NHRC seeks report from Chhaittsgarh CS on plight of Dantewada villagers

Speed Post News Network

 New Delhi : The National Human Rights Commission ( NHRC) has issued a notice to the Government of Chhattisgarh through its Chief Secretary (CS) calling for a report within four weeks into the allegations, reported in the media, that the residents of village Barekakled in Dantewada district have to travel a difficult terrain to and fro 110 km to the Block Headquarters for purchasing commodities worth Rs 100 from a ration shop. The residents of Sandra village panchayat also have to face the same hardships as they too don’t have a ration shop at their village.

The Commission also expects the Chief Secretary to find out, if there are other areas in the State, where the people are facing such difficulties, according to an NHRC release. The Commission has observed that the contents of the news report, if true, reflect the plight of poor villagers who have fallen prey to the callous and negligent attitude of the district administration. It clearly amounts to violation of human rights of the villagers. The State is duty bound to ensure the right to Life and Food to its citizens, it said.

According to the media report, the villagers have to travel by a rocky pathway crossing mountains and drains spending an entire day in the process to reach the ration shop. They can use bicycles only to carry their stacks as it is difficult to ride it. The area is known for the Naxal activities and the inhabitants are already suffering a lot. The forest area, on the way, is full of wild animals. They put their lives to high risk to procure 35 kg Rice, 2 kgs Sugar, 2 litre Kerosene, 2 packets of black grams and some salt, which costs about Rs 100.