The dharna was started with a demand that the Government initiate a dialogue with the people and answer their questions, and to protest against the suppression of the real issues through the police actions against the satyagrahis who have been challenging the increase in back water due to the Sardar Sarovar dam. This is not at all a law and order problem. The situation has arisen due to the wrong policies and actions regarding the dam and displacement on the part of Maharashtra rulers. It is the question of tribals rights. The people arrested are demanding that the Government stop the cat and mouse game with them of arresting and releasing and rearresting.
People are serious in their demand and their resolve.
The State Government cannot shrink from its responsibility by hiding behind the police. They demanded that the Chief Secretary or some such functionary of the State Government must come to Dhadgaon where the people were detained and answer their questions. Meanwhile, the water levels in the Jalsindhi Satyagraha centre in M.P. receded today even as the tribals had bravely stood in 1.5 feet deep water for 24 hours. About 50 people from Kerala, Bangalore and other places reached the satyagraha centres today to express solidarity and support in the struggle. From Thailand, the people affected by the Pak Mun dam who have occupied the dam site since April this year, setting up a de facto township with over 8000 people and demanding that the dam be removed, have conveyed their solidarity in the Narmada struggle.