http://bhrpc.wordpress.com/2011/09/20/774/
Honouring survivors of torture and organised violence as a part of therapeutic intervention
Views from the Honour Ceremony of survivors of torture and organised violence that was held at Silchar, Assam on 13 September, 2011. The event was organised by Barak Human Rights Protection Committee (BHRPC), People s Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR) with support from Rehabilitation and Research Centre (RCT) at Banga Bhavan, Sadarghat Road, Silchar. As a part of testimonial therapy 8 survivors of torture by law enforcement officials, security forces, domestic violence and organised violence were honoured with garland, shawl by Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi and Shirin Saban Khan of PVCHR, Manindra Shankar Gupta and Imad Uddin Bulbul of BHRPC. The testimonies of the survivors were also read out and delivered to them. (Part-1)
Views from the Honour Ceremony of survivors of torture and organised violence that was held at Silchar, Assam on 13 September, 2011. The event was organised by Barak Human Rights Protection Committee (BHRPC), People s Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR) with support from Rehabilitation and Research Centre (RCT) at Banga Bhavan, Sadarghat Road, Silchar. As a part of testimonial therapy 8 survivors of torture by law enforcement officials, security forces, domestic violence and organised violence were honoured with garland, shawl by Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi and Shirin Saban Khan of PVCHR, Manindra Shankar Gupta and Imad Uddin Bulbul of BHRPC. The testimonies of the survivors were also read out and delivered to them. (Part-2)
Views from the Honour Ceremony of survivors of torture and organised violence that was held at Silchar, Assam on 13 September, 2011. The event was organised by Barak Human Rights Protection Committee (BHRPC), People s Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR) with support from Rehabilitation and Research Centre (RCT) at Banga Bhavan, Sadarghat Road, Silchar. As a part of testimonial therapy 8 survivors of torture by law enforcement officials, security forces, domestic violence and organised violence were honoured with garland, shawl by Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi and Shirin Saban Khan of PVCHR, Manindra Shankar Gupta and Imad Uddin Bulbul of BHRPC. The testimonies of the survivors were also read out and delivered to them. (Part-3)
Views from the Honour Ceremony of survivors of torture and organised violence that was held at Silchar, Assam on 13 September, 2011. The event was organised by Barak Human Rights Protection Committee (BHRPC), People s Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR) with support from Rehabilitation and Research Centre (RCT) at Banga Bhavan, Sadarghat Road, Silchar. As a part of testimonial therapy 8 survivors of torture by law enforcement officials, security forces, domestic violence and organised violence were honoured with garland, shawl by Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi and Shirin Saban Khan of PVCHR, Manindra Shankar Gupta and Imad Uddin Bulbul of BHRPC. The testimonies of the survivors were also read out and delivered to them. (Part-4)
Views from the Honour Ceremony of survivors of torture and organised violence that was held at Silchar, Assam on 13 September, 2011. The event was organised by Barak Human Rights Protection Committee (BHRPC), People s Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR) with support from Rehabilitation and Research Centre (RCT) at Banga Bhavan, Sadarghat Road, Silchar. As a part of testimonial therapy 8 survivors of torture by law enforcement officials, security forces, domestic violence and organised violence were honoured with garland, shawl by Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi and Shirin Saban Khan of PVCHR, Manindra Shankar Gupta and Imad Uddin Bulbul of BHRPC. The testimonies of the survivors were also read out and delivered to them. (Part-5)
Views from the Honour Ceremony of survivors of torture and organised violence that was held at Silchar, Assam on 13 September, 2011. The event was organised by Barak Human Rights Protection Committee (BHRPC), People s Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR) with support from Rehabilitation and Research Centre (RCT) at Banga Bhavan, Sadarghat Road, Silchar. As a part of testimonial therapy 8 survivors of torture by law enforcement officials, security forces, domestic violence and organised violence were honoured with garland, shawl by Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi and Shirin Saban Khan of PVCHR, Manindra Shankar Gupta and Imad Uddin Bulbul of BHRPC. The testimonies of the survivors were also read out and delivered to them. (Part-6)
Views from the Honour Ceremony of survivors of torture and organised violence that was held at Silchar, Assam on 13 September, 2011. The event was organised by Barak Human Rights Protection Committee (BHRPC), People s Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR) with support from Rehabilitation and Research Centre (RCT) at Banga Bhavan, Sadarghat Road, Silchar. As a part of testimonial therapy 8 survivors of torture by law enforcement officials, security forces, domestic violence and organised violence were honoured with garland, shawl by Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi and Shirin Saban Khan of PVCHR, Manindra Shankar Gupta and Imad Uddin Bulbul of BHRPC. The testimonies of the survivors were also read out and delivered to them. (Part-7)
Views from the Honour Ceremony of survivors of torture and organised violence that was held at Silchar, Assam on 13 September, 2011. The event was organised by Barak Human Rights Protection Committee (BHRPC), People s Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR) with support from Rehabilitation and Research Centre (RCT) at Banga Bhavan, Sadarghat Road, Silchar. As a part of testimonial therapy 8 survivors of torture by law enforcement officials, security forces, domestic violence and organised violence were honoured with garland, shawl by Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi and Shirin Saban Khan of PVCHR, Manindra Shankar Gupta and Imad Uddin Bulbul of BHRPC. The testimonies of the survivors were also read out and delivered to them. (Part-8)
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Monday, September 26, 2011
उत्तर प्रदेश के चन्दौली जिले मे परिवहनकर्मियो की पिटाई से ट्रक चालक की मौत के समबन्ध में
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: PVCHR MINORITY <minority.pvchr@gmail.com>
Date: 2011/9/26
Subject: उत्तर प्रदेश के चन्दौली जिले मे परिवहनकर्मियो की पिटाई से ट्रक चालक की मौत के समबन्ध में
To: jrlawnhrc@hub.nic.in
Cc: akpnhrc@yahoo.com
From: PVCHR MINORITY <minority.pvchr@gmail.com>
Date: 2011/9/26
Subject: उत्तर प्रदेश के चन्दौली जिले मे परिवहनकर्मियो की पिटाई से ट्रक चालक की मौत के समबन्ध में
To: jrlawnhrc@hub.nic.in
Cc: akpnhrc@yahoo.com
सेवा मे, 26 सितम्बर 2011
अध्यक्ष,
राष्ट्रीय मानवाधिकार आयोग
नई दिल्ली,
विषय:- उत्तर प्रदेश के चन्दौली जिले मे परिवहनकर्मियो की पिटाई से ट्रक चालक की मौत के समबन्ध में।
महोदय,
मै, आपका ध्यान 26 सितम्बर 2011 की दैनिक जागरण की खबर ' परिवहन कर्मियो ने ट्रक चालक को पीटकर मार डाला ' पर आकृष्ट करना चाहता हुँ।[i](लिंक-http://in.jagran.yahoo.com/news/national/crime/Truck-driver-murdered-bribe_5_18_8270760.html
लेख है कि, कौशाम्बी जिले के थाना सैनी स्थित ग्राम सिराथू निवासी अनंत लाल गुप्ता अपने पुत्र अश्विनी कुमार के साथ ट्रक पर गाजियाबाद से दवा लोड कर कोलकाता जा रहा था। वह वाहन लेकर उत्तर प्रदेश के चंदौली जिले के सिंघीताली ओवरब्रिज के पास पहुंचा ही था कि परिवहन विभाग की एक जीप में सवार कर्मियों ने ट्रक को ओवरटेक कर अलीनगर के करीब रोक लिया। उन्होंने अनंत लाल से कागजात की मांग की।कागजात उपलब्ध नही करने पर उन्होने चालक अनंत की पिटाई कर दी जिससे अनंत की मौत हो गयी ।
महोदय, इस सम्बंध में निवेदन/मांग है घटना की जांच की जाय तथा दोषियो पर कार्यवाही किया जाय।कृपया अतिशीध्र आवश्यक कार्यवाही करने का कष्ट करे ।
भवदीय
डा लेनिन
(महा सचिव)
मानवाधिकार जन निगरानि समिति
एस.ए. 4 /2 ए,दौलतपुर,वाराणसी
मोबा.न0:+91-9935599333
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Open letter to Prime Minister of India for witch hunting practice in Mayourpur block of Sonbhadra district
To,
Dr. Manmohan Singh
Prime Minister of India,
Government of India
New Delhi
Honourable Sir,
Witch hunting is still prevalent and brutally practiced in the twenty-first century in the rural part of India. Almost every other day, a woman is branded a witch or victimised for witch-hunting in the hinterlands of Uttar Pradesh, where Government and NGOs deliberately keep mum on that issue. PVCHR came to know through local dailies and activists that witch hunting are committed in the remotest corner of the State as it is practiced in Mayourpur block of Dudhi tehsil in Sonebhadra district of Uttar Pradesh.
To probe into the fact that women branded ‘witch’, then a team of the psycho therapist reached Mayourpur and provided the psychological support through testimonial therapy to the two women (Please see Smt. Jagesari Devi’s testimony at www.testimonialtherapy.org/2011/09/i-think-am-i-really-witch.html and Smt. Somari Devi’s testimony at www.testimonialtherapy.org/2011/09/im-not-disturbed-by-fact-that-i-was.html) and a couple’s testimony such as Smt. Manbasiya testimony at www.testimonialtherapy.org/2011/09/if-i-am-witch-then-why-i-was-undressed.html and (Jodhi Lal’s testimony at www.testimonialtherapy.org/2011/09/my-wife-branded-witch-and- then.html) those who had to undergo the trials and tribulations emanating out of witch hunting.
Mayourpur, a place which is quite economically backward, where people have almost no access to the basic necessities of life be it education and health care. In this kind of situation, people tend to be steeped into obscurantism and superstition. And anything bad that might befall these villagers like bad crop, diseases, sudden and unexplained death of someone in the family, or drying of well tend to be considered the work of some evil ‘witch’. Thus begins a witch hunt to locate the person responsible. When daughter of Jagesari’s brother-in-law Sahdev died due to illness on August 1, 2010, she went to Sahdev’s house to condole the death, she saw that an ojha present there. He started branding Jagesari as a dayan (witch) and made her responsible for the death. The villagers gathered for the burial stood as mute spectators and her tongue was slashed as punishment.
PVCHR forwarded the cases to the National Human Rights Commission, New Delhi and Director General of Police (DGP) Lucknow and to Mr. Deepak Kumar, Superintendent of Police, Sonebhadra in a vide letter no. एस /शि - 26 ए/11 dated 9th May 2011 directed to be vigilant in preparing a list of actors, who brand women as witch, especially the Ojha, Sokha and the others involved in this type of activity. It requested to hold regular meetings with an effort to create awareness against the practice of witch hunting
We demand a national legislation and special empowerment programme for the women in the witch hunting- prone area and awareness campaign to promote education and health.
Thanking You
Sincerely,
Lenin Raghuvanshi
Secretary General
Dr. Manmohan Singh
Prime Minister of India,
Government of India
New Delhi
Honourable Sir,
Witch hunting is still prevalent and brutally practiced in the twenty-first century in the rural part of India. Almost every other day, a woman is branded a witch or victimised for witch-hunting in the hinterlands of Uttar Pradesh, where Government and NGOs deliberately keep mum on that issue. PVCHR came to know through local dailies and activists that witch hunting are committed in the remotest corner of the State as it is practiced in Mayourpur block of Dudhi tehsil in Sonebhadra district of Uttar Pradesh.
To probe into the fact that women branded ‘witch’, then a team of the psycho therapist reached Mayourpur and provided the psychological support through testimonial therapy to the two women (Please see Smt. Jagesari Devi’s testimony at www.testimonialtherapy.org/2011/09/i-think-am-i-really-witch.html and Smt. Somari Devi’s testimony at www.testimonialtherapy.org/2011/09/im-not-disturbed-by-fact-that-i-was.html) and a couple’s testimony such as Smt. Manbasiya testimony at www.testimonialtherapy.org/2011/09/if-i-am-witch-then-why-i-was-undressed.html and (Jodhi Lal’s testimony at www.testimonialtherapy.org/2011/09/my-wife-branded-witch-and- then.html) those who had to undergo the trials and tribulations emanating out of witch hunting.
Mayourpur, a place which is quite economically backward, where people have almost no access to the basic necessities of life be it education and health care. In this kind of situation, people tend to be steeped into obscurantism and superstition. And anything bad that might befall these villagers like bad crop, diseases, sudden and unexplained death of someone in the family, or drying of well tend to be considered the work of some evil ‘witch’. Thus begins a witch hunt to locate the person responsible. When daughter of Jagesari’s brother-in-law Sahdev died due to illness on August 1, 2010, she went to Sahdev’s house to condole the death, she saw that an ojha present there. He started branding Jagesari as a dayan (witch) and made her responsible for the death. The villagers gathered for the burial stood as mute spectators and her tongue was slashed as punishment.
PVCHR forwarded the cases to the National Human Rights Commission, New Delhi and Director General of Police (DGP) Lucknow and to Mr. Deepak Kumar, Superintendent of Police, Sonebhadra in a vide letter no. एस /शि - 26 ए/11 dated 9th May 2011 directed to be vigilant in preparing a list of actors, who brand women as witch, especially the Ojha, Sokha and the others involved in this type of activity. It requested to hold regular meetings with an effort to create awareness against the practice of witch hunting
We demand a national legislation and special empowerment programme for the women in the witch hunting- prone area and awareness campaign to promote education and health.
Thanking You
Sincerely,
Lenin Raghuvanshi
Secretary General
Friday, September 23, 2011
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
I’M NOT DISTURBED BY THE FACT THAT I WAS BEING BURNT ALIVE
I am Somari Devi. I am 40 years old. My husband’s name is Dinesh Gaur. We live in Balliaripur village, which in Sonebhadra district of Uttar Pradesh I have 3 sons and all of them are married. Eldest son is Sanjay, who is literate. Raghunath Prasad is the second son and the youngest is Deendayal. We till and plough our 2 bighas of land for running the household.
On 14th January 2010, at the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti, people were happy and rejoicing. I went outside the home and then it came to my mind that the cow had to be tied in the rope. It was around 2 pm. I untied the cow from the stake and crossed the road to attach the rope to another pole and I was accompanied by my husband. He was calling the cows. When I had tied the cow to the post, suddenly Shivnarayan Gaur stood in front of me and tried to create mischief. I was not able to understand what’s was the matter. I had never talked to Shivnarayan nor had I quarrelled with him.
Within in no time I called me ‘witch’ and pushed me in the nearby burning fire. But the fire was not so virulent. Back side of my saree caught fire. I was wearing a cotton petticoat so it was a saving grace for me. My husband rushed and rushed me to home. Then also, my left and right arm got burnt. Even it affected the lower portion of my body. Shivnarayan ran away and my daughters-in-law applied balm in the burnt portion of my body and changed my saree. I was not worried that I got burnt but it always reverberated in my ears the word ‘witch’, which he branded me. Earlier nobody had called me a ‘witch’. Whenever I think about it, it has a repulsive effect in my body. I think, if my husband would not have been there, then I would have been killed. It enrages me like anything. Why did he call me ‘witch’ and I feel disgraced. People in their hush tone point out there must me something so only I was branded a ‘witch’ It disturbs me like anything. To whom I have to prove my innocence. I start crying thinking about it.
Next day, I went along with my husband to Dudhi police station and narrated the entire incident. A FIR was filed against the guilty. Policemen came and took Shivnarayan to the police station. In the police station he accepted his fault and told that he had committed the crime under influence of alcohol or intoxicant. He fell in the feet of the police officials. Though I had pardoned him but still I have not forgiven. Women in the society are abused, humiliated, and battered. Is this a civilised society? I am quite relieved sharing my woes with you. Whoever has committed the crime should be given an exemplary punishment.
Therapist: Farhat Shaba Khanam & Meena Patel
On 14th January 2010, at the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti, people were happy and rejoicing. I went outside the home and then it came to my mind that the cow had to be tied in the rope. It was around 2 pm. I untied the cow from the stake and crossed the road to attach the rope to another pole and I was accompanied by my husband. He was calling the cows. When I had tied the cow to the post, suddenly Shivnarayan Gaur stood in front of me and tried to create mischief. I was not able to understand what’s was the matter. I had never talked to Shivnarayan nor had I quarrelled with him.
Within in no time I called me ‘witch’ and pushed me in the nearby burning fire. But the fire was not so virulent. Back side of my saree caught fire. I was wearing a cotton petticoat so it was a saving grace for me. My husband rushed and rushed me to home. Then also, my left and right arm got burnt. Even it affected the lower portion of my body. Shivnarayan ran away and my daughters-in-law applied balm in the burnt portion of my body and changed my saree. I was not worried that I got burnt but it always reverberated in my ears the word ‘witch’, which he branded me. Earlier nobody had called me a ‘witch’. Whenever I think about it, it has a repulsive effect in my body. I think, if my husband would not have been there, then I would have been killed. It enrages me like anything. Why did he call me ‘witch’ and I feel disgraced. People in their hush tone point out there must me something so only I was branded a ‘witch’ It disturbs me like anything. To whom I have to prove my innocence. I start crying thinking about it.
Next day, I went along with my husband to Dudhi police station and narrated the entire incident. A FIR was filed against the guilty. Policemen came and took Shivnarayan to the police station. In the police station he accepted his fault and told that he had committed the crime under influence of alcohol or intoxicant. He fell in the feet of the police officials. Though I had pardoned him but still I have not forgiven. Women in the society are abused, humiliated, and battered. Is this a civilised society? I am quite relieved sharing my woes with you. Whoever has committed the crime should be given an exemplary punishment.
Therapist: Farhat Shaba Khanam & Meena Patel
IF I AM A ‘WITCH’ THEN WHY I WAS UNDRESSED
I am 45-year old Manbhasiya Gond. I live in Ghagri village, which falls under the jurisdiction of Bhabni police station in Sonebhadra district of Uttar Pradesh. My husband’s name is Jodhilal, who is a farmer. I have 2 sons and 7 daughters. One among my sons and 2 daughters are married. My children are Suratlal, Rajkumari, Rajpati, Hiramati, Sonamati, Sonekumar, Kanwalpati, Sitapati, and Ramsurat. Earlier I used to help my husband in tilling and ploughing the land. Now I am physically incapacitated to do the work.
Still it is etched in my memory when I was branded ‘witch’ and attacked with axe, whose pain still lingers on.
On July 2010, at 4.00 p.m. Ramroop, a cousin who belongs to our lineage called me. Just half kilometre away from our house lived his nephew, Deepak, who had lost his 1 year old son. I thought in such difficult situation I should rush immediately, my husband told that you go I am coming. When I reached there, Deepak started hurling abuse and shouted on me, “You ‘witch’ and I don’t know what you have done to my son?” Then, Ramroop entered the room and threw the dead child on my lap and said, “You are swallowing up each and every member of the family.” I was quite pained and was got infuriated at the allegations made against me. Responding to their allegations, I said, “Get it examined if I have done anything.” Then, Deepak clutched my elbow and Ramroop ran towards with an axe, shouting, “You bastard ‘witch’.” She should be eliminated immediately, then Ramroop attacked me with axe and I was unconscious. Deepak’s younger brother Devkushan and father Chhote Lal were raining incessant blows on me with wooden stick. I had fallen down. Blows were rained on my lips and my front tooth had broken. Then, axe was punched on my cheek, I was unconscious and blood started oozing out of my chest, lips, cheek and there injury in my private parts. My saree was thrown and I was undressed. What had happened to me I don’t remember. When my husband reached he saw what had been done to me. Seeing my husband, all who had gathered disappeared. Then, my husband took me to home with tears falling down his eyes. I was taken to Myorpur Government hospital at 10 a.m where I was unconscious for two days. After 2 days, when my husband and children came in front of me I could not control my tears.
When I was crying then my husband tried to make me understand that he could not do anything when heinous things were done to me. Then he told me to forget and not to worry. After 10 days, I was discharged from the hospital. I took medicine for one month from a Bengali medical practitioner. My husband filed a FIR and the guilty were put behind the bars. But later on, they were released on bail. Still the case is going on. My husband had to spend Rs. 20,000 on medicines and for 8 days I could not gulp a morsel of food. Now our financial condition had quite worsened. Due to physical weakness I am not able to work and there is constant headache. There is giddiness as the head goes on reeling. My vision has reduced and it haunts my mind that why those people thrashed by undressing me. If I was a ‘witch’ they could have beaten, then why they removed my clothes. In the hospital, the lady doctor asked me if I was sexually assaulted or not? What I could have told her I don’t remember anything. But there is constant body ache and I don’t know what they have done to me? Thinking about this, I spend sleepless nights and think that if I would have died than what would have happened to the family? Many a times I get infuriated. I fear to venture outside. We have to spend Rs. 2000 for filing the case.
Now even if I wish to do anything but I am not able to do that. Those who tortured and branded me as ‘witch’ say that this time they would kill me. I want that exemplary punishment should be given to the guilty.
Therapist: Barkha
Testimony translated by Mr. Tarun Kanti Bose
Still it is etched in my memory when I was branded ‘witch’ and attacked with axe, whose pain still lingers on.
On July 2010, at 4.00 p.m. Ramroop, a cousin who belongs to our lineage called me. Just half kilometre away from our house lived his nephew, Deepak, who had lost his 1 year old son. I thought in such difficult situation I should rush immediately, my husband told that you go I am coming. When I reached there, Deepak started hurling abuse and shouted on me, “You ‘witch’ and I don’t know what you have done to my son?” Then, Ramroop entered the room and threw the dead child on my lap and said, “You are swallowing up each and every member of the family.” I was quite pained and was got infuriated at the allegations made against me. Responding to their allegations, I said, “Get it examined if I have done anything.” Then, Deepak clutched my elbow and Ramroop ran towards with an axe, shouting, “You bastard ‘witch’.” She should be eliminated immediately, then Ramroop attacked me with axe and I was unconscious. Deepak’s younger brother Devkushan and father Chhote Lal were raining incessant blows on me with wooden stick. I had fallen down. Blows were rained on my lips and my front tooth had broken. Then, axe was punched on my cheek, I was unconscious and blood started oozing out of my chest, lips, cheek and there injury in my private parts. My saree was thrown and I was undressed. What had happened to me I don’t remember. When my husband reached he saw what had been done to me. Seeing my husband, all who had gathered disappeared. Then, my husband took me to home with tears falling down his eyes. I was taken to Myorpur Government hospital at 10 a.m where I was unconscious for two days. After 2 days, when my husband and children came in front of me I could not control my tears.
When I was crying then my husband tried to make me understand that he could not do anything when heinous things were done to me. Then he told me to forget and not to worry. After 10 days, I was discharged from the hospital. I took medicine for one month from a Bengali medical practitioner. My husband filed a FIR and the guilty were put behind the bars. But later on, they were released on bail. Still the case is going on. My husband had to spend Rs. 20,000 on medicines and for 8 days I could not gulp a morsel of food. Now our financial condition had quite worsened. Due to physical weakness I am not able to work and there is constant headache. There is giddiness as the head goes on reeling. My vision has reduced and it haunts my mind that why those people thrashed by undressing me. If I was a ‘witch’ they could have beaten, then why they removed my clothes. In the hospital, the lady doctor asked me if I was sexually assaulted or not? What I could have told her I don’t remember anything. But there is constant body ache and I don’t know what they have done to me? Thinking about this, I spend sleepless nights and think that if I would have died than what would have happened to the family? Many a times I get infuriated. I fear to venture outside. We have to spend Rs. 2000 for filing the case.
Now even if I wish to do anything but I am not able to do that. Those who tortured and branded me as ‘witch’ say that this time they would kill me. I want that exemplary punishment should be given to the guilty.
Therapist: Barkha
Testimony translated by Mr. Tarun Kanti Bose
MY WIFE BRANDED ‘WITCH’ AND THEN INTIMIDATED AND TORTURED
I am Jodhilal and 46 years old. I live in Ghagri village, which is in Sonebhadra district of Uttar Pradesh. My wife Manbhasiya is 45 year old. I am a farmer. I have 2 sons and 7 daughters. One among my sons and 2 daughters are married. She used to help me in tilling and ploughing the land. But now she is physically and mentally incapacitated. Now I am passing through most painstaking days of my life.
On July 2010, at around 4.00 p.m. Ramroop, my wife’s cousin belonging to same lineage called her as his nephew, Deepak, whose 1 year old son had died. When my wife reached there, Deepak started hurling abuse and shouted, “You ‘witch’ had gobbled up my son, and he has died.” Then, Ramroop threw the dead child on my wife’s lap and said, “You are swallowing up each and every member of the family. Turn him alive or otherwise we would undressed and shave off your hair. We would blacken your head and whiten your face with lime. Then round you up through out the village.” Ramroop clutched her elbow and pushed her inside. My wife was crying incessantly but 40 people, who had gathered there stood as a mute spectator. She was taken inside and then, Deepak caught my wife’s arm and hammered the axe over her head. Still, then she was conscious. Again he incessantly ironed the blow with the axe and then she fell down. Blows were rained on her lips and her front tooth broke. Then, he punched the axe on her cheek, she was unconscious and blood started oozing out of her chest, lips and cheek.
When I reached there I was quite shocked to see what had happened to my wife. Villagers were standing as mute spectators. Seeing the condition of my wife, my daughter-in-law Rajmati and daughter Suman Devi wept uncontrollably. Villagers lend their helping hand to carry my wife up to my door. Villagers thought that Manbasiya had died but some of them said that she is alive and immediately take her to the hospital. At that moment, I was confused where the money would come from as I had no single paise in my pocket. Then, Jaimangal called for a vehicle from Bhabni. I mortgaged my land and 13 mahua trees and got Rs. 1,000 as a loan. Then I rushed to the Government Hospital in Myorpur. Seeing my wife, the doctor said she is in a very critical state, rush her to BHU Hospital. I told the doctor I have no money, please admit her. Then, the doctor asked me to arrange for some money. I rang up my son and told him to bring the money. Then, the doctor asked the nurse to admit my wife and start the saline drip. When my son reached in the morning, then stitching was done. After an hour my wife was responsive to the medicine and regained her consciousness. Then she narrated the entire incident to us. She was discharged from the hospital after 10 days.
We went to the police station for filing a FIR but police refused to do that. After that, when I carried the medical report to Bhabni police station then, the police abused us with choicest epithets and drove us away. I got panicky and feared that they might eliminate my daughter-in-law or daughter. Distraught and dejected, we used to think would they attack us again.
After 2 days, villagers suggested us to talk to a lawyer. I had to go to Dudhi for purchasing wife’s medicine and then I went to the court. The lawyer helped in issuing a warrant against the guilty. Then, the police took my wife to Bhabni police station and then a FIR was filed. Sub Inspector Mishra filed FIR against Deepak, Dev Kushan, and Hoti Lal.
Earlier, they had tried to grab my land and trees. But those who have done detestable act to my wife should be given exemplary punishment. I am quite relieved after narrating the entire incident to you. I am feeling relaxed after the meditation.
Therapist: Pintu
On July 2010, at around 4.00 p.m. Ramroop, my wife’s cousin belonging to same lineage called her as his nephew, Deepak, whose 1 year old son had died. When my wife reached there, Deepak started hurling abuse and shouted, “You ‘witch’ had gobbled up my son, and he has died.” Then, Ramroop threw the dead child on my wife’s lap and said, “You are swallowing up each and every member of the family. Turn him alive or otherwise we would undressed and shave off your hair. We would blacken your head and whiten your face with lime. Then round you up through out the village.” Ramroop clutched her elbow and pushed her inside. My wife was crying incessantly but 40 people, who had gathered there stood as a mute spectator. She was taken inside and then, Deepak caught my wife’s arm and hammered the axe over her head. Still, then she was conscious. Again he incessantly ironed the blow with the axe and then she fell down. Blows were rained on her lips and her front tooth broke. Then, he punched the axe on her cheek, she was unconscious and blood started oozing out of her chest, lips and cheek.
When I reached there I was quite shocked to see what had happened to my wife. Villagers were standing as mute spectators. Seeing the condition of my wife, my daughter-in-law Rajmati and daughter Suman Devi wept uncontrollably. Villagers lend their helping hand to carry my wife up to my door. Villagers thought that Manbasiya had died but some of them said that she is alive and immediately take her to the hospital. At that moment, I was confused where the money would come from as I had no single paise in my pocket. Then, Jaimangal called for a vehicle from Bhabni. I mortgaged my land and 13 mahua trees and got Rs. 1,000 as a loan. Then I rushed to the Government Hospital in Myorpur. Seeing my wife, the doctor said she is in a very critical state, rush her to BHU Hospital. I told the doctor I have no money, please admit her. Then, the doctor asked me to arrange for some money. I rang up my son and told him to bring the money. Then, the doctor asked the nurse to admit my wife and start the saline drip. When my son reached in the morning, then stitching was done. After an hour my wife was responsive to the medicine and regained her consciousness. Then she narrated the entire incident to us. She was discharged from the hospital after 10 days.
We went to the police station for filing a FIR but police refused to do that. After that, when I carried the medical report to Bhabni police station then, the police abused us with choicest epithets and drove us away. I got panicky and feared that they might eliminate my daughter-in-law or daughter. Distraught and dejected, we used to think would they attack us again.
After 2 days, villagers suggested us to talk to a lawyer. I had to go to Dudhi for purchasing wife’s medicine and then I went to the court. The lawyer helped in issuing a warrant against the guilty. Then, the police took my wife to Bhabni police station and then a FIR was filed. Sub Inspector Mishra filed FIR against Deepak, Dev Kushan, and Hoti Lal.
Earlier, they had tried to grab my land and trees. But those who have done detestable act to my wife should be given exemplary punishment. I am quite relieved after narrating the entire incident to you. I am feeling relaxed after the meditation.
Therapist: Pintu
I THINK AM I REALLY A WITCH?
I am 32 –year old Jageshari Devi and wife of Ramashankar. I have 4 sons. Eldest is 11 year old Tejbali, second son is 6 year old Rambali, third one is 4 year old Shyamnarayan, and youngest is 1 year old Rajnarayan. I live in Kariya village, which falls under the jurisdiction of Dudhi police station in Sonebhadra district of Uttar Pradesh. My marriage took place in Zubeida (Aasandih) and I lived in in-laws house for 4 years. Then, I came back to Kariya to take care of my ailing father. 3 sisters are elder to me and they live along with their spouses in their ancestral house. We own 8 bighas of land on which I and my husband till the land for eking out of our living.
Just after 3 houses my cousin Dhullar lives along with her husband Sahdev She has 5 sons and 2 daughters. She lost her two sons. On 31st July 2007, Sania died. After hearing the news of his death I rushed to my cousin’s house. When I reached there, I saw 4 women and the ojha were busy trying to ward off the spirit using jhar –phook (healing ritual employed to expel the malevolent spirit). I sat inside. My brother-in-law sat stretching his legs with stick, rod, and hunter at the door. Seeing me he was continuously muttering ‘witch’, who has gobbled up my son. Staring at me he threatened ‘I won’t spare you. I would see how you leave this place and go outside’. Seeing his behaviour, I got scared. Baffled at that I was wondering what he was blabbering. I just spent the night there and then in the morning, when I saw Sahdev had moved away from the door then I rushed back to my home. If he would have been there then he would not allowed me to come. After reaching home I completed the household chores of sweeping the floor and washing the utensils. At around 12.00 noon, people started gathering for the burial of the boy. I was busy working at home. Then Sahdev called me ‘come here’. I was quite terrified at his behaviour in the previous night then also I gathered courage and went there.
Round about 60 people had gathered the boy’s last journey. Ojha was busy with his jhar-phook ritual. I also sat amongst the villagers huddled together with gloom writ large on their faces. Sahdev asked me to come in the front. Then, I thought why he was especially calling me. I was shivering with fear and heeded to his call. ‘What’s the matter’, I asked Sahdev. Then, he handed over Sania’s body and shouted on me, “You ‘witch’ turn him alive or otherwise I won’t spare you.” The ojha encircled me and started the jhar-phook ritual. Frightened I was sitting tight with Sania’s body in my lap. After a long jhar-phook ritual, Sahdev asked me to open the tongue and then I got nervous. Villagers were mute spectators to all what was happening. Then Sahdev told me to open the tongue so that he could throw some grains of rice, which would be ploughed up by a cock. Shivering with fear, I opened my mouth, Sahdev who was carrying a blade and slit my tongue.
I started screaming in pain and cried incessantly. Neither among those sitting along with me came to console me nor did they stop Sahdev. Blood started oozing out my mouth and within few moments it was splattered in the floor. My husband was scared and he did not say anything. All my cloth got soaked in blood. It crossed over my mind am I really a ‘witch’. In front of my eyes, ojha and Sahdev slit my tongue into small pieces and threw the grains of rice and ploughed by a cock. Then, all those who had gathered went to the burial ground and my husband also followed them. After the burial, they left the cock at the graveyard. Without caring about me I was left alone to suffer. Women living nearby my house also had in their mind that I was a ‘witch’ and left me to suffer. I cried through out the night without medicine or food. Since morning I had not taken any food. After my tongue was slashed I was not able to drink water. Throughout the night I groaning in pain but nobody came to my rescue.
Who would have taken care of my children if I would have rushed to the hospital? Today whenever I remember that I burst into rage for those who were standing as a mute spectator to such a ghastly incident. I think am I really a ‘witch’. In the morning, whatever had happened in the evening, everyone was talking about that. Accompanied by my husband, I went to the doctor at Myorpur Community Health Centre. He asked my husband what had happened. My husband narrated the entire incident. Then a Sub Inspector and a constable from Dudhi police station came in a jeep. I was admitted in the hospital. The Sub Inspector was time and again asking what had happened. Whenever I was trying to speak, there was excruciating pain in my tongue. Then, my husband narrated the facts to the police.
I was in the hospital for 4 days and my children were left alone. My husband stayed at the hospital. Nobody from my neighbour came to see me at the hospital. I was quite worried about my children. I was always something untoward should not happen with them. When I returned home then I came to know that Sahdev’s youngest son who had a prolonged illness had also died. Listening that, I started shaking in fear. Then I used to keep mum at the fact that the ojha and Sahdev were behind the bars. Ten, I used to shudder at the fact when they would be released what would be their behaviour towards me. My husband is quite simple and straight forward. They want to grab our land by branding me as ‘witch’. Earlier also, in our area a family was dispossessed from their land by putting up a quarrel. They also want to assiduously dispossess us from our land by branding me as a ‘witch’ and slashing my tongue. Driving us away they want to grab our land. I was quite worried and spent sleepless nights. I was able to swallow the food, neither I was able to drink. Whenever I used speak, it was incoherent. I want that whoever has done that and branded me a ‘witch’ should be given exemplary punishment. Fearing reprisals from Sahdev, neighbours do not turn up to see me. Whenever any one visits us they us what’s use of narrating it to others. I am quite infuriated at the fact whenever I think that nobody could do anything to me. I am quite relieved while narrating the entire incident to you.
Therapist: Farhat Shaba Khanam
Just after 3 houses my cousin Dhullar lives along with her husband Sahdev She has 5 sons and 2 daughters. She lost her two sons. On 31st July 2007, Sania died. After hearing the news of his death I rushed to my cousin’s house. When I reached there, I saw 4 women and the ojha were busy trying to ward off the spirit using jhar –phook (healing ritual employed to expel the malevolent spirit). I sat inside. My brother-in-law sat stretching his legs with stick, rod, and hunter at the door. Seeing me he was continuously muttering ‘witch’, who has gobbled up my son. Staring at me he threatened ‘I won’t spare you. I would see how you leave this place and go outside’. Seeing his behaviour, I got scared. Baffled at that I was wondering what he was blabbering. I just spent the night there and then in the morning, when I saw Sahdev had moved away from the door then I rushed back to my home. If he would have been there then he would not allowed me to come. After reaching home I completed the household chores of sweeping the floor and washing the utensils. At around 12.00 noon, people started gathering for the burial of the boy. I was busy working at home. Then Sahdev called me ‘come here’. I was quite terrified at his behaviour in the previous night then also I gathered courage and went there.
Round about 60 people had gathered the boy’s last journey. Ojha was busy with his jhar-phook ritual. I also sat amongst the villagers huddled together with gloom writ large on their faces. Sahdev asked me to come in the front. Then, I thought why he was especially calling me. I was shivering with fear and heeded to his call. ‘What’s the matter’, I asked Sahdev. Then, he handed over Sania’s body and shouted on me, “You ‘witch’ turn him alive or otherwise I won’t spare you.” The ojha encircled me and started the jhar-phook ritual. Frightened I was sitting tight with Sania’s body in my lap. After a long jhar-phook ritual, Sahdev asked me to open the tongue and then I got nervous. Villagers were mute spectators to all what was happening. Then Sahdev told me to open the tongue so that he could throw some grains of rice, which would be ploughed up by a cock. Shivering with fear, I opened my mouth, Sahdev who was carrying a blade and slit my tongue.
I started screaming in pain and cried incessantly. Neither among those sitting along with me came to console me nor did they stop Sahdev. Blood started oozing out my mouth and within few moments it was splattered in the floor. My husband was scared and he did not say anything. All my cloth got soaked in blood. It crossed over my mind am I really a ‘witch’. In front of my eyes, ojha and Sahdev slit my tongue into small pieces and threw the grains of rice and ploughed by a cock. Then, all those who had gathered went to the burial ground and my husband also followed them. After the burial, they left the cock at the graveyard. Without caring about me I was left alone to suffer. Women living nearby my house also had in their mind that I was a ‘witch’ and left me to suffer. I cried through out the night without medicine or food. Since morning I had not taken any food. After my tongue was slashed I was not able to drink water. Throughout the night I groaning in pain but nobody came to my rescue.
Who would have taken care of my children if I would have rushed to the hospital? Today whenever I remember that I burst into rage for those who were standing as a mute spectator to such a ghastly incident. I think am I really a ‘witch’. In the morning, whatever had happened in the evening, everyone was talking about that. Accompanied by my husband, I went to the doctor at Myorpur Community Health Centre. He asked my husband what had happened. My husband narrated the entire incident. Then a Sub Inspector and a constable from Dudhi police station came in a jeep. I was admitted in the hospital. The Sub Inspector was time and again asking what had happened. Whenever I was trying to speak, there was excruciating pain in my tongue. Then, my husband narrated the facts to the police.
I was in the hospital for 4 days and my children were left alone. My husband stayed at the hospital. Nobody from my neighbour came to see me at the hospital. I was quite worried about my children. I was always something untoward should not happen with them. When I returned home then I came to know that Sahdev’s youngest son who had a prolonged illness had also died. Listening that, I started shaking in fear. Then I used to keep mum at the fact that the ojha and Sahdev were behind the bars. Ten, I used to shudder at the fact when they would be released what would be their behaviour towards me. My husband is quite simple and straight forward. They want to grab our land by branding me as ‘witch’. Earlier also, in our area a family was dispossessed from their land by putting up a quarrel. They also want to assiduously dispossess us from our land by branding me as a ‘witch’ and slashing my tongue. Driving us away they want to grab our land. I was quite worried and spent sleepless nights. I was able to swallow the food, neither I was able to drink. Whenever I used speak, it was incoherent. I want that whoever has done that and branded me a ‘witch’ should be given exemplary punishment. Fearing reprisals from Sahdev, neighbours do not turn up to see me. Whenever any one visits us they us what’s use of narrating it to others. I am quite infuriated at the fact whenever I think that nobody could do anything to me. I am quite relieved while narrating the entire incident to you.
Therapist: Farhat Shaba Khanam
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
BVHRPC to continue its fight for human rights
http://www.sentinelassam.com/cachar/story.php?sec=2&subsec=12&id=89712&dtP=2011-09-14&ppr=1#89712
SILCHAR, Sept 13: Barak Valley Human Rights Protection Committee (BVHRPC) since its inception in 2002 has been fighting for upholding the cause of human rights and its protection. Whenever, there is report of violation of human rights, the Committee through its fact finding team after thorough investigation takes up the case at the national and international forums for effective check and initiation of action against the guilty and justice to the victim of torture, pointed out Neharul Ahmed Mazumdar, secretary general of the Committee, while addressing the gathering on the occasion of the ‘honour ceremony of the torture victims’ held at Banga Bhavan here today in association with the People’s Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR), Varanasi, and Rehabilitation and Research Centre for Torture Victim (RCT), Copenhagen, Denmark.
BVHRPC has been working against all odds, but it is universally acknowledged that ‘truth ultimately prevails’. With the active support of PVCHR and RCT, Barak Committee after receiving specific complaints goes deeper into the circumstances and related facts to unravel the truth and works out strategy to give justice to the victims. At this ceremony, ten men and women who were victims of domestic violence, torture by security forces as well as other forms of human rights abuses were honoured. These victims of torture were enlisted after their ‘testimonial therapy’ in a eight-day-long session for point to point scrutiny and examination of their statements.
Neharul Ahmed Mazumdar added to say that the sense of security infused in them, in fact, empowers them to the bold and assert their rights for self-defence. He pointed out most of the victims are from the economically backward and minority communities. It is most unfortunate, as he said, laws are used and misused for oppression and suppression. Security forces are often misguided and misused by persons with malafide intentions to score personal gain. The ‘Honour Ceremony’ pointed out Manindra Shankar Gupta, chairman of BVHRPC, said would embolden the victims to join the fight against injustice and torture caused by the various forms of violence. Chief Guest on the occasion Lenim Raghuvanshi, secretary general PVCHR, and Shirin Sabana Khan of PVCHR, addressing the assembly said that with the cooperation of people in general, the crusade against violation of human rights could be more strengthened and a world could be created through mass awakening and resolve free from torture and violence. It was their optimism that with the world wide voice against such criminal acts, it could become a reality, and not remain a dream.
Giving voice to fake encounter survivor
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsSMGR-h3pw http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsSMGR-h3pw
Monday, September 12, 2011
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Honour Ceremony of Survivors of Torture and Organised Violence
https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=122473137853142
Barak Human Rights Protection Committee (BHRPC), Assam; People s Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR), Varanasi and Rehabilitation and Research Centre for Victims of Torture (RCT), Denmark are going to hold an Honour Ceremony of Survivors of Torture and Organised Violence to honour some survivors from Barak valley.
Your presence is solicited to strengthen the fight for elimination of torture and violence.
Your presence is solicited to strengthen the fight for elimination of torture and violence.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
गरीब मुसहर की पिटाई एवम पुलिस दारा सहयोग नही करने के समबन्ध मे
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From: PVCHR MINORITY <minority.pvchr@gmail.com>
Date: 2011/9/6
Subject: गरीब मुसहर की पिटाई एवम पुलिस दारा सहयोग नही करने के समबन्ध मे
To: jrlawnhrc@hub.nic.in, DIG Varanasi <sspvns-up@nic.in>, IG Zone Police Varanasi <igzonevns-up@nic.in>
Cc: akpnhrc@yahoo.com, "pvchr.india" <pvchr.india@gmail.com>
From: PVCHR MINORITY <minority.pvchr@gmail.com>
Date: 2011/9/6
Subject: गरीब मुसहर की पिटाई एवम पुलिस दारा सहयोग नही करने के समबन्ध मे
To: jrlawnhrc@hub.nic.in, DIG Varanasi <sspvns-up@nic.in>, IG Zone Police Varanasi <igzonevns-up@nic.in>
Cc: akpnhrc@yahoo.com, "pvchr.india" <pvchr.india@gmail.com>
सेवा में, 05 सितम्बर, 2011
अध्यक्ष
राष्ट्रीय मानवाधिकार आयोग
नई दिल्ली
विषय: गरीब मुसहर के साथ मारपीट एवम पुलिस द्दारा सहयोग नही करने के सम्बन्ध में।
महोदय,
03 सितम्बर, 2011 को गुड्डु, पुत्र-लख्खन ग्राम-खरगपुर, थाना-फुलपुर, वाराणसी को लल्ली राजभर पुत्र-होरी राजभर (भट्ठा मालिक) जगदीशपुर तथा नत्थु (भट्ठा का मुंशी) ने बेवजह मंगारी बाजार से अपने घर आते समय भट्ठे पर रोका और काम करने को कहा। जब गुड्डु ने कहा कि ''मैं कही और काम करता हूँ और काम करके वापस घर जा रहा हूँ, आपका काम नही कर सकता,'' दोनो लोगों ने मिलकर गुड्डु पटककर लातो-जूतो तथा लाठी से पीटा। जिससे उसकी आँख सूज गयी है तथा शरीर पर कई जगह जख्म के निशान है। जब वो फूलपुर थाना पर शिकायत करने गया तो दरोगा जी ने गाली देकर भगा दिया और प्राइवेट डाक्टर से दवा ले लेने को कहा। पैसे के अभाव मे वह स्वास्थ्य केन्द्र पिण्डरा पर दवा लेने गया तो डाक्टर से अनुरोध किया कि उसका मेडिकल भी बना दीजिए तो डाक्टर ने कहा कि एफ0आई0आर0 की कापी लाओ तभी बनाऊगा और तभी दवा दूँगा। 05 सितम्बर, 2011 को वह पुनः फुलपुर थाना गया तो दरोगा ने उसे प्राइवेट डाक्टर से दवा लेने की सलाह दी और केस बाद में देख लेने का आस्वासन ।
लेख है कि लल्ली राजभर, पुत्र-होरी राजभर, जगदीशपुर, थाना-फुलपुर, वाराणसी का एक दबंग भट्ठा मालिक है। लल्ली राजभर पर कुछ अपराधिक मुकदमें भी दर्ज है जबकि कई गम्भीर आरोपो में उसने स्थानीय फुलपुर थाने की मदद से अपने को बचा लिया है। लल्ली ने 2005 में एक व्यक्ति बसन्त मुसहर को उसके घर से उठाकर मरवा दिया था। मामले में एफ0आई0आर0 तक नही हुआ। बसन्त मुसहर के परिवार वाले लल्ली के भय से कुछ नही कर पाते, जबकि पुलिस ने बसन्त की लाश का पोस्टमार्टम भी नही कराया।
लल्ली पर बंधुआ मजदूरी के भी कई मुकदमें दर्ज है। परन्तु उसके खिलाफ कोई भी कार्यवाही नही हुई। कानूनी कार्यवाही नही होने से जहाँ बसन्त और गुड्डू जैसे मुसहर लल्ली और थाना-फुलपुर, वाराणसी से भयभीत है, जबकि पुलिस की निष्क्रियता से लल्ली जैसे लोगों द्वारा शोषण करने की प्रवृत्ति बढ़ती जा रही है।
महोदय से अनुरोध है कि कृपा करके लल्ली राजभर, नत्थू एवं दोषी पुलिसकर्मियों के खिलाफ अति शीघ्र कानूनी कार्यवाही करने की कृपा करे।
भवदीय
डा0 लेनिन
(महासचिव )
मानवाधिकार जन निगरानी समिति
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