South Asia Citizens Web

"We ask that evidence from unknown, unmarked, and mass graves in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir be used to seek justice, through the sentencing of criminals and other judicial and social processes. As well, the existence of these graves, and how they came to be, may be understood as indicative of the effects and issue of militarization, and the issues pertaining to militarization itself must be addressed seriously and expeditiously."

For more than 25 years, the Union Carbide (UCIL) factory has been contaminating the land and water of Bhopal. Latest tests show that groundwater in areas even three km away from the factory contains almost 40 times more pesticides than Indian standards.

These are the findings of a study released here today by the New Delhi-based research and advocacy organisation, Centre for Science and Environment (CSE)

The incident does raise some serious questions regarding safety practices at nuclear installations in the country. The official explanation of a “disgruntled” employee causing “mischief” raises more questions than it answers. With the proposed nuclear expansion very much in the cards, such incidents are bound to become a regular feature in the future.

The Chattisgarh Government and the Central governments have started War in the name of Green Hunt. They are fully aware that when the operation starts thousands of tribals will flee their homes. The earlier experience of attacks by Sulwa Judum has taught this lesson. In spite of this knowledge the Government of India or the state governments have not taken any steps to set up a rehabilitation programme and allocate adequate funds, or food security for the same.

On August 15, 1975, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, along with 13 members of his family, was brutally murdered by a bunch of disgruntled, degenerate members of the Army. Obstacles were created to bar the trial of the killers, not only that, Zia, Ershad and Khaleda governments gave them protection and diplomatic jobs, creating a society where killers of innocent men, women and children can go scot-free. It has taken the nation 34 long years to bring Bangabandhu’s 12 killers to book. Last week’s Supreme Court verdict is a giant step towards establishment of a society based on democracy and the rule of law.