Legality of cops using firearms on Santals challenged

Three rights organisations today filed a writ petition with the High Court challenging the legality of using firearms by police on Santal people in Gobindganj upazila of Gaibandha on November 6.

Ain O Salish Kendra, Broti and Association for Land Reform Development (ALRD) submitted the petition seeking HC directives upon the government to ensure security of lives and properties of Santals and their free movement.

On November 6, at least 25 people were injured in a clash between indigenous people and labourers as well as police at Shahebganj sugarcane farm of Rangpur Sugar Mills over land dispute.

READ MORE: Another Santal dies

Law enforces fired rubber bullets and lobbed teargas canisters to disperse the confronting groups. The indigenous people shot arrows at police and the labourers, injuring nine law enforcers and a number of workers.

In the petition, the rights organisations also prayed to the HC for seeking an explanation from the government on what steps have been taken to compensate the Santal victims.

Indigenous Santal community in the area has long been demanding ownership of the land, which the government acquired from them to cultivate sugarcane for the mill.