John,

Deep in the heart of Bastar, India, the Abujhmad Forest is a safe haven for tigers, leopards, wild pigs, elephants, deer and monkeys. This rich nature reserve thrives because of the Indigenous Adivasi people, who have lived there in harmony, nurturing the lands and their culture for generations.

Right now, a massive military offensive has been underway across the Adivasi heartland. Over 20,000 armed personnel have been deployed, and rising casualties are being reported. Civil society is negotiating in favour of peace talks to end the violence -- but the Indian government has escalated the assault. At the same time, deforestation is also progressing aggressively and youth activists speaking out are being imprisoned. Now it is even more important to call on the Indian government to respond with dialogue, to uphold the rights of Indigenous people defending their land, forests, and the constitutional promise of autonomy.

President Murmu is the commander in chief of the army – with just one word, she could save the Forest lands and stop the orders of destruction. But for that, we must support the local resistance efforts and make them global and public NOW, as the bulldozers could arrive any day. Let’s ramp up the pressure:

President Droupadi Murmu: Save the precious forests in Bastar and end the violence against Indigenous communities!

The destruction of these vast forests isn’t just an environmental crisis – it’s a death sentence for the people and wildlife that depend on them. An area the size of Madrid is being wiped out in the name of warfare, leaving tigers, elephants, and entire communities with nowhere to go.

Those who resist face brutal repression. Since January 2024, over 180 people have been executed without trial, while countless others endure arrests, torture, and horrific violence – simply for defending their home, the precious land and animals living there.

But together, we can protect the people and the Forest. The Ekō community is millions of members strong – from all around the world. We have the power to ramp up the pressure and turn global attention to what’s happening in Bastar. Are you in?

President Droupadi Murmu: Save the precious forests in Bastar and end the violence against Indigenous communities!