"Citizens’ Report on Security and Insecurity", 12 August 2024

In the last few years, there have been large-scale protests by Adivasi communities across

the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh against the proliferation of security camps on their lands. According to the Home Minister, Amit Shah, 250 security camps have been established ...

…, the villagers say that the camps make them feel more insecure and take away

their livelihood. They believe, based on the layout, that the camps are meant for the safety of mining companies. Local communities say that camps and mining pose an existential threat to them.

A group of concerned citizens came together … to investigate the claims and

counter claims. This report is a result of that investigation, as well as subsequent material.

Mining: The Bastar region is known for its rich iron ore and other mineral deposits. Dante-

wada alone contributes about 50% of the state’s mineral revenue…, 51 mining leases have been granted in the Bastar region, of which only 14 are with the Public Sector.

Roads, Camps and Mining: Camps and road laying are intrinsically connected. People

state that they are not opposed to the building of roads per se, but it is their constitutional right to be consulted in how and where these roads are being built…

Arrests: The proliferation of camps has been accompanied by mass arrests, including of

many elected representatives, and member of the Moolvasi Bachao Manch…

Lack of Due Process in Setting Up Camps: Most of the camps are set up without due

process…