International community raises alarm over 'escalating state violence' against Adivasi people in Bastar

By A Representative

Global human rights groups, indigenous activists, and civil society organizations have issued a joint international statement condemning the intensifying violence by Indian state forces against the Indigenous Adivasi communities of Bastar, Chhattisgarh. The statement, which was launched for global endorsement in November 2024 and updated monthly through April 2025, accuses the Indian government of severe human rights violations in the name of counterinsurgency operations.

The statement, signed by over 50 organisations, and more than 130 individuals, asserts that over 450 people have been killed since January 2024, with the majority being Indigenous Adivasis. Initial estimates recorded 180 deaths, but by May 2025, that number had more than doubled. Activists claim these are largely extrajudicial killings, often described as “encounters” by authorities but disputed by local communities and human rights groups, who allege that many victims were unarmed civilians taken from their homes or villages.

The violence, the statement says, is part of a wider strategy of militarization and corporate encroachment in the mineral-rich Bastar region. It outlines how state forces, including the District Reserve Guards (DRG)—a unit composed of surrendered insurgents and local youth—are deployed alongside sophisticated military technologies, such as drone surveillance and mortar bombing, in civilian areas. These actions reportedly coincide with expanding mining activities under public-private partnerships, raising concerns of displacement, ecological degradation, and illegal land acquisition.

Adivasi communities, protected under India’s Constitution and laws such as the Forest Rights Act (FRA) and Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA), are described as facing systemic repression and loss of ancestral lands, despite legal recognition of their rights. Protests and movements such as the Moolvasi Bachao Manch (MBM) and Maad Bachao Andolan have been met with arrests, detentions, and bans. In October 2024, the Chhattisgarh government declared MBM an "unlawful organization" for one year.

The statement also highlights the arrest of several Indigenous rights defenders, including MBM President Raghu Midiyami in February 2025, under India’s Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Rights groups view such arrests as attempts to silence dissent and criminalize constitutionally protected activism.

Of particular concern is the proposed acquisition of over 54,000 hectares of the Abujhmad forest for an Indian Army training range, which is expected to displace more than 10,000 Adivasis. Activists warn this move not only threatens Indigenous livelihoods and culture but also risks irreversible damage to a critical ecological zone.

In April 2025, the situation further escalated with the launch of a massive military operation involving more than 20,000 personnel in the Karregutta hills and surrounding areas—reportedly one of the largest anti-Naxalite actions in Indian history.

The joint statement calls for urgent international intervention, outlining specific demands:

- An immediate end to all forms of state violence and human rights abuses in Bastar.

- Full demilitarization of the region and dismantling of military camps.

- Adherence to the 2011 Supreme Court ruling banning the recruitment of Adivasi youth as counterinsurgency personnel.

- Enforcement of constitutional and legal protections for Indigenous communities.

- Halt to land acquisitions without Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC).

- Protection of human rights defenders, journalists, and civil society actors.

- Accountability for violations of international human rights and humanitarian law.

The statement has been endorsed by a wide spectrum of organizations and individuals worldwide, with signatories urging the global public, governments, and international institutions to hold India accountable and support the Adivasi struggle for justice, dignity, and self-determination.

The Bastar region, comprising dense forests and rich mineral resources, has long been the site of conflict between government forces and Maoist insurgents. However, observers say the current wave of violence has disproportionately targeted civilian Adivasi populations under the guise of anti-Naxalite operations. The area has seen increasing militarization over the past two decades, exacerbated by corporate mining interests and infrastructure development projects.

Beyond the humanitarian crisis, the statement also emphasizes the environmental degradation caused by deforestation, explosives use, and mining-related infrastructure, warning of broader climate and biodiversity impacts.

Described as “a struggle for survival, dignity, and the recognition of Indigenous rights,” the situation in Bastar is drawing heightened scrutiny from global rights bodies. The international community is being urged to act decisively to prevent what signatories fear may amount to a slow genocide of India’s Indigenous peoples and the destruction of a vital ecological region.

Comments

US-China truce temporary, larger trade war between two economies to continue

By Prabir Purkayastha The Trump-Xi meeting in Busan, South Korea on 30 October 2025 may have brought about a temporary relief in the US-China trade war. But unless we see the fine print of the agreement, it is difficult to assess whether this is a temporary truce or the beginning of a real rapprochement between the two nations. The jury is still out on that one and we will wait for a better understanding of what has really been achieved in Busan.

Mergers and privatisation: The Finance Minister’s misguided banking agenda

By Thomas Franco The Finance Minister has once again revived talk of merging two or three large public sector banks to make them globally competitive. Reports also suggest that the government is considering appointing Managing Directors in public sector banks from the private sector. Both moves would strike at the heart of India’s public banking system . Privatisation undermines the constitutional vision of social and economic justice, and such steps could lead to irreversible damage.

Buddhist shrines were 'massively destroyed' by Brahmanical rulers: Historian DN Jha

Nalanda mahavihara By Rajiv Shah Prominent historian DN Jha, an expert in India's ancient and medieval past, in his new book , "Against the Grain: Notes on Identity, Intolerance and History", in a sharp critique of "Hindutva ideologues", who look at the ancient period of Indian history as "a golden age marked by social harmony, devoid of any religious violence", has said, "Demolition and desecration of rival religious establishments, and the appropriation of their idols, was not uncommon in India before the advent of Islam".

Political misfires in Bihar: Reasons behind the Opposition's self-inflicted defeat

By Vidya Bhushan Rawat* The Bihar Vidhansabha Election 2025 verdict is out. I maintained deliberate silence about the growing tribe of “social media” experts and their opinions. Lately, these do not fascinate me. Anyone forming an opinion solely on the basis of these “experts” lives in a fool’s paradise. I do not watch them, nor do I follow them on Twitter. I stayed away partly because I was not certain of a MahaGathbandhan victory, even though I wanted it. But my personal preference is not the issue here. The parties disappointed.

Celebrating 125 yr old legacy of healthcare work of missionaries

Vilas Shende, director, Mure Memorial Hospital By Moin Qazi* Central India has been one of the most fertile belts for several unique experiments undertaken by missionaries in the field of education and healthcare. The result is a network of several well-known schools, colleges and hospitals that have woven themselves into the social landscape of the region. They have also become a byword for quality and affordable services delivered to all sections of the society. These institutions are characterised by committed and compassionate staff driven by the selfless pursuit of improving the well-being of society. This is the reason why the region has nursed and nurtured so many eminent people who occupy high positions in varied fields across the country as well as beyond. One of the fruits of this legacy is a more than century old iconic hospital that nestles in the heart of Nagpur city. Named as Mure Memorial Hospital after a British warrior who lost his life in a war while defending his cou...

New RTI draft rules inspired by citizen-unfriendly, overtly bureaucratic approach

By Venkatesh Nayak* The Department of Personnel and Training , Government of India has invited comments on a new set of Draft Rules (available in English only) to implement The Right to Information Act, 2005 . The RTI Rules were last amended in 2012 after a long period of consultation with various stakeholders. The Government’s move to put the draft RTI Rules out for people’s comments and suggestions for change is a welcome continuation of the tradition of public consultation. Positive aspects of the Draft RTI Rules While 60-65% of the Draft RTI Rules repeat the content of the 2012 RTI Rules, some new aspects deserve appreciation as they clarify the manner of implementation of key provisions of the RTI Act. These are: Provisions for dealing with non-compliance of the orders and directives of the Central Information Commission (CIC) by public authorities- this was missing in the 2012 RTI Rules. Non-compliance is increasingly becoming a major problem- two of my non-compliance cases are...

A comrade in culture and controversy: Yao Wenyuan’s revolutionary legacy

By Harsh Thakor* This year marks two important anniversaries in Chinese revolutionary history—the 20th death anniversary of Yao Wenyuan, and the 50th anniversary of his seminal essay "On the Social Basis of the Lin Biao Anti-Party Clique". These milestones invite reflection on the man whose pen ignited the first sparks of the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution and whose sharp ideological interventions left an indelible imprint on the political and cultural landscape of socialist China.

Shrinking settlements, fading schools: The Tibetan exile crisis in India

By Tseten Lhundup* Since the 14th Dalai Lama fled to India in 1959, the Tibetan exile community in Dharamsala has established the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) as the guardian of Tibetan culture and identity. Once admired for its democratic governance , educational system , and religious vitality , the exile community now faces an alarming demographic and institutional decline.

N-power plant at Mithi Virdi: CRZ nod is arbitrary, without jurisdiction

By Krishnakant* A case-appeal has been filed against the order of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) and others granting CRZ clearance for establishment of intake and outfall facility for proposed 6000 MWe Nuclear Power Plant at Mithi Virdi, District Bhavnagar, Gujarat by Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) vide order in F 11-23 /2014-IA- III dated March 3, 2015. The case-appeal in the National Green Tribunal at Western Bench at Pune is filed by Shaktisinh Gohil, Sarpanch of Jasapara; Hajabhai Dihora of Mithi Virdi; Jagrutiben Gohil of Jasapara; Krishnakant and Rohit Prajapati activist of the Paryavaran Suraksha Samiti. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued a notice to the MoEF&CC, Gujarat Pollution Control Board, Gujarat Coastal Zone Management Authority, Atomic Energy Regulatory Board and Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and case is kept for hearing on August 20, 2015. Appeal No. 23 of 2015 (WZ) is filed, a...

Search This Blog