Bela Bhatia, a Bastar-based lawyer, researcher, and writer, reveals the dire consequences of the ongoing conflict in Bastar, Chhattisgarh. The conflict, primarily between government forces and Maoist insurgents, disproportionately affects the Adivasi population. Thousands of Adivasis are imprisoned under false charges, languishing as undertrials for years. The overcrowded jails are mainly populated by Adivasis, a significant percentage of whom are undertrials rather than convicts.
The conflict has deeply fractured Adivasi society, eroding traditional community bonds. Many Adivasis are caught in the crossfire, becoming victims of violence and displacement, regardless of whether they align with government forces or the Maoists. The conflict has also significantly affected the Adivasi's traditional way of life, forcing them into taking sides and thus making them a target. Adivasis are often killed, injured, or arrested based on mere suspicion of being connected to the Maoist movement.
Peaceful protests against increasing militarization and the establishment of numerous paramilitary camps have been met with state-sponsored violence, including lathicharges, tear gas, and even killings of protestors, as seen in the Sukma district's Silger protest. The government's response to such protests has involved branding peaceful movements as Maoist fronts and using force to suppress dissent. The state’s response ignores the legitimate demands of the protestors.
The government's Samadhan Prahar operation, which promises development and military action against Maoists, is criticized as failing to address the underlying political and economic issues fuelling the conflict. The operation disregards the Adivasi community's perspective, and it continues to prioritize corporate interests over their basic rights to local resources, leading to further discontent.
The deadline-driven military offensive hinders the possibility of a political resolution. There is a lack of accountability for human rights violations, including alleged fake encounters and killings. Activists working in the tribal rights sector, including Bhatia herself, have experienced significant state repression, including harassment, surveillance (allegedly via Pegasus spyware), and attacks on their homes.
Bhatia calls for an immediate ceasefire and a political resolution to end the violence and suffering of the Adivasi population. She stresses the need for a genuine commitment to addressing the root causes of the conflict and respecting the rights of the Adivasi people.