15 February 2009

To:  Director General of Police (DGP)

      Ranchi, Jharkhand

      Fax: 0651-2400 738 

Complaint: Further Harassment of NREGA Activists in Manika 

Dear Sir, 

Further to our earlier discussion, I am writing to complain in the strongest possible terms against the arrest (today) of Bhukhan Singh and Niyamat Ansari in Manika, Latehar District. 

Please refer to our previous complaint (attached), about a fake FIR being lodged against Bhukhan, Niyamat and others, and to our discussion at your office on 10 February 2009. As explained earlier, the charges against Bhukhan and Niyamat, about alleged harassment of Forest Department officials on 3 February 2009, are patently false since Bhukhan and Niyamat were in Latehar that day (and not in Jerua as alleged in this FIR). You had assured us that you would look into this matter and that no innocent person would be victimized. However, Bhukhan and Niyamat have been arrested today based on these false charges. 

This is an outrageous case of harassment of vulnerable people. As explained in our earlier letter, this harassment appears to be a reaction of vested interests against Bhukhan and Niyamat’s courageous work for better implementation of the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA). The police have a duty to protect them instead of cooperating with their harassment. We appeal to ensure that these false charges are dropped and that Bhukhan and Niyamat are released immediately. 

Yours sincerely, 
 
 
 
 

Jean Drèze