Ban on Moolwasi Bachao Manch which advocated alternative governance model based on local control over resources

By Harsh Thakor*

The Moolwasi Bachao Manch (MBM) is a collective platform in Chhattisgarh representing Adivasi communities across multiple districts. It opposes the establishment of military camps, displacement, environmental degradation, and resource exploitation driven by mining activities supported by both foreign and domestic corporations. MBM has gained prominence over the past three years by resisting state-supported initiatives that prioritize industrial and imperialist development models at the cost of indigenous livelihoods and rights.

The ban on MBM is framed as a broader state effort to suppress grassroots movements that challenge dominant political and economic frameworks. The state’s action against MBM reflects a trend of increasing repression aimed at silencing dissent, particularly among marginalized communities resisting resource extraction projects. Critics argue that such measures are part of a strategy to consolidate power by targeting organizations advocating for self-determination and social justice.

Recent operations, including aerial bombings in regions like Mettaguda and Bottethong, illustrate the state’s militarized response to dissent. These actions have been criticized for targeting civilians and suppressing peaceful resistance. The government’s focus on militarization, particularly through initiatives like Operation Kagar, is seen as an attempt to maintain control over resource-rich areas while sidelining democratic rights and local governance.

The state’s development model, driven by foreign direct investment, has led to widespread displacement and the erosion of traditional livelihoods. Large-scale resource extraction projects have displaced Adivasi communities, disrupting their cultural and economic practices. Critics emphasize the need for an alternative development model that prioritizes local needs, environmental sustainability, and social equity.

MBM and similar movements advocate for an alternative governance model based on local control over resources. Examples include the Janathana Sarkars, which operate in some regions as grassroots governance structures. These bodies have implemented land redistribution, provided agricultural support, and fostered economic self-reliance. Such initiatives aim to create sustainable livelihoods while challenging traditional power hierarchies and gender norms.

Despite these efforts, challenges remain. The influence of armed groups and limited mass participation in some regions undermine the independence and democratic character of local governance structures. Additionally, there is a lack of broader coordination with other marginalized groups, such as urban workers and peasants in plain areas, which could strengthen the resistance against state repression.

The ban on MBM is viewed by its supporters as an attack on the right to dissent and organize. It highlights ongoing tensions between state-led development policies and grassroots movements advocating for environmental and social justice. Critics argue that the ban underscores the urgent need for unified resistance to safeguard democratic rights and promote inclusive development.

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