𝗠𝗲𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶.𝗜𝗻: On November 20, 2023, a heavy police force surrounded Todgatta, the main protest site of the Damkondawahi Bachao Andolan in Surjagarh, Gadchiroli. The protest, which has been ongoing for over 250 days, aims to oppose the establishment of six proposed iron mines owned by companies such as Jindal Steel and Lloyd's. The recent police crackdown and harassment of protest leaders and activists have raised urgent concerns about the situation.
Early in the morning, police forces from multiple thanas arrived at Todgatta and detained several protest leaders and important activists, including Pradip Khedo and Mangesh Naroti. The police proceeded to search and upturn their belongings, with the presence of female officers. This sudden and aggressive action signifies a significant escalation in the authorities' response to the Damkondawahi Bachao Andolan.
Furthermore, it has been reported that the police have deployed drone cameras in the region for the past two days, monitoring the activities around Todgatta. Remarkably, the authorities were aware of the travel plans of prominent movement activists, such as Lalsu Nogoti, Sushila Naroti, Rakesh Alam, Poonam Jetti, Vandu Ulke, and Sainu Hichami, who were en route to a program in New Delhi. This indicates a concerning level of surveillance and targeting of individuals involved in the protest movement.
Despite the protest receiving extensive media coverage and direct appeals to politicians, there has been a lack of support from political figures throughout the 250-day protest. This absence of backing makes the recent crackdown by the police even more alarming. The timing of the crackdown, occurring just weeks after Adv. Lalsu Nogoti's virtual speech at the United Nations Human Rights Commission, raises questions about a potential correlation.
The heavy police presence, detainment of protest leaders, and harassment of activists in Todgatta have created an urgent and concerning situation. The Damkondawahi Bachao Andolan, a peaceful and democratic movement opposing the establishment of iron mines in the region, continues to face repression despite its non-violent nature. The community's grievances and demands have been brought to the attention of politicians and the international community, making it imperative for authorities to address these concerns and ensure the protection of civil rights and peaceful expression of dissent.
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