interests over against the people's welfare. This seams to be the tirade and new found mantra of the State subservient to the national and international capital for defaming and repressing the people’s initiative and movements in protecting their fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution of India, especially the right to life, liberty and livelihood. The people’s upsurge in the region is also linked to the historical and cultural roots in collectively protecting and using the land, water and forest (al, jangal aur jameen). The arrest and harassment of Woman Social Activist, Munni Hansda and her co- activists and continued incarceration is part and parcel of their larger strategy of the State machinery to silence the voices of dissent and protest against usurping of people’s resources for survival and sustenance under the globalization agenda. INSAF Team found out that five criminal cases have been already filed against Munni Hansda and others prior to her illegal detention on 26" November, 2008, but no arrest was made, although she was freely available in the region. The present case related to a motor/cycle warrants only action under The Motor Vehicles Act, but the authorities seem to have even invoked action u/s 392 i.e. dacoity. Therefore, the detention of Munni Hansda appears to be a deliberate act of provocation and prejudice by the police administration, INSAF demands that normalcy be restored in the region, proper independent and high level enquiry be instituted in the incident of 6" Decmber, 2008, and appropriate action be taken against officials found guilty of indiscriminate police firing. Immediate medical aid should be provided to the injured/vounded., Adequate compensation should be given to all affected people. Land acquisition process should be withheld and statutory provisions under laws of the land like PESA should be strictly applied and followed. Criminal cases instituted against the social activists, people’s leaders and people should be reviewed by officials and agencies with credibility. Till such time, all detained be released on bail. Further harassment and repression be immediately brought toanend. =~ f —— Beye ae ca i ChiittaranjaSing— Dayamani Barla Com. Sheikh Ansar Rajendra K. Sail On Behalf Of INSAF FACT-FINDING TEAM (INDIAN SOCIAL ACTION FORUM) (124-A/FF, Katwaria Sarai, New Delhi-1 10 019: E-mail: insaf@vsnl.com) INSAF is a forum of about 750 social action groups, social movements, NGOs and intellectuals drawn from all over the country committed to resisting globalization, combating communalism and defending democracy.