Chhattisgarh Bans ‘Moolvasi Bachao Manch’; Sparks Outrage Among Tribal Communities

New Delhi- The Chhattisgarh government has imposed a one-year ban on the tribal organization Moolvasi Bachao Manch under Section 3(1) of the Chhattisgarh Special Public Security Act, 2005. This law empowers the state to prohibit organizations whose activities pose a threat to public security or order. An official notification regarding the ban was issued by D.P. Kaushal, Deputy Secretary of the Home Department.

The ban stems from the organization’s consistent opposition to the establishment of security camps in Maoist-affected areas and alleged incitement of public dissent. The government considers these activities a threat to state security and public peace.

The government’s decision has drawn sharp criticism from tribal organizations and activists. Social workers in Bastar argue that this ban is an attempt to suppress the organization’s activism on issues related to jal, jungle, and zameen (water, forest, and land).

Soni Sori, a prominent tribal activist from Dantewada, condemned the move in an interview with The Mooknayak. She remarked, “The government fears the unification of groups like Moolvasi Bachao Manch, which fight for tribal rights. This ban is a deliberate strategy to silence opposition to its plans of handing over forests to corporate entities.”

Sori further questioned the rationale behind the decision, stating, “What exactly has the Moolvasi Bachao Manch done to be labeled anti-security? The government must clarify the grounds for such a draconian action.”

Charges Against the Organization

According to the government notification, the Moolvasi Bachao Manch has been actively opposing the establishment of security camps in Maoist-affected regions and allegedly provoking local communities against these measures. The government claims that the organization’s activities have disrupted public order and endangered civilian safety. It further accuses the group of interfering with judicial processes and encouraging defiance against legally established institutions.

The one-year ban has been enforced under the Chhattisgarh Special Public Security Act, 2005. Section 3 of this Act grants the state the authority to prohibit organizations whose activities jeopardize security or public order. The ban takes effect from the date of the notification.

Tribal Leaders Decry Suppression of Rights

Tribal leaders from Bastar have denounced the ban as a direct attack on the rights and interests of indigenous communities. They argue that the move is aimed at weakening the community’s fight to protect their natural resources.

A tribal leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, remarked, “The government is suppressing the voices of indigenous people to favor industrialists and large corporations. This ban is part of a broader strategy to prevent tribals from protecting their land and resources.”

The decision has sparked anger among tribal youth, who see it as an infringement on their constitutional rights and freedom. Many young activists from the Bastar division view this ban as an attack on freedom of expression.

Advocate Mayank Singh, a legal expert, told The Mooknayak that the Chhattisgarh Special Public Security Act, 2005, has previously been used to ban organizations. However, such decisions require concrete evidence and substantial justification. He questioned whether the government’s claims could withstand legal scrutiny.

The ban is expected to escalate tensions in the tribal regions of Chhattisgarh. Sources suggest that tribal organizations are planning protests against the government’s decision. Preparations for a legal challenge to the ban are also underway.