Independent International Fact Finding Mission to Nandigram

December 2007

On behalf of a few concerned civil society organizations and individuals, an independent international fact finding mission (IIFFM) went to Nandigram to investigate the human rights violations which occurred there in connection with the attempted land acquisition for the proposed chemical hub to be set up by the Salim Group from Indonesia.

The team visited two different villages Gokulnagar and Satengabari, situated 9 km away from the main thoroughfare of Nandigram to Tekhali bridge. There is no electricity and piped water in Gokulnagar.

After talking with the local people, the team learned about their terrifying experiences with the proposed forced eviction. The team found violation of human rights to their life, land, food, livelihood, and peaceful and dignified existence. There were mass killings, and rape and molestation of peasant women during the last 11 months. They were also able to see the burnt and demolished homes and businesses. They saw the ransacked homes which had all the windows, doors, and furniture removed, and rice and other food items destroyed.

Numerous people, men, women, young people and children voluntarily spoke to the team and shared their stories of horror. They invited the team to see the destruction of their homes and their belongings and to speak to those who suffered beatings and injuries.

Moreover, the team also met Bhumi Ucched Pratirodh Committee (BUPC) leaders and members who gave information and their views against the proposed eviction plan. According to BUCP, there were 367 women raped and molested for the last 10 months.174 were killed during this last 11 months. Moreover, CPM members destroyed a health center at Sonachura and stole the ambulance.

The team likewise had meetings with Mr. D. Bandopadhayay and Prof. Sunanda Sanyal who reaffirmed what the team saw.

Other observations of the team included

• Land is fertile and multi-cropped.
• Irrigation system poorly developed.
• People still being threatened and intimidated and there is a belief that once Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) goes their lives will be endangered.
• People feeling safe due to CRPF presence.
• CBI inquiry instituted at Gokulnagar

IIFFM recommendations

• Law and order be reinstated immediately
• Immediate compensation to victims
• Appoint an independent judicial commission
• Government action against those found guilty
• Accurate identification of the damages incurred to life and property and immediate compensation.
• Call to international community for expressing solidarity and support.

Members of the Fact Finding Team

Rafael Mariano (Philippines)
	Chairperson, Peasant Movement of the Philippines, (KMP)
Sarojeni Rengan (Malaysia)
	Chairperson, Pesticides Action Network International
Balram Banskota (Nepal)
	Deputy General Secretary, All Nepal Peasants Federation
P.S. Ajay (Andhra Pradesh)
	General Secretary, Andhra Pradesh Agricultural Workers Union
Mahasweta Banerjee (U.S.A)
	Professor, University of Kansas and Fulbright Scholar
Biplab Halim
	General Secretary, FIAN West Bengal
Prof. Satyabrota Chaudhuri
	President, Forum of Voluntary Organizations, West Bengal

For inquiries, please get in touch with:
Mr. Biplap Halim (bipimse@cal.vsnl.net.in)
Rajkrishna Mukherjee (fovowb@gmail.com)