26 July 2005
The Hon’ble Governor
Government of West Bengal
Raj Bhaban
Kolkata – 700 001
Sub : Your Humble Attention to the Matters of Starvation and River Erosion of Jalangi, Murs Excellency,
We, the members of MASUM, a human rights organisation in West Bengal would like to draw your kind attention to the prolonged sufferings of the people affected with erosion of river embankment, Padma resulting in to series of starvation deaths in the district of Murshidabad at Jalangi Block. The district administrative machinery has miserably failed in controlling the situation due to inefficiency, corruption and inactivity in all levels despite a number of cases have been highlighted by MASUM to create national and international pressure to activate this administrative system.
People of Jalangi, Murshidabad have been suffering from the erosion of the river Padma for last ten years and lost all their agricultural and bastu land including homestead, cattle, household articles etc. The devastating natural calamity affected them so adversely that in an hour the economic status of the victim changed abruptly and become have-nots from the earlier convenient economic conditions. The owner of hundreds bighas of land become a landless labour. The condition suddenly become so miserable that the victim families are not in position to provide even two times meal in a day to the children. The villages, Dayarampur, Parashpur and Taltali are mostly affected by river erosion.
So, this situation has produced the root of starvation deaths in the District. In wake of this information MASUM organized demonstration and deputed before Your Excellency, the Legislative Assembly and the UNICEF in Kolkata on 23 March, 2005 with the starving people of Jalangi Block. highlighting the starvation deaths in the area.
To arrest such erosion. the Central and State governments released crores of rupees but where this money goes remains a mystery and fate of the common affected people remained unaltered. Only some boulders are being thrown in the bank of Padma haphazardly here and there without any scientific programme and planning. The top levels of administration were made aware of the actual condition of Murshidabad as fo how they were deprived of the various Relief Schemes i.e. Annapurna, Antyodaya, G.R.. B.P.L and others. We also informed Asian Human Rights Commission and other fraternal organizations, both national and international levels of this situation. Different media also reported this situation very strongly. After lot of pressure the local administration had been forced to take steps and ultimately food grains (rice) were distributed among the starving masses but the rice was not fit even for animals consumption.
To add fuel to the fire to the tragedy and plight of the people, they have to face the atrocity and torture of the B.S.F who are stationed in the town of Jalangi and inflict tremendous torture on the people. There is no trace of privacy; women have to attend their nature’s call under open sky and some of the B.S.F. personnel are always there to watch all these for fun.
We have observed that miles aHer miles approximately 10 K.M x 19 K.M. land at Jalangi block have come up on the other side of river, which falls under the territories of India. Ten years ago a/l these londs were cultivated by the Indian farmers. But, now after resurfacing of the land these farmers are stopped by the -B.S.F. personnel from going that side for the agricultural purpose. The huge fertile land is used as corridors by the smugglers. We strongly suggest that the surfaced land be distributed to the affected people for agricultural purpose so that the affected people can harvest there and :earn their livelihood.
Immediately. we appeal to your conscience that the victims may be rehabilitated and the government benefits should reach to the victims directly without hindrance and bureaucratic interference.
Please find enclosed herewith the list of ill-fated persons who deserve to be enrolled as the beneficiaries of the B.P.L, G.R, Alltyadaya. Annapurna and other reltef schemes but they have been deprived of the same. This list also includes names of those who have lost their shelter and have not got Rs. 2000/-, which were declared by the government for the construction of shelter. On the contrary. the persons having definite political connection and affluence are usurping the benefit of all these schemes. We have experience of misuse of public money to large extent under the Block of Jalangi.
We look forward to you for an immediate intervention.
Yours faithfully,
Secretary
