India: People’s struggle for land rights, Orissa

In Orissa land grabbing has reached alarming proportions. With the forcible occupation of land whether by mining projects, plantations, richer farming communities large numbers of poor people have been driven out and left landless in the state. Many indigenous communities are being evicted from the forest areas that are in turn adding to the ranks of the landless poor. Destruction of sources of livelihood and destitution of access to land by government action or omission are violations of the human right to feed oneself. Ekta Parishad, a grassroots movement defending the land rights of the rural poor,  has started in Orissa on 30th January a large mass action in the form of a Yatra (foot march) in order to  document human rights violations cases, mobilize the communities affected and demand urgent action from the government.

Being aware of the alarming situation rural communities are facing in Orissa, this march provides a good opportunity to address the Orissa government internationally in defence of people’s right to feed themselves. Please write letters to  the governor of Orissa  with copy to the Chief Minister demanding immediate action on the issues raised.