after four to five days. Hundreds of adivasis and farmers were present in the Badwani court and its premises on Wednesday when Ms. Patkar was produced in the court. She is scheduled to appear in the court again on August 3 in another case pertaining to 2002 in which she is charged with causing damage to Government property and injuries to officials.

“It is a matter of shame that such unbelievable and audacious charges are being framed against Medha Patkar by the Government. It is now clear that the authorities are eager to ensure that she remains in jail for as long as possible, in yet another desperate attempt to repress the Narmada Bachao Andolan,” said NBA member Clifton Rozario.

Protest continues

The “zameen hak satyagraha” (Right to Land), which began on July 13 with land occupation in Taloon in Badwani, followed by the arrest of protesters on July 25, is continuing.

The women, who were released from the Indore jail on July 31, along with others, protested in front of the Badwani Police Station. They have filed a complaint seeking action against the police for the alleged atrocities committed against women during the arrest.

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