BOLENG, Aug 31: The North East Human Rights (NEHR) organization has strongly condemned recent orders issued by the Executive Assistant Commissioner (EAC) of Upper Siang District and the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Siang District, Boleng. The orders, dated August 30, 2024, are viewed as a direct threat to the traditional village leaders, including HGBs (Head Gaon Burahs), GBs (Gaon Burahs), and PRI (Panchayati Raj Institution) leaders, warning them of severe consequences if they exercise their constitutional rights.
The controversial orders in question are Order No. GKU/JUD-41/2022-23/803-820 issued by the EAC of Upper Siang District, and Order No. DC/SD/JUD-26No1-11-/2027-18 issued by the DC of Siang District, P.N. Thungon. According to NEHR, these directives have been issued without obtaining the Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) of the local communities. The group has also alleged that the documentation process for the Project Feasibility Report (PFR) is being carried out by NHPC and the state administration, violating the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), to which India is a signatory. Under UNDRIP, any such project requires FPIC from the affected communities.
The NEHR further stated that these orders infringe upon fundamental rights enshrined in the Indian Constitution, specifically Article 19(1)(a) (Freedom of Speech and Expression) and Article 19(1)(b) (Right to Assemble Peacefully and Without Arms). The organization emphasized that peaceful assembly is not subject to criminal liability under Indian law, and the orders, therefore, represent a clear abuse of power. The Upper Siang EAC has cited the Central Civil Services (CCS) Conduct Rules, 1964, which the NEHR argues do not apply to HGBs, GBs, and PRI leaders. This, according to NEHR, is a deliberate attempt to intimidate and prevent community leaders from exercising their constitutional rights.
The NEHR has asserted that these orders could be challenged in a competent court, labeling them as unlawful threats against innocent villagers. The organization expressed its solidarity with the HGBs, GBs, and PRI leaders and vowed to continue fighting for their rights against what it sees as overreach by the district authorities.
In response to these developments, NEHR has called for the immediate withdrawal of the orders and has urged the authorities to respect the constitutional rights of all citizens, including the indigenous and local communities.