Rural families 'being harassed' due to restrictions on movement off Indo-Bangla border

By Kirity Roy*

Villagers in the border locality of Seuti-II, Shukarukuti Gram Panchayat in the Cooch Behar district, are facing relentless harassment due to restrictions on the opening of a critical fencing gate. Seuti-II, located near the Indo-Bangladesh border, is home to 43 families, comprising 83 minority Muslim individuals who reside within this fenced area.

These families have lived on their ancestral land for generations and rely on Gate No. 17, managed by the Kushahat B.O.P-C-Company 90 Bn BSF, for essential daily activities. Agriculture and labor are the primary sources of livelihood for the residents of Seuti-II, who cultivate various vegetables on their 380 bighas of agricultural land.

However, the limitations imposed by the fencing gate severely impact their farming practices, economic well-being, and overall quality of life. The restricted access to their homes, fields, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and markets creates significant challenges. According to regulations established by the Government of India's Ministry of Home Affairs, Gate No. 17 was initially permitted to remain open throughout the day. However, over the years, the Border Security Force (BSF) has gradually reduced the opening hours.

Currently, the gate is accessible only three times a day for one hour (from 7 am to 8 am, 11 am to 12 pm, and 4 pm to 5 pm). Additionally, villagers must wait 40 to 50 minutes for their names to be recorded upon entry, often preventing them from utilizing the limited time available.

This situation has led to numerous unfortunate incidents, including adverse effects on children's education, which contributes to school dropouts. Moreover, seriously ill individuals and pregnant women face difficulties reaching healthcare facilities outside the predetermined times.

The confinement these residents experience not only hinders their access to essential services but also distances them from other Indian citizens. Consequently, the socio-economic conditions of these families continue to deteriorate. Gate No. 17 serves as their vital link to the farmers' market via the CPWD road; without it, they are forced to take a longer detour, adding 4 to 5 kilometers to their journey.

On July 26, 2024, the affected families formally appealed to the District Magistrate of Cooch Behar and the Sub-Divisional Officer of Dinhata regarding their dire situation. However, no action has been taken by the authorities. They also communicated their grievances to the BSF Headquarters in Assam on July 31, 2024.

On August 2, 2024, four village members, including Rafik Miyan, were summoned by the BSF for questioning but were reportedly threatened by the Company Commander, who demanded that they withdraw their complaints or face potential criminal charges.

The residents of Seuti-II not only grapple with everyday challenges impacting their livelihoods but also contend with violations of Articles 21 and 19 of the Indian Constitution, which protect the right to life and personal liberty as well as the freedom of movement for all citizens.

Some of the heads of families residing in Seuti-II include Kachim Ali, son of Katiya; Majibar Rahaman, son of Matiya; Hossain Ali Sk., son of Matiya; Rekha Bibi, daughter of Hachim Ali; Jachimuddin Sk., son of Kaltu Md.; Fajle Hoque, son of Md. Ali; Ejaul Hoque, son of Hachim Ali; Hachim Ali, son of Matiya Sk.; Belal Hossain, son of Nur Islam; Jaharul Hoque, son of Jasmat Sk.; and Samsul Hoque, son of Monsur Ali.

The villagers are still awaiting a resolution to their issues, which remain largely ignored. There is an urgent need for intervention, with the following actions required:

Open Gate No. 17 for the entire day (6 a.m. to 6 p.m.) to facilitate access for villagers.
Ensure that if land is needed for BSF purposes, it must be legally acquired by the government from the respective landowners.
Avoid threatening lawful citizens regarding their grievances.
Provide assistance to villagers in relation to their livelihood and economic situations.
Compensate and rehabilitate all affected individuals to reintegrate them into society.

The National Human Rights Commission should investigate these matters and implement legal measures to support the sustainable livelihoods of the villagers.

---

*Secretary, Banglar Manabadhikar Suraksha Mancha (MASUM). This article is based on the author's representation to the chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission

Comments

Clive Lloyd legacy reminds us of the golden era that reshaped cricket

By Harsh Thakor* As August 31 marked the 80th birthday of cricketing icon Clive Lloyd, it also heralds the impending 50th anniversary of his ascension to the captaincy of the West Indies team. Under his leadership, a collection of extraordinary talents coalesced to create one of the most formidable teams in cricket history. The roots of West Indian cricket dominance trace back to a colonial past.

A Hindu alternative to Valentine's Day? 'Shiv-Parvati was first love marriage in Universe'

By Rajiv Shah* The other day, I was searching on Google a quote on Maha Shivratri which I wanted to send to someone, a confirmed Shiv Bhakt, quite close to me -- with an underlying message to act positively instead of being negative. On top of the search, I chanced upon an article in, imagine!, a Nashik Corporation site which offered me something very unusual.

Impact of water anxiety, stress and trauma on women: World Water Week 2024 talkshow

By Mansee Bal Bhargava, Durga Das, Garbhit Naik, Sromona Burman* A newly formed no bet-for-profit organization, WODER , dedicated and motivated to work towards water security for all for all the time, was at the World Water Week (WWW) 2024 organized by the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI) from August 25 to 29th. The WWW2024 theme was, ‘Bridging Borders: Water for a Peaceful and Sustainable Future’ and centered around water cooperation for peace and security. The event underscored the collaborative effort needed to achieve a peaceful and sustainable future.

Trailblazer in literary innovation, critic of Indian mythology, including Ramayana

By Harsh Thakor* Ranganayakamma, commonly known as RN, stands out as a transformative figure in promoting Marxist thought, democratic ideals, and anti-caste principles through her remarkably clear and engaging writing style. A trailblazer in literary innovation, her works span a broad array of topics, from critiques of Indian mythology and revivalism to discussions on civil liberties, the Indian Communist Movement, and Maoism in China.

Swami Vivekananda's views on caste and sexuality were 'painfully' regressive

By Bhaskar Sur* Swami Vivekananda now belongs more to the modern Hindu mythology than reality. It makes a daunting job to discover the real human being who knew unemployment, humiliation of losing a teaching job for 'incompetence', longed in vain for the bliss of a happy conjugal life only to suffer the consequent frustration.

Will Bangladesh go Egypt way, where military ruler is in power for a decade?

By Vijay Prashad* The day after former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina left Dhaka, I was on the phone with a friend who had spent some time on the streets that day. He told me about the atmosphere in Dhaka, how people with little previous political experience had joined in the large protests alongside the students—who seemed to be leading the agitation. I asked him about the political infrastructure of the students and about their political orientation. He said that the protests seemed well-organized and that the students had escalated their demands from an end to certain quotas for government jobs to an end to the government of Sheikh Hasina. Even hours before she left the country, it did not seem that this would be the outcome.

'Void in Leftist landscape': Loss of Sitaram Yechury who had helped form INDIA bloc

By Vikas Meshram* The passing of Sitaram Yechury has cast a profound stillness over leftist organizations across India. Renowned as a distinguished politician, columnist, economist, and social activist, Yechury was a staunch advocate for student rights and movements. His leadership skills became apparent early in his academic career, as he was elected three times as the president of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). Yechury also endured imprisonment during the Emergency period, underscoring his commitment to political activism.

Unwavering source of ideological inspiration in politics, life: Personal tribute to Yechury

By Bhabani Shankar Nayak Sitaram Yechury was everyone's comrade. He lived his life in public like an open book of praxis. Everyone was familiar with his family background, student life, many talents, achievements, and political journey that defines his everyday life as a committed communist.

Narmada valley again facing flood disaster, exacerbated by Sardar Sarovar dam 'mismanagement'

By Our Representative The environmental advocacy group South Asia Network on Dams, Rivers and People (SANDRP) has issued a warning , supported by detailed diagrams, that the Sardar Sarovar Dam (SSD) is at risk of causing flash floods in the Narmada Valley this year, similar to incidents that occurred last year.

Search This Blog