Discussing the Hampi situation

BANGALORE: Govind Raj, former Gram Panchayat President of Hampi addressed a press meet in Bangalore to condemn the inhuman eviction and illegal demolition of Hampi Bazaar.Various associations like Shree Sharada Women Welfare Association, Shree Maharishi Valmiki Sangha, Shree Hampi Vijayanagara Guides Union, Shree Vijayanagara Auto Drivers Union, Citizens Rights and Protection Forum, and Hampi and Equation made their stand in support of Hampi Bazaar.On July 28, citing the existence of a High Court of Karnataka order, the deputy commissioner of Bellary issued oral warnings to more than 200 families in Hampi Bazaar, asking them to vacate their shops and homes within 24 hours, so that the process of demolition could be initiated.“In actuality, the High Court had only asked for a status report on July 25 and had not ordered demolition but instead, issuing of notices started around 7.30 pm on the evening of July 28 and continued until 12.30 am,” pointed out Govind Raj.This demolition has led to many families being forced to live on the streets.The authorities have not provided any rehabilitation despite the court ordering to look into the matter in WP No 29843/2009.Various associations demands that a commission be constituted to inquire into the sequence of events around the demolition of Hampi Bazaar and appropriate action be taken in case of misuse and abuse of power by the government officials, to repeal the Hampi World Heritage Area Management Authority Act 2002 and to reinstate the powers of the panchayat guaranteed under the Constitution of India.They further demanded that proper rehabilitation to be provided to the families evicted in an appropriate place where their livelihood options will not be adversely affected.They also appealed to UNESCO to actively condemn such acts and that World Heritage tags cannot be earned or retained by sacrificing human, democratic process and respect for the rule of the law.