Rights group MASUM urges NHRC to help villagers 'trapped' near Bangladesh border

By A Representative

Banglar Manabadhikar Suraksha Mancha (MASUM), a human rights group, has written to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) seeking urgent help for villagers in East Sahebganj (Netaji Bajar Part), Coochbehar, West Bengal. The village, located on the India-Bangladesh border, is surrounded by barbed wire fencing, and the Border Security Force (BSF) strictly controls movement in and out.

Around 30 people from seven families have lived here for generations but now face severe hardships. The BSF allows only one gate (Gate No. 6) to open for short periods, forcing villagers to rush for food, medical care, and work. If someone misses the gate closing time, they must stay outside overnight. Even relatives need BSF permission to visit, which often involves long waits and humiliation.

The villagers cannot sell their land or earn properly, pushing many into migrant labor. Despite being Indian citizens, they live like prisoners, with no freedom or dignity.

MASUM says this violates their constitutional rights, including freedom of movement, right to life, and right to work. They demand that the government take over their land with fair compensation and relocate them.

Kirity Roy, Secretary of MASUM, said, "These are not criminals but Indian citizens who deserve basic rights. The NHRC must act now."

Manufacturing, services: India's low-skill, middle-skill labour remains underemployed

By Francis Kuriakose* The Indian economy was in a state of deceleration well before Covid-19 made its impact in early 2020. This can be inferred from the declining trends of four important macroeconomic variables that indicate the health of the economy in the last quarter of 2019.

The soundtrack of resistance: How 'Sada Sada Ya Nabi' is fueling the Iran war

By Syed Ali Mujtaba* The Persian track “ Sada Sada Ya Nabi ye ” by Hossein Sotoodeh has taken the world by storm. This viral media has cut across linguistic barriers to achieve cult status, reaching over 10 million views. The electrifying music and passionate rendition by the Iranian singer have resonated across the globe, particularly as the high-intensity military conflict involving Iran entered its second month in March 2026.

Incarceration of Prof Saibaba 'revives' the question: What is crime, who is criminal?

By Kunal Pant* In 2016, a Supreme Court Judge asked the state of Maharashtra, “Do you want to extract a pound of flesh?” The statement was directed against the state for contesting the bail plea of Delhi University Professor GN Saibaba. Saibaba was arrested in 2014, a justification for which was to prevent him from committing what the police called “anti-national activities.”

Search This Blog