On March 9, a day after the International Women’s Day was celebrated around the world, Adivasi activist Hidme Markam was arrested from a peaceful protest at Chhattisgarh. The two-day protest had been organized by the Jail Bandi Rihai Committee and the Chhattisgarh Mahila Adhikar Manch. Ironically, it was held to raise awareness about police brutality and arbitrary arrests of Adivasi activists.
This is what we know about Hidme Markam and her arrest:
Hidme hails from Burgum village under Aranpur Police Station in Dantewada.
She is the Convener of Jail Bandi Rihai Committee which is a platform that advocates for the release of Adivasi persons, particularly youths, held in pre-trial detention.
Hidme was arrested from Sameli village that falls under Aranpur police station area where she was at a gathering of about 300 people.
The group was commemorating the death of a young woman whilst in police custody in Chhattisgarh. The woman, named Pande Kawasi (20), was found dead on February 23 at the officers’ guesthouse in Chhattisgarh’s Karli according to this report.
According to news reports, there are five Naxal offences pending against Hidme under IPC, Arms Act, Explosives Act and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
Tribal leader Soni Sori who was present at the time of arrest has demanded for her immediate release and claimed that Hidme is a respected activist in the region. She claims that the police have arrested her on false charges.