Human Rights News - India Together

KASHMIRI WOMEN’S DAY OF RESISTANCE
The “disappeared” Kashmiris

Pushpa Achanta writes about the challenges and aspirations of people in Kashmir on Kashmiri Women’s Day of Resistance which is observed today.

Nat. Security Jammu and Kashmir

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KOLKATA PEOPLE’S FILM FESTIVAL

People's cinema with people's support
Shoma A. Chatterji writes about a film festival that lacks the glitz and glamour of stars, television cameras and paparazzi chasing famous people to freeze them for the media.

Adivasis Media

MANUAL SCAVENGING

A gross violation of human rights
Manhole is a scathing celluloid indictment on the state of manual sewer cleaners in India, writes Shoma A. Chatterji

Films Caste

CINEMASCOPE

Saankal – strong content, weak movie
Even a badly made film becomes a learning experience for the viewers because it sheds light on issues not known widely otherwise, says Shoma Chatterji as she reviews the movie Saankal.

Reviews Art

HUMAN RIGHTS REPRESSION

Debaranjan Sarangi: Another artist incarcerated
Debaranjan Sarangi, a documentary film maker, writer and human rights activist was arrested recently in Kashipur, Odisha. Shoma Chatterji writes about Sarangi's arrest, his activism and his films which deal with Adivasis and their struggles.

Films Society Films and Books

HUMAN RIGHTS

Ishrat Jahan case: Is the political furore skirting the core issue?
The Ishrat Jahan case has again hit the headlines with former home minister P Chidambaram being accused of rewriting an affidavit to prove the 19-year-old’s innocence. But the legal probe into whether she was a victim of an extra-judicial killing seems forgotten. Ramesh Menon presents a recap and investigates where things stand now.

Government GUJARAT

REDUCING ROAD FATALITIES

The Supreme Court just made it easier for you to save lives; here’s how!
You don’t have to fear police harassment if you report or help an injured accident victim. You don’t even have to reveal personal details unless you wish to testify. Here’s a summary of the “Good Samaritan” guidelines that the apex court has now made compulsory for states to follow.

Laws Society

UNORGANISED LABOUR

An endless wait for social security
The finance minister’s dream of extending social security cover to all unorganised workers in the country is a lofty one undoubtedly, but Kathyayini Chamaraj identifies the many gaps in the existing law that need to be addressed for that dream to be realised.

Labour Issues Livelihood

BAUXITE IN BAPHLIMALI

In Odisha, more tribal voices against mining
Around the country tribal communities are fighting against the mining companies, whose operations have threaten their livelihoods and ecosystem. The Kashipur movement to protect Baphlimali in Odisha is a classic example. Unfortunately, this too, like many other protests, saw merciless suppression and gross violation of human rights, reports Abhijit Mohanty.

Mining Environment

MAHESHWAR HYDROPOWER PROJECT

Turning a full circle
The situation that Maheshwar Project is in, brings sharply into focus the issue of accountability of those responsible for the decisions that impact millions of people, involve thousands of crores of rupees and vast natural resources. Shripad Dharmadhikary hopes that Maheshwar would also offer a chance to demonstrate how those liable for the mess can be held accountable.

Energy Displacement M.P.

IROM SHARMILA’S 15-YEAR HUNGER STRIKE

Where suicide is a crime, but not murder
For the last 15 years, India has been unable to deal with a fasting, frail poet! Anjuman Ara Begum writes how Irom Sharmila has been waging a protest against the cruel Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958, enforced in her home state of Manipur and other parts of northeast India.

Nat. Security MANIPUR

REFUGEE TRAIN

How prepared are we to tackle a human crisis?
As the refugee crisis deepens in Syria, visuals of millions of people hoping to catch a train to a better life fill the media space. Shalini Bhutani reflects on the state of refugee policies in the South Asian region while remembering her own father’s experience weeks before the India-Pakistan partition.

Law and Order People

FOREST RIGHTS

Is “settling” forest rights in “campaign mode” a good idea?
The central government is pushing state governments to give forest rights to tribals by the end of this year. Kanchi Kohli cautions that the intent behind settling these rights claims under the Forest Rights Act in such haste is not what it appears to be.

Forests Environment Adivasis

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