Search for alternative land – advocating for the community
After the demolition and witnessing the trauma of the people, we could not stand as silent spectators, regular visits to the community and assuring them of our support was important. After the demolition of the dwelling units, we decided to find land where we could try and settle the people. In our search, we found vacant land that was donated by a widowed elderly woman for the use of the poor. When we were satisfied with the land, we met with the District Magistrate and apprised him of the situation and he asked us if we had an alternative. We placed our alternative and gave him the description of the land. He agreed to allow the community to shift there, but he would not give it in writing. He went ahead to say that he would mark the letter to the concerned officers. With this news we encouraged the community to shift and erect their huts. Unfortunately, the people living in the apartment near by informed the local police, who came and demolished the huts of the people in their absence. Such gross violation of the poor is evident, their pleas fall on deaf ears but the powerful can ask to evict the people and the police adhere to this.
In such a state of affairs things seem grim and we are in the process of approaching some politicians who can take up this issue with the Chief Minister. May God show us the way.