This week’s Roundup begins in Sri Lanka where the most peaceful elections since independence have thwarted former President Rajapaksa’s attempts to return to power. Hopes are now strong for a fundamental shift in the country towards a stable and solid democracy and rule of law. AHRC TV speaks with AHRC’s Basil Fernando, Janasansadaya’s Chitral Perera, as well as a local journalist.
Next in the programme is the latest from the 30-year people’s movement in opposition to the Sardar Sarovar Dam Project in the Narmada Valley, led by Right Livelihood Award Laureate Medha Patkar. Tens of thousands of people have been forced from their villages and lands as massive dam projects have submerged large areas in the Valley. Many more are now at risk as the Indian government under Prime Minister Modi has announced that the water level of the Sardar Sadovar mega Dam will be raised, submerging further areas. Last week Medha Patkar led a six-day march, which has been followed by an open-ended Right to Life protest along the banks of the Narmada in Badwani, Madhya Pradesh. AHRC TV speaks with Medha Patkar to learn about the protest, another chapter in a historic struggle.
Finally, police violence continues without relent in Nepal, as people protest the new demarcation of Nepal into six states. The AHRC condemns both police brutality and the decision by some protesters to use children in the front lines.
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