Lalit Mehta Sahadat Divas: A day of solidarity with NREGA activists and protest against state repression
On 14 May 2008, Lalit Mehta was brutally murdered in Palamau District, just as a social audit of NREGA was about to begin in the area. One year later, on 14 May 2009, a public meeting (“aam sabha”) will be taking place in Daltonganj to remember Lalit and also to protest against state repression of NREGA activists in Jharkhand and elsewhere.
Ever since the Act came into force three years ago, NREGA activists have been a prime target of state repression. In Jharkhand, Lalit Mehta’s tragic death was quickly followed by the murder of Kameshwar Yadav, the suicide of Tapas Soren, and a spate of other NREGA-related deaths. Similar incidents have occurred in Assam, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, Orissa, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and elsewhere. Hundreds of NREGA activists have also been jailed under false charges or beaten up. The time has come to raise our voice, together, against these human rights violations.
As it happens, 14 May 2009 will also be the second anniversary of Binayak Sen’s arrest in Raipur. This abuse of power, too, needs to be opposed.
You are invited to join this solidarity day. The programme will start around 9.30 am and conclude in the evening with candlelight procession and cultural programme. Please stay for the full duration is possible (simple accommodation will be available in Daltonganj on 14th). Daltonganj can be reached by bus or train from Ranchi, Patna, Varanasi and Allahabad.
This event is an initiative of Gram Swaraj Abhiyan, Jharkhand. For further information please contact Vikas Sahyog Kendra (06566-285 483), James Herenj (09470396732), Jawahar (09430126909), Gurjeet (09431120534) or Mithilesh (09431193202).
Ayojan Samiti, Lalit Mehta Sahadat Divas
(Ajit, Birender, Gurjeet, James, Jawahar, Sunita)
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Binayaksen.net is one of many efforts by well wishers and supporters of Dr Binayak Sen to bring the injustice being done to him by the government of Chhattisgarh to the attention of people around the world. 
we get to know only what is written in support of dr.binayak sen in the english media.how is the regional media responding to the issue.?ts reach is wider and deeper.so i think it is important to know awareness and dissent at the grassroots level as much as it is relevant to know the responses of the global community.
Break the guilt of silence,
solidarity of Dr.Binayak sen
NREGA is also known as RIGHT TO WORK particularly to the voiceless section of the rural areas.Violation of this RIGHT means deprivation of the RIGHT to life which means violation of Article 19 of Indian Constitution.Can it be possible?So Due Right should not be deprivrd from these vulnerable sections.All conscious citizens raise their voice for these underprivilegeds.
-DAMODAR BORUAH,Writer VIEWS OF A MAN UNKNOWN.