Condemning the arrests of several rights activists including poet Varavara Rao during a series of raids conducted in five States and Delhi by the Pune Police on charges of suspected Maoist links on Tuesday, the Human Rights Forum (HRF) dubbed it as a move to lock down on democratic dissent.
“The arrests is a part of clear design to undermine free speech and create a climate of fear. It’s quite alarming,” said V.S. Krishna, a member of A.P. and Telangana Coordination Committee of HRF.
On Tuesday, the Pune Police raided the premises of the rights activists and their relatives. Nine activists including Vernon Gonsalves (Mumbai), Gautam Navlakha (Delhi), Sudha Bharadwaj (Haryana), and poet Varavara Rao (Hyderabad) were arrested.
‘Vague accusations’
“The arrests were made based on utterly vague, flimsy and sweeping accusations. It is a move to persecute the dissenters and those critiquing the violations of rights by the governments. According to information, the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), 1967, a highly undemocratic legislation, is being invoked against those arrested,” said Mr. Krishna.
Terming the UAPA as a draconian statute, the HRF members said it’s an open contempt of fundamental political freedoms and it should not have any place in a civilised society.
“The UAPA gives a free hand to police to target and harass anyone they wish to. It allows presumption of guilt and alleged intention to commit crimes to become the basis of arrests, incarceration, and prolonged denial of bail,” said S. Jeevan Kumar, another HRF AP and Telangana Coordination Committee member. Denouncing the arrests, the HRF members said that slapping the ‘Maoist’ label had become a routine for the States to crack down on the dissent voices.
Release sought
“The claims of discovery of incriminating Maoist literature and letters are pieces with this dubious strategy. The real intent is to criminalise the democratic activity of activists, harass them and ensure their extended incarceration. We demand that the spurious charges are dropped immediately and the unconditional release of those arrested are ensured,” added Mr. Jeevan.