Patkar alleges rights' violation of slum dwellers

Mumbai, Apr 11 (UNI) Noted human rights activist Medha Patkar today charged police with brutality and violation of human rights of city slum dwellers during a demolition drive by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation(BMC) against illegal shanties at Mandala near Mankhurd railway station.

Their eviction yesterday without resettlement amounted to the state government's failure in honouring its undertaking to the Bombay High Court, she told mediapersons.

Ms Patkar lamented these people toil hard to keep Mumbai alive, while they are pushed to the periphery of poverty and remain roofless for life.

She called on slum dwellers in Mumbai and across the country to unite to protect their rights for their survival.

Unable to control her tears, Nashreen Bano, one of the victims of the demolition drive, said,''I was not given time to shift my belongings and hard earned savings of Rs 2,000. And suddenly there were flames, I have nothing to wear and eat''.

Mohammed Geelani, another victim, added, ''I was in my room when the police came abusing... they started beating me with rods and sticks''.

Speaking for the victims, human rights activist Mukta Srivastav said the Mandala victims were turned away by doctors at government-run Shatabadi hospital.

She said the slum dwellers were just given a 12-hour notice to leave or face demolition, while most of them were away eking out earnings as labourers and hawkers.

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