13 July 2009
*Re: India – Physical assault on human rights defenders, **Mr
**Choudhury Charan Gorh **and *
**Mr **Shyama Prasad Kurmi**
Front Line is deeply concerned following reports of a physical assault
on human rights defenders, *Mr Choudhury Charan Gorh *and *Mr Shyama
Prasad Kurmi*, on 30 June 2009 in Hailakandi, Assam. Mr Choudhury Charan
Gorh is the secretary of NGO HELP, a grass-roots organisation which
monitors corruption in the local self-government (the Panchayati Raj)
and works for the practical realisation of rural development. Mr Shyama
Prasad Kurmi is also a member of NGO HELP and of the All Assam Students
Union (ASSU) which advocates for students' rights in the province and
campaigns against corruption and mis-governance.
On 30 June 2009, NGO HELP convened a public meeting to discuss the scale
of corruption in the implementation of rural development schemes by the
local government in Assam, in conjunction with the Aenakhal Unit of the
ASSU and the Mazuri Shramik Union, a local labour organisation which
raises awareness concerning the development schemes of the Union
government of India and the State Government of Assam. At approximately
3.00 pm, a group of armed men, carrying daggers, sticks and swords,
broke up the meeting and assaulted the attendees indiscriminately.
Choudhury Charan Gorh and Shyama Prasad Kurmi sustained severe injuries
and were admitted to hospital. The identity of the armed men who
assaulted them is known to the human rights defenders; they are believed
to be connected to the president of Aenakhal Gaon Panchayat, the village
level unit of the institution of Pachayati Raj.
The organisers of the public meeting had previously informed the
District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police of Hailakandi and
Officer-in-Charge of Lala police station of the forthcoming meeting.
They had also requested a police security presence for the meeting,
fearing a potential disruption from those involved in corruption in
local development schemes. No response to this security request was
received. Following the attack, the organisers of the meeting filed a
complaint with the Lala Police Station. As yet, no visible action has
been taken by the police to investigate the case or bring the
perpetrators to justice.
Front Line believes that the break-up of the meeting organised by NGO
HELP, ASSU and the Mazuri Shramik Union and the subsequent assault on
the attendees are related to the abovementioned organisations' work
against corruption in the Assam Province. Front Line is seriously
concerned for the physical and psychological integrity of Choudhury
Charan Gorh and Shyama Prasad Kurmi as well as that of all members of
NGO HELP, ASSU and the Mazuri Shramik Union.
*Front Line urges the authorities in** India to:*
1.
Carry out an immediate, thorough and impartial
investigation into the physical assault on Choudhury
Charan Gorh and Shyama Prasad Kurmi, with a view to
publishing the results and bringing those responsible
to justice in accordance with international standards;
2.
Take all necessary measures to guarantee the physical
and psychological security and integrity of Choudhury
Charan Gorh and Shyama Prasad Kurmi and all members of
NGO HELP, the All Assam Students Union (ASSU) and the
Mazuri Shramik Union;
3.
Guarantee in all circumstances that human rights
defenders in the Assam Province are able to carry out
their legitimate human rights activities without fear
of reprisals, and free of all restrictions including
judicial harassment.
--
Sarah Clarke
Frank Jennings Intern
Front Line
The International Foundation for The Protection of Human Rights Defenders
81 Main Street,
Blackrock,
Co. Dublin,
Ireland
Tel: +353 1 212 3750
Fax: +353 1 212 1001
Email: [email protected]
www.frontlinedefenders.org
--
Caitriona Rice
Protection Coordinator / Researcher
Front Line - The International Foundation for the Protection of Human
Rights Defenders
81 Main Street
Blackrock
Co. Dublin
Ireland
Tel: +353 1 210 0482
Fax: +353 1 2121001
Website: www.frontlinedefenders.org
Registered Charity No: CHY 14029
--
W A Laskar
Freelance Reporter and Human Rights Activist
with Barak Human Rights Protection Committee,
http://bhrpc.net.googlepages.com
15, Panjabari Road, Darandha, Six Mile,
Guwahati-781037, Assam, India
Cell: +919401134314
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