Thanks to your work, Indian indigenous (adivasi) human rights activist Kopa Kunjam was released in early October. Mr. Kunjam had been in jail since December of 2009 for his peaceful activism on behalf of adivasis affected by the conflict between Maoist insurgents and the state government of Chhattisgarh, India.
While we’re thankful for Mr. Kunjam’s release, other non-violent activists continue to be jailed in Chhattisgarh for criticizing the state government, Dr. Binayak Sen being the best known. The latest arrests include human rights activist Soni Sodi and her nephew, journalist Lingaram Kodopi, outspoken critics of human rights abuses in the region who were arrested on false charges by the Chhattisgarh government.
You can act now to demand their immediate and unconditional release and ensure that other activists in Chhattisgarh are free to work without fear.
The human rights situation in Chhattisgarh remains dire. Hundreds of thousands of villagers have been displaced by the on-going conflict between Maoists and Chhattisgarh security forces and massive development projects. Killings and rapes take place with impunity.
Other adivasi activists remain imprisoned in Chhattisgarh, including Kartam Joga. You can demand his release as well. Let authorities in Chhattisgarh know that the world is watching and to stop the crackdown on human rights.