Definition of Human Rights

Sir,

Sir,

I am writing to second the call made in the article entitled “We must demand and fight for constitutional guarantee for human rights!’’ made on the occasion of the International Human Rights Day and which appeared in the online version of the December 16-31, 2012 issue of MEL. The article has appeared at a time of unprecedented assaults on all Human Rights in the country. While the mainstream discussion on Human Rights and its affirmation and denial is restricted to the narrow ambit of abuse of rights at the hands of security forces, here in the name of fighting terrorism, there in the name of anti-Naxalite activities and elsewhere in the name of `law and order’ and in enforcing the so-called `Eminent Domain’, the reality in India is that the denial of Human Rights is on a far broader and vaster scale than is conventionally admitted. The article appears at a time when the so-called `India Inc.’ is tightening its noose on the country and the vast millions to put in place a system that will lead to unbridled and uninterrupted profits for itself in an ever expanding scale. Those at the helm of affairs of this set-up have dreams of India also joining the table of such imperial powers. It may be recalled that the esteemed members of this elite club have got there due to the reckless exploitation of the working masses and the natural resources of the country that is the property of all. This has been made possible due to the rendering of rights in a selective manner: rights that are inalienable to human beings such as the right to food, shelter, clothing, education and a secure future have been violated and this has been replaced by a system that doles out favours to one section or another. Such rights are no longer considered rights but a privilege for which one must be thankful. This implies that those who protest the system must be dealt with by force. This is the grim reality of India that the vast majority of the population faces. Thus, to theoretically examine the foundations of the system is essential and only by examining those foundations can a way be found out of the impasse. The present article thus makes a head way in this direction. The article lists in no uncertain terms the basic demands that would ensure that such Human Rights are affirmed on the soil of India. Let this be a blueprint for all future deliberation on what Human Rights are.

Sincerely,

Narayan, Bangalore