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NCHRO filed a complaint in the NHRC against death of labourers at a factory in Rajkot, Gujarat


On, October 13, 2021, two persons were killed and three others injured when an overhead container filled with raw material, fell on them at the soda ash manufacturing facility of Saurashtra Chemicals, a unit of Nirma Group. There have been previous such incidents in the same factory.

One person died on the spot while the other succumbed to injuries in the Rajkot civil hospital.

The repeated incidents at the factory point towards a continual negligence of the employer. Against this incident, human rights organisation the National Confederation of Human Rights Organisations (NCHRO) filed a complaint in the National Human Rights Commission. The complain was filed on October 16, 2021 by the Secretary of the Gujarat state committee of NCHRO, Hammad Razaiwala.
We have urged the NHRC to look into the case and ensure a fair investigation.
Sincerely,

Hammad Razaiwala
Secretary,
Gujarat Committee 

NCHRO conducted investigation after atrocity on Dalits in Haryana

The organization will send the fact-finding report to the Human Rights Commission


The way in which the situation has arisen in Haryana after the boycott of Dalits in Chhattar village in the Jind district of Haryana, if the administration wanted, it could have prevented the incident. Because of the failure of the administration and the political interests of certain people, this situation has arisen in the village.

These initial facts have come before the human rights organisation, NCHRO, in the fact-finding conducted by the team. The general secretary of the organisation, Azeem Naved, has said in a press release that the joint team went to the village to investigate on the directions of the President of Delhi chapter, Adv. Amit Srivastav.  The fact-finding team met the victims and gathered the information and facts related to the incident. The team also talked to the "upper-caste" people of the village and the police officers. Primarily, the facts that have come before the team point towards the fact that if the administration wanted, the incident would not have taken on such a serious shape. He said that the organisation will soon release its detailed report and this report will be sent to the Chief Justice of the State, Chief Secretary, Scheduled Castes Commission, Chief Minister's Office and the State Human Rights Commission.

The fact-finding team included members of the Uttar Pradesh Working Committee, Sandeep Nimesh, Manisha and Ankit from Chhatra Ekta Manch (CEM), Praveen from KYS; (Independent Journalists- Uday Che, Akashdeep, Sumedha, Rajkumar Tarksheel Society); Advocates - Rajesh Kapdo, Sanjay Kumar; Bharatiya Mazdoor Kisan Union Master Dilsher, Dheeraj Gaba from Rashtriya Mazdoor Kisan Manch, Advocate Surendra Bibipur, Krishna Majra, Dr. Ramesh Qutbpur, Sohan Yadav, Ravinder, Likhita, Huzaifa and others

Sincerely,

Azeem Naved

General Secretary,

Delhi Committee

N Biren’s proposal for peaceful resolution appreciable but not welcoming at this moment: PREPAK (Pro)


Paying tribute to all the martyrs who had sacrificed their lives in the courses of liberation movements on the 45th Raising Day of the Red Army of proscribed PREPAK (Pro), its chairman L Paliba M on Saturday said chief minister N Biren’s proposal to resolve the insurgency problem peacefully is appreciable but not welcoming at this moment.

While acknowledging that the chief minister even expressed his willingness to be kind of a bridge for solution, the chairman of the proscribed outfit questioned whether it would be a breakable bamboo bridge where crossers faced frequent loose footing.

It is obvious that the Kashmiri, Sikh, Dravidian of Southern five states have a strong desire to change the political structure of India as the Confederation of India. The poor peasants, workers, and indigenous people of Maoist’s prone 10 states wanted the socialist program of equal distribution, and they don’t want their natural resources to be managed by wealthy people and big companies, he said. But the government of India doesn’t take seriously these hitherto known demands, let alone the solution of insurgency, he added.

In his 45th Raising Day message, the chairman also expressed his deepest sympathy to those families, who have lost their loved ones during the pandemic.

Sharing some of his views and thinking, the chairman said the coronavirus is wreaking havoc on every aspect of our life but amidst this pandemic some people are trying to unscrupulously exploit and dismantle the Kanglei society by indulging in the dreadful narcotic trade. Most of these persons are genealogically devoid of our motherland’s blood.

Stating that they are the real enemies of the society as their minds are tainted with fiendishness, he said many civil society organisations have been working hard to uplift the society, but it would be fruitless if these few persons are allowed to exist in the society. Prominent leaders among local communities and CSOs must cogitate to finish off such persons, he added.

The chairman further said the outside invaders could easily occupy India due to frequent infighting among the Hindu Kingdoms. There was no question of nation or nationalism during that period but it was just dynastic patriotism, he added.

Claiming that even the early stage of British occupation was welcome by the Hindu Indian as their saviour from the Muslim rulers, he said no kingdom or empire could maintain a prolong reign in India. However, monarchism in Kangleipak had been continued over 2000 years, he asserted and added, “We must be proud of this, but India purposefully disrespects this historical status which has become the main reason for armed uprising.”

The chairman also said India was created due to the conflict between the people and British colonialism. However, there were diverse cultures, communities, and faiths among the so-called Indian people. The revolutionary movement of composite nationalism was not mobilised robustly to dissipate the diversities. India’s independence was handed over to the few Indians who had been perfectly inflicted with the British values, he added.

L Paliba M further said These British adopted Indian leaders continued the same colonialist style of politics like their masters. Without the national consciousness, the total independent movement was carried out which ultimately could not distribute the real independence among the peasants and workers, downgraded indigenous groups, and the ethnic minorities. It is worth noting that the Dravidian leader E.V.R Periyar once said “Is the cat’s rule Swarajya for the rat” which is becoming a true metaphor. Kangleipak should not be a part of suppressive India, he added.

The chairman claimed that while India is dragging under the demonetization process, GST, ‘Make in India’ initiative, the neighbour Bangladesh has been economically advancing than India. 25 million jobs were lost during January-May 2021. It is also a gloomy prospect that a generation might be wiped out by this pandemic. On the contrary, the world’s largest political party BJP with 180 million memberships and its vast keyboard warriors have been trying to propagate Prime Minister Modi as divine status, he added.

He alleged that they falsely propagated that UNESCO had declared Modi as world’s best leader and they also fantasized boastfully that 450 years ago the prophet Nostradamus had predicted that the Modi era would be a golden age not only for India but the whole world. Apart from that, the cult of Mr Modi is so formidable that coronavirus vaccine certificates and outgoing emails of NHRC both bear the image of prime minister. Ironically his photo is not printed on coronavirus death certificates, he added.

The chairman further said it is comical that the recent aggressive and finger-wagging lecturing tone of Modi’s Speech in the UN General Assembly room drew little interest; most of the seats were empty as his speech was similar to that of election rally address. India’s internal cold war between the “cult personated BJP” and the 54 years’ Frankensteinian ruler of Congress party, has been squeezing the common people. “We don’t have the future foundation in such two demonic ruling India,” he added.

Stating that the essence of democracy is the free expression of opinion, the chairman said recently, many opposition leaders have protested strongly against the infliction of Pegasus Spyware on their mobile phones. But there is something fishy about it as the issue has cooled down. There is apprehension that the spyware might have muted the opposition by collecting their disgraceful personal information, he added.

Saying that the famous wording “Big Brother is watching you” of George Orwell’s novel “Nineteen Eighty-Four” is exactly similar with what is happening in India, he asserted that the Indian government always crosses the personal space of its citizens to grab them tightly.

He stated that the peculiar form of Deep State, in which the military and intelligent community played a major advisory role in public administration, is putatively evident in India. There are allegations that the intelligence agencies did not try to stop the Parliament attack in 2001, Godhra train burning in 2002, terrorist attack of Pulwama and Uri even though they had received the convincing information in advance. In the name of maintaining tranquility, the wheel chaired hawkish bureaucrats chalked out the “offensive defence doctrine” by which the hot pursuit and arbitrary arrests are the pre-emptive parameters, added.

Maintaining that the development and growth of China has been a world’s ideal, the chairman stated that the Chinese government had implemented the people’s livelihood policy by following the metaphorical proverb of “teaching a man to fish is better than giving him a fish”. India is playing policy of doles by distributing freebies, free rice, and a handful of money for electoral gains. The Government of India has been implementing more than twenty poverty alleviation programs starting from ‘Garibi Hatao’, he said. However, there is no meaningful decrease in poverty. The fact of the matter is that these socialist programs were managed by those luxurious ministers and bureaucrats who are being categorized as Champagne Socialists. They can be called as Delhi Lutyens’ socialists or Imphal Babupara’s Socialists, he added.

While quoting the adage of Jose Ortega Y Gasset that a revolution only lasts fifteen years, the chairman said a period which coincides with the effectiveness of a generation needs to be deeply analysed. The faster pervading social changes have pounded adversely to the revolutionary parties, he added.

L Paliba M also said, “We need timely preparation to face these negative impacts. It is now imperative that revolution and liberation struggle must be together. We believe that the revolutionary struggle is just to establish a self-sufficing and self-determined Kangleipak by barricading the Kanglei society against Indian colonialism.” This is a necessary but not a sufficient means, he added.

Maintaining the prolong living under India’s colonialism would not finish off the whacking problems of Kangleipak, the chairman insisted that the ultimate solution would be achieved through armed liberation struggle. However, the liberation struggle must be integrated together with people, which could not be achieved during the last forty-five plus years of armed struggle, he added.

“This has been our weakness. As being a revolutionary party, we should be courageous to correct our weakness and irrational policies in time,” he said.

Admitting that there would be no holistic solution of political conflicts if there is a rigid mindset to keep everything inside the wall of the Constitution of India, the chairman said it was an ideal insight when Atal Behari Vajpayee once said Kashmiri problem should be solved through humanity (Insaniyat). It is not certain the present government might own that ideal, he added.

The chairman stated the humanity and historical uniqueness of Kangleipak are the parameters to seek the main causes of our insurgency. “We wish India must be a union of independent States like the European Union, with whom independent Kangleipak would establish a paramount relation. Lastly, the geopolitics and geo-economic condition of the Kangleipak would impel the necessary good relation between the neighbour and closer countries such as India, Myanmar, Bangladesh, and China,” he concluded.

Bhund village of Haryana after boycott of Dalits, fact-finding report will be released soon: NCHRO


The situation after the boycott of Dalit community in Bhund village of Panchkula district in Haryana could have been prevented, had the administration wanted. Due to the failure of the administration and the conspiracy of some organizations, this situation has arisen in the village.

These preliminary facts have come before the fact-finding team in the fact-finding conducted by the human rights organization NCHRO.

Azeem Naved, the general secretary of the organization and a member of the fact-finding team, issued a press statement and said that upon the instructions of Delhi State President Advocate Amit Srivastava, the fact-finding team visited the affected village.

The team met the two parties and gathered information and facts related to the incident. Along with this, the investigation team also spoke to the SHO of the area and some of the accused people of the village. Primarily the facts that have come to the fore before the team indicate that after the marriage between a girl belonging to the Gujjar community and a boy from the Dalit community, some people from the Gujjar caste of the village and former heads of Panchayat carried out the boycott of Dalits. Had the administration wanted, the incident would not have taken such a form.

If on 8 September, when the complaint was lodged in the police station, the local administration had acted properly, the case would have been prevented. But the administration rejected the complaint and did not process it for several days. As a result, the anti-social forces got an opportunity to hatch a casteist plan to boycott the Dalit community of the village.

He said that the organization would soon release its detailed report and this report would be sent to the Chief Justice of the State, Chief Secretary, Scheduled Castes Commission, Chief Minister's Office and the State Human Rights Commission. The fact-finding team comprised of Punjab Pradesh Working Committee's Vice-Chairman advocate Rehana Gujjar, journalists Rukhsar Bano, Asrar Ahmed, Ishu Jaiswal and Bharti. Apart from these, the team was accompanied by Sohil Sidora, Abdul Sattar, and Moinuddin from the village side, who guided the team in the village.

Sincerely,

Azeem Naved
General Secretary
Delhi Committee

MURL National Seminar Demands Repeal of All Repressive Laws


The Movement against UAPA and other Repressive Laws (MURL) has organized a National Seminar on REPRESSIVE LAWS UNDER BJP REGIME on Saturday, 18th September 2021 evening from 4:00 to 6:30 pm at Madras Reporters Guild,  Chennai. The programme was attended by hundreds of activists. The seminar called upon all sections of the society, especially those groups targeted by the present BJP government, to fight together for the repeal of all repressive laws. 
 
Movement Against UAPA and Other Repressive Laws (MURL) is a joint platform of activists and groups for mobilizing public opinion against these laws. MURL aims to extend support to the innocent victims of these draconian laws due to political vendetta. The seminar was part of series of activities by MURL to strengthen the efforts towards repealing all repressive laws like UAPA, AFSPA, PSA, Sedition Law, NIA Act, PMLA, and NSA which are grossly misused to suppress the voices of dissent.

The Seminar was moderated by Adv. A. Mohamed Yusuff, Central Committee Member of MURL. Welcome note was given by Sadique Qureshi (Coordinator, MURL).   Introductory Speech delivered by E.M. Abdul Rahiman, Vice Chairperson, MURL. Prof. A. Marx, Chair Person of NCHRO and State President of MURL, Tamilnadu, Mr. Gurmeet Singh Juj (Punjab), Adv. K.P. Mohamad Shareef (Central Committee member, MURL), Mr. Ashish Gupta, (Delhi) Adv. Bavani Ba. Mohan, State President of NCHRO, Mrs. Pallibi Ghosh (Assam), Mr. Rajesh Ningthoukhongajam rights activist from Manipur and Sandeep Nimesh from Uttar Pradedh spoke in the seminar.  Vote of thanks was given by Kasali Meeran (Secretary Taminadu MURL). 

E.M. Abdul Rahiman in his introductory speech said that the government is suppressing the voices of the people who are raising their voice against the policies of the government. The people who have been arrested and kept under trial under these oppressive laws have only very few convictions. These oppressive laws are against the people, against the country and against the Constitution. Now not only Muslim minorities are becoming victims of these repressive laws but other groups like journalists, human rights activists and all those who are raising their voice against the policies of the government are being targeted. There are many organizations which are working in the interest of the country, for the protection of people’s rights. Their ideology and strategy are different, but it does not mean that we can achieve the result by working alone. We should forget all differences and come together and raise our voice against oppressive laws and policies of the present BJP government.

Prof. A. Marx, Chair Person of NCHRO and State President of MURL, Tamilnadu, reiterated that UAPA and all other repressive laws are against the letter and spirit of the Indian constitution. As responsible and law abiding citizens it is the duty of every Indian to defend the constitution by fighting the draconian laws that are against the constitution. He called upon all activists and groups to come together putting a stronger fight.

Kurmeet Singh Juj a farmer leader from Punjab, said that the Government of India by making anti-people laws, is openly violating the rights given by the Indian Constitution. The laws that have been made against the farmers by the Government of India completely violate of the rights of the farmers and the farmers have been running a movement for a long time. Efforts are being made against them through black laws and to arrest them in false cases. He demanded the withdrawal of three anti-farmer laws, as well as the withdrawal of all those oppressive laws. 

Adv. K.P. Mohamad Shareef (Central Committee member, MURL) highlighted one of the less discussed law called Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). He enumerated various repressive provisions contained in PMLA, some of which are more dangerous than the procedures of other repressive laws. The main threat contained in the PMLA is that both powers of investigation and adjudication are being given to a single agency which ultimately leads to deeper misuse as we are now witnessing in present India.

Ashish Gupta, journalist and social activist from Delhi, said that under the UAPA Act, such people are being prosecuted who raise the voice of the people and write for their rights. BhÄ«ma Koregaon and the anti-CA movement are living examples in which the government has put them in jails by making fake cases to suppress the voice of their opponents.  All these black laws can be removed only through mass movements.   He demanded that the Government of India should immediately abolish all such laws, 

Adv. Bavani Ba. Mohan, State President of NCHRO stated that at present the BJP has become very strong. They are leaving no stone unturned to misuse every law available against their opposition and the dissenting organizations and individuals. Now an individual can be arrested under UAPA even on an accused intention. The sad part is that even our MPs and MLAs are unaware of the dangerous depth of these laws. 

Ms. Pallabi Ghosh, a rights activist from Assam said that under AFSPA, many powers have been given to paramilitary forces who indiscriminately violate human rights. This law is depriving people of their rights in the provinces of the North East.   Irom Sharmila sat on hunger strike for 16 years to remove this law, yet the government remained unmoved. She demanded the Government of India that the black law AFSPA should be removed from the North-East regions with immediate effect.

Mr. Sandeep Nimesh, a rights activist from Uttar Pradesh, explained the manner in which anti-incumbency people are being targeted by imposing sedition sections in the country.  Uttar Pradesh is in the forefront in this matter where the ruling BJP government has imposed sedition cases on protesters indiscriminately as a means of suppression. 

Mr.  Ningthoukhongjam Rajesh, a rights activist from Manipur  explained  the use of AFSPA for the last 53 years in Manipur, which grants the Indian armed forces special powers to kill on mere suspicion, search without warrant, destroy property,  institutionalize impunity, blatantly violate the rights to life, right against torture, right against arbitrary detention and right to fair trial.
 
Adv. A. Mohamed Yusuff (Central Committee member MURL), released a report Summary of Latest Data about UAPA Cases published by NCRB”. 

The seminar adopted the following resolution on different issues.  

1. Demanding Government of India to act upon the recent UN Human Rights Council statement & NCRB report about UAPA by initiating steps to save people from repressions under this law.   

2. Expressing concerns about the trends of judiciary against granting bail to the accused who are jailed under UAPA and other repressive laws.

3. Empathising the importance of broad alliance and joint actions among all sections and groups victimised by repressive laws.

4. Demanding the central and state governments to release all political and rights activist unconditionally.

5. Demanding governments to stop intervention on the freedom of expression and freedom of religion.

6. Demanding government to give compensation and take legal action against investigation officers in the cases those who are acquittal in UAPA cases after a long time in jail.  

7. Demanding that in UAPA and other such laws that "there must be some timeline to conclude the trial, and after the specific time limit there must be a provision for default bail like under section 167(2) of Criminal Procedure Code.
8. Demanding to release all political prisoners across India who have been put behind the bars as part of political vendetta.  

9. Urging the central government to withdraw the three newly enacted anti-farmer laws. 

10. Expressing condolence on the demise of Maulana Mohammed Wali Rahmani who was chairperson of MURL and the institutional murder of tribal rights leader Father Stan Swami who was jailed without granting bail. 

Vote of thanks was given by Kasali Meeran (Secretary Tamilnadu MURL).

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Punjab State committee of Human rights organization NCHRO formed


As a part of the ongoing formation of States committees of the National Confederation of Human Rights Organizations (NCHRO), a nationwide human rights organization, Punjab committee of the organization is announced today.National committee member Adv.Ansar Indori informed in a press release Hansraj Mofaria Nominated as the state president of the organization and Adv.Mandeep nominated as the State General Secretary. Other officials include  , Adv.Rehana Gujjar as State Vice-President, Adv.Asheen khan and Ajaib guru as state Secretary,Gurmeet singh 'juj' as treasurer, kulwant singh as a committee members. 

National Executive Member Adv.Ansar Indori also present in formation process.

Sincerely,

Adv. Ansar Indori
Member, National Committee.
NCHRO
09718351204

NCHRO filed a complaint in SHRC against death of labourer in Surat, Gujarat


On 4 August, 2021, a 32-year-old labourer Irshad Shaikh was declared brought dead in the Lokhat hospital in Gujarat. He was returning home from Chowk Bazar police station on Wednesday.

His family has alleged that they brought Sheikh home from police custody in a critical condition and that he may have died because of torture at the hands of the police. The police had detained Shaikh on August 3, 2021, when he was seen “loitering suspiciously”.

The city police commissioner has ordered a probe into the death. Irshad Shaikh had died under suspicious circumstances.

Against the incident, human rights organisation the National Confederation of Human Rights Organisations filed a complaint in the State Human Rights Commission. The complaint was filed on August 8, 2021 by Ms. Swati Sinha, the Vice President of the Delhi State Committee of NCHRO.

We have urged the SHRC for a fair investigation into the matter.


Sincerely,

Ishu Jaiswal,

Coordinator,

Delhi, NCHRO


The attempt to transfer the political prisoners of Bhima Koregaon case is a ploy to further harass and divide them: NCHRO


The family members of political prisoners Surendra Gadling, Sudhir Dhawale, and Anand Teltumbde - who are imprisoned in the fabricated case of Bhima Koregaon - have challenged the decision of the National Investigation Agency to shift them out of Taloja prison to an ‘unspecified prison’ in Maharashtra, 

Reportedly, the jail authorities recently submitted an application, requesting to transfer the male accused in the case to other prisons. There was no hearing of the people who are being transferred. The decision was taken solely by the NIA (National Investigation Agency) court without any consultation with the political prisoners or their families.

The families allege that the purpose behind the transfer is to divide these people by sending them to separate prisons.

The National Confederation of Human Rights Organisations (NCHRO) is unequivocally against this move. It is clear that the government is not satisfied with merely locking up people who have fought for justice. They want to harass and divide them even in jail. We must also bear in mind that no crime has been established in the case.

The entire case and these new tactis are a ploy to silence these people.

We stand by Sudhir Dhawale, Surendra Gadling, and Anand Teltumbde, as well as their families. We also call upon the other justice-loving individuals and organisations to speak against this further harassment of political prisoners, and also reiterate the demand to release the political prisoners.
 
Sincerely,
Azim Khan,
General Secretary,
Delhi, NCHRO

Data about torture and deaths in police custody recently revealed is deeply worrying: NCHRO


After a Congress MP raised the question in Parliament about whether there has been a rise in custodial deaths and torture in India, the Minister for State and Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, responded with data from the National Human Rights Commission.

The Minister said that a total of 136 people had died in police custody in 2018, 112 in 2019 and 100 in 2020, while 542 people were tortured in police custody in 2018, 411 in 2019 and 236 in 2020.

Along with the question about torture and deaths in police custody, it was also asked whether there was any data available about police violence during the unjust lockdown imposed last year in light of the coronavirus situation. To this, however, the response was that there is no such data available.

The data that has come to light about torture and deaths in police custody is deeply worrying. Human Rights Organisations the National Confederation of Human Rights Organisations (NCHRO) has itself filed many complaints in the National Human Rights Commission against police atrocities. The data, it is depressing to say, is not surprising. There has been rampant police violence in the last few years. This is not entirely new, but the impunity with which the police have been committing atrocities, torturing people, and killing them in custody speaks to the wicked nature of the Indian political scenario.

Although the said Minister has responded saying that the responsibility to prevent such atrocities lies primarily with the State governments, there is an eerie pattern to be seen here. In the states ruled by the BJP, cases of custodial violence and deaths are especially rife. A majority of cases filed by the NCHRO against police violence are in states ruled by the BJP. This is not to say that atrocities by the police is excusable anywhere else, however.

The autocratic and violent way in which the government has been conducting itself raises an alarm for all of us. The NCHRO stands firmly with the victims and those who have been fighting against State violence. We must also remember that the reality might very well be worse than the data shows, and not all atrocities are covered by the NHRC either. Insofar as the data presents the grim reality, we all should be all the more dedicated in our struggle against undemocratic forces in the country, and resist every manner by the government that is aimed at oppressing the people of this country.

Sincerely
Adv. Sharfuddin M.K.
Coordinator
NCHRO

Revelations About Surveillance on Activists, Journalists, and Opposition Leaders Pose a Serious Threat to Democracy: NCHRO


The recent revelations about the use of an Israeli made spyware to snoop  on political leaders, heads of state, journalists, media houses, activists etc by the governments and intelligence agencies  pose a serious threat to human rights and democracy and its effects are dangerous and far-reaching, said  the National Confederation of Human Rights Organisations -NCHRO.

It is reported that Paris -based non-profit media institute, Forbidden Stories, and Amnesty International first had access to this leaked list which they shared with The Wire and 15 other news organisations worldwide as part of a lengthy collaborative investigation called the Pegasus Project. It is also turned out that the Indian government had allegedly been using an Israeli spyware extensively for long time now.

What the leakage does establish is that the government has illegally used the Pegasus spyware   not only to harass people but also to jail them on cooked up charges as in Bhima-Koregaon case.

However, the possible targets for surveillance have not been involved in any illegal activities. The Indian government often justifies the invasion of privacy by citing the buzzword “terrorism”. But in the case of the people whose phone numbers were tapped, there is no such thing involved. As of now, the regime has avoided answering the question and have pointed fingers at the international media, the opposition, and the organisations and media outlets involved in the expose.

The Supreme Court in 2019 had marked the right to privacy as a fundamental right. The right to privacy is a crucial right that is indispensable to people’s lives. Keeping that in mind, the Indian government’s surveillance attempts are a threat to people’s freedom. The response of the central government only suggests that its agencies are involved in spying on Indian citizens. With using their same old tactic of labelling anyone questioning them as “anti-national”, they are only trying to escape responsibility and accountability once again, just as they have habitually done for the past seven years.

NCHRO strongly condemns the response of the Indian government to the revelations, and demands an independent bipartisan inquiry into the matter. The right to privacy must not be taken lightly, and any attempt at violating it must be combated collectively.

MURL welcomes the comment of Hon'ble Chief Justice of Supreme Court on sedition law


The Movement against UAPA and other Repressive laws (MURL) heartily welcomes the remark of Hon'ble Chief Justice of Supreme Court on sedition law. Chief Justice of India N.Y. Ramana's remarks in open court on Thursday sends a strong message to the government that the Supreme Court is prima facie convinced that sedition is being misused by the authorities to trample upon the fundamental rights of citizens to free speech and liberty.

The Chief Justice has sent a clear signal that Section 124A (sedition) of the Indian Penal Code may have passed ~s time. The CJI has made ~ clear that the court is sensitive to the public demand to judicially review the manner in which law enforcement authorities are using the sedition law to control free speech and send jounalists. activists and dissenters to jail. and keep them there.

A Bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) N.Y. Ramana on Wednesday listed the case for hearing on July 15 and asked Major-General S.G. Vombatkere (retd.), represented by advocates P.B. Suresh and S. Prasanna. to serve a copy of his petition to Attorney General KK. Venugopal. 

The advocate of petitioner Me. Kumar had referred to the sedition cases registered against 'climate activist' Disha Ravi. filmmaker Aisha Sultana and Journalist Vinod Dua and Siddique Kappan.

The time has gone wilen mere criticism of governments was enough to constitute sedition. The judgment said that the right to honest and appropriate criticism is a source of strength rather than a weakness of a community. 

Giving importance to this decision of the Supreme Court. secular political parties should raise their voice to repeal the Sedition Act and pressurise the BJP and rts allies to repeal it. 

MURL calls upon pordical and human rights defending organisations and social organisations to be a part of this campaign against the unconstitutional laws.

Book on repressive laws to be released online tomorrow in 14 states


MUMBAI:
Movement Against UAPA And Other Repressive Laws, a joint national platform of human rights activists and groups, will organise online public meets in different states to release the book entitled " AGAINST THE VERY IDEA OF JUSTICE: UAPA AND OTHER LAWS".

Programmes will be held in the the following states on different timings tomorrow (29 May 2021) in association with various activists and groups across India: Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Assam, Manipur, Maharashtra, Telengana, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu.

More 40 soeakers will be joining the events in different places who include Justice Kolse Patil, Adv N D Pancholi, Rajeev Yadav, Rtd IG Abdul Rahiman, Rtd IG SR Dharapuri, Prof Marx, SuPa Udayakumar, Tholar Senthil, NP Chekkutty, S Jeevan Kumar, Naveen Gautam, Shantanu Baratakur, Babloo Loitangbam and many others representing organisations such as PUCL, NCHRO, NAPM, POW,  Rihai Manch Bihar, Manab Adhikar Samgram Samiti Assam, AMU Lawyers Forum, Samvidhan Live, Pachai Tamilagam Kachi, Ilanythamizhagam etc. 

The book being released is prepared by the organisers to fulfill the requirement of a handbook to understant UAPA and other laws that are acting as tools for oppressing people's demands and political dissents.  The book also discusses how such lawd are selectively misused against certain groups by citein various live examples and case studies. All concerned citizens, activists and media persons are requested to watch and highlight the programmes. 

Yours faithfully,

Sadique Qureishi
National Convenor

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NSCN (IM) Declare Three Day National Mourning


DIMAPUR:
The Naga nation deeply mourns the unfortunate and untimely demise of Mr. Sashiba Aier, Hon’ble Member of the Steering Committee from Sungratsu village under Ao Region; Mr. Atoshe Aye, Deputy Kilonser from Hovishe village under Union Territory (UT) and Mr. Atoho Yeptho, Deputy Kilonser from Litsami village under Sumi Region on the 22nd May, 2021.

All the offices of GPRN shall remain closed from the 22nd May, 2021 till the 24th May, 2021 sunset as National Mourning Days and the Naga national flag shall be flown half mast during this mourning period as a mark of our respect to the departed national figures.


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Youth's death in custody in Unnao, investigation and compensation demanded

Human Rights organisation NCHRO filed complaint in the commission


LUCKNOW :
In Baangarmau station, Unnao, in the case of custodial death, human rights organisation National Confederation of Human Rights Organisations (NCHRO) filed a complaint in the National Human Rights Commission. The organisation's state secretary Masroof Kamal said in a press release that the organisation's state President Advocate Reeta Bhuiyar has demanded an investigation against the accused police officers and an appropriate compensation to the family of the victim in the complaint. He said that in the cases of custodial death are serious and have been linked with police brutality by the Human Rights Commission and the Supreme Court.

According to the victim's family, Faisal, resident of Baangarmau Kotawali region, area Bhatpuri, son of Islam, Faisal, was selling vegetables when the officers of the nearby station, constable Vijay Chaudhary, constable Seemabat and one other Home Guard took Faisal on a bike. The police tortured Faisal in custody due to which he died. They have demanded that an investigation be done against the accused policemen and the victim's family be given appropriate compensation. 

In the press release related to the case, he said that according to the directions of the Supreme Court and the Human Rights Commission, no person shall be subject to any kind of torture in custody. However, the cases of custodial death are not ceasing. In the case of Faisal, prima facie it cannot be denied that there was physical and mental torture. The state government should immediately start an investigation against the accused policemen.

Sincerely,
Advocate Masroof Kamal,
State General Secretary,
NCHRO, Uttar Pradesh,
Mobile No - 9412394502

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NCHRO filed a complaint in SHRC, Haryana against case of mob lynching


NEW DELHI:
On May 16, 2021, 27-year-old Asif Hussain Khan was out to buy medicines with his two cousins. Asif was a gym instructor in Kheda Khalilpur in the Nuh district of Haryana.

It is alleged that while he was out, a mob came up and started beating up Asif and his two cousins with sticks. They then abducted Asif. A little later on Asif’s dead body was found in the village.

Asif’s family has alleged that he was made to chant “Jai Shri Ram” and was abused with anti-Muslim slurs. The police, however, has denied the claim.

Following the incident, there were protests in the said district in Haryana. The police have arrested some of the people protesting claiming that they were pelting stones on the police. Some of the accused in the case, however, have not been arrested.

Against the incident, the National Confederation of Human Rights Organisations filed a complaint in the State Human Rights Commission of Haryana on May 18, 2021. The complaint was filed by the Vice President of the Delhi state committee of NCHRO, Ms. Swati Sinha.

We have urged the SHRC to look into the matter and ensure a fair investigation.

Sincerely,

Ishu Jaiswal,

Coordinator,

NCHRO

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Justice demand committee for Madhutilla rape victim formed


SILCHAR:
 Today, the 16th May 2021 (Sunday), World Meetei Convention had called a special meeting for all CSOs of Barak Valley at 9.00am, at Madhutilla near NIT Silchar.

All participants unanimously agreed to form “JUSTICE DEMAND COMMITTEE FOR MADHUTILLA RAPE VICTIM” (JMRV) with immediate effect.

And further, all the organizations and social activists had agreed to nominate one representative each to JMRV.

The JMRV members consists members from the following organizations:
All Assam Manipuri Students’ Union (AAMSU),
All Manipuri Muslim Meira Paibi (AMMMP),
All Assam Manipuri Women Meira Paiba Coordination Committee (AAMWMPCC),
Assam Manipuri Meira Paibi Apunba Lup (AMMPAL),
NONGIN N.G.O,
Women Action Committee for Village Protection (WACVP),
World Meetei Convention (WMC).

Mr. Ch. Nabakumar Singha and Mr. Thawdam Neel Chandra Singha are elected as the Chairman and Convener of JMRV respectively.

Our only agenda is "To fight for justice to be given to the victim”.

Thawdam Neel Chandra Singha
Convener - JMRV
Justice Demand Committee For Madhutilla Rape Victim
Madhutilla, Silchar, Assam - 788010


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Due to failure of the police and conspiracy of some organisations, the riots in Chhabra took place: NCHRO


JAIPUR: On April 11, after the communal tension in the Chhabra town of the district, the administration could have prevented the way in which looting and arson took place if it wanted. The failure of the administration and the planning of some organisation are behind the condition in the town today. This evidences has been revealed in the fact-finding report of human rights organisation, NCHRO. The organisation's secretary and the fact-finding team's member, Rajkumar Chawla, said in a press note that on the directions of the state President, Judge T.C. Rahul, the team went to Chhabra town. They collected the information and evidence related to the incident after meeting with the victim's side.

In the report released today, it has been revealed that there was a conspiracy behind the incident and if the administration wanted, they wouldn't have let a small scuffle turn into such a disastrous and violent incident.

On the night of April 10, when the appeal was made on social media to gather the crowd, if then the administration wanted, they couldn't have prevented the people from gathering.But the administration did not take seriously the appeal on social media to gather. Consequently, the forces that are the enemies of peace got an opportunity to start violence.He said that the organisation will send this to the state's chief justice, chief secretary, Chief Minister's office, the state human rights commission, and other relevant bodies. In the fact-finding team, the state's committee members, Varsha Soni and Shabbir Azad, were present.


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Two executives of MSAD arrested by Imphal Police from Delhi.


NEW DELHI: Yesterday at around 4:00pm, MSAD executive and advisor met two Imphal police personnels after they reached out to MSAD to discuss matter related to MSAD press release on 20th November against Education Minister’s announcement that Sanskrit language will be introduced in schools and colleges of Manipur. With respect to that statement MSAD have already issued a Press Statement Ref.no MSAD/PR/27/2020/11/30 on 30th November regretting the use of explicit words to the particular group. Msad is not against any particular religion or language but our statement was for the protection of the indegenious peoples of Manipur. The police personnels detained MSAD's Secy. General and advisor at Maurice Nagar Police Station, Patel Chest for around 4 hours demanding other executives of MSAD to surrender to them. They have FIR filed against MSAD's executive and were tracing location of the concerned executive. Following that Secy. General and Organization Secy. of MSAD were arrested yesterday at around 7:00pm and were kept under their custody. They were produced at Patiala Court today and will be transited to Manipur by 10th December. We appeal to the concerned authority to consider the matter with good faith and resolve this issue amicably from both side to not further cause havoc to the executives of MSAD.

Civil Society Groups Welcome Irene Khan as the New Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression


The undersigned civil society organisations congratulate and welcome Irene Khan to her new role as Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression. We take this opportunity to express our strong support for the vital work of the mandate. We stand ready to support the new mandate holder, and look forward to working collaboratively and constructively together over the next six years to address the most pressing freedom of expression concerns of the day.
Since its creation in 1993, the mandate has proven essential in the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of expression worldwide. The mandate’s innovative annual reports have set increasingly progressive international standards, while thousands of communications to governments and 39 country visits have contributed to the protection of people at risk and ensured accountability for abuses and violations.
The mandate continues to be as important as ever. Over recent years, challenges for freedom of expression have only grown more complex. Across the globe, attacks against dissenting voices have intensified, while governments have designed repressive legal frameworks to silence criticism or opposition, including laws premised on disinformation and “fake news”, terrorism and extremism, and defamation and insult. The digital age has brought its own challenges for freedom of expression, notably internet shutdowns and website blocking, artificial intelligence and algorithmic systems for moderating information online, interferences in tools for encryption and anonymity, and the deployment of tools for mass and unlawful targeted surveillance. In recent years, journalists and independent media have struggled to operate and survive financially, a challenge made more acute by the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The mandate has been at the forefront of many of these challenges, particularly by working closely with civil society groups, including national and grassroots organisations. As we look to the future, we believe it is essential that strong methods for civil society consultation and participation are continued, including in the design and prioritisation of the work of the mandate. The current pandemic has moreover brought into stark contrast the need to develop and commit to new and emerging forms of civic engagement, including through virtual channels. Ultimately, this relationship ensures that the work of the mandate is guided by, and responsive to, the communities it represents.
As we work together over the next six years, we consider the following to be among broad priority themes that require particular attention:
  • The persistent and, more importantly, emerging challenges faced by journalists, media workers, writers, bloggers, human rights defenders, artists, academics and other civil society actors targeted for exercising their right to freedom of expression, including under the guise of national security. As attacks against these actors are increasingly met with impunity, it is more important than ever to form innovative solutions to counter such trends and ensure the safety and security of these actors at both the international and national level.
  • The opportunities and threats to freedom of expression in the digital age, including those posed by new and emerging technologies, such as surveillance tools and artificial intelligence. As part of this, the issue of disruptions to the internet, including shutdowns, website blocking and attacks on net neutrality, warrants the full scrutiny of the mandate. There is a need to not only elaborate on the human rights obligations of states and other actors in securing freedom of expression in the digital sphere, but to ensure that these are being implemented in practice.
  • The best practices in creating an enabling legal and regulatory environment that allows the development of a free, diverse and pluralistic media landscape. This must be responsive to how the media around the world has fundamentally changed in recent years. Although broadcast radio and television remain important sources of information and ideas, the internet, and particularly social media platforms, have taken a position of growing importance as content distribution platforms.
  • The obligations of states, and implementation gap, surrounding the right to access to information and related transparency issues. This is of fundamental importance for public participation, to foster transparency and accountability, to combat corruption and impunity, and to contribute to public confidence and support for government There remains a long way to go to instil genuine transparency and protect the right to access to information for all.
  • The responsibilities of corporations to respect human rights, including the right to freedom of expression, and the different ways in which their operations can hinder the exercise of this right. There are many challenges posed today to freedom of expression, such as internet shutdowns, content moderation and surveillance, that require the effective collaboration of corporations.
  • The disproportionate and differentiated risks faced by certain individuals and groups exercising their right to freedom of expression, including, inter alia, women, ethnic and racial minorities, religious minorities, indigenous people, LGBTI people, and non-nationals, migrants, refugees and internally displaced people. An intersectional approach should be meaningfully streamlined across the work of the mandate.
Irene Khan has long been recognised as a champion of the causes of international human rights law, and we look forward to seeing her continue this in her promotion and protection of the right to freedom of expression. The undersigned civil society organisations reiterate our strong support for the mandate, as well as our commitment and readiness to work together to navigate critical issues for freedom of expression and ensure the widest protection to this right for everyone without discrimination.
ARTICLE 19
Access Now
Amnesty International
Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA)
Association for Progressive Communications (APC)
DefendDefenders (East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project)
European Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ECNL)
IFEX
IFEX-ALC
International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL)
International Service for Human Rights (ISHR)
Free Press Unlimited
World Movement for Democracy

TSA condemn the breach of conduct by Th Brinda


IMPHAL:The Thadou Students’ Association, General Headquarters (TSA-GHQ) strongly condemns the wilful act of Th Brinda, MPS for openly posting derogatory, defamatory and contemptuous post in her Facebook account against the Special Judge (ND&PS) and the Judiciary System on 21st May, 2020. The High Court of Manipur has taken-up a Suo Moto criminal contempt case and summoned the then Additional Superintendent of Police (Addl. SP) of Narcotics and Affairs of Border (NAB) Th Brinda for launching expletives against the Court for granting three weeks bail to former ADC Chandel Chairman Sesei Zou in a 2018 drug smuggling case.

Sesei Zou was arrested in June 20, 2018 and charge sheeted for his complicity in the case whereas many major drug case in the state are yet to be charge sheeted. But it has come to light that Th Brinda had demanded a staggering sum of money so as to not charge-sheet the accuse which was to be carried out within 6 months of the arrest as per the prevailing norms so that Zou could be release on statutory bail (automatic bail). Just a day before the expiration of 6 months (180 days) on the 179th day, she upped the ante, by doubling the amount which eventually led to the breakdown of the negotiation as the family were unable to cough up her demand. A charge sheet was promptly filed against Zou and therefore trials starts immediately. We appreciate state police department for submitting the charge sheet on time and the matter has been progressing with the trial conducted underway by the ND&PS Court.

We vehemently condemned the racial remarks of Th Brinda in her Facebook post on Saturday, July, 25, 2020 at 10:36 AM to an IPS officer belonging to Schedule Tribe (ST) category stating “One IPS Quota Police threatened my extended family member with dire consequences. What is the DGP saying on it? Shall we have complete show down?”  Reservations are the constitutional rights of the tribals. We are against the remarks and judgement made by Th Brinda over the hills people of the state by treating people based on caste, creed and race. Such acts of racism at its highest level by a Police Officer are completely uncouth. She should apologize for hurting the sentiments of the hill people.

As regards to the menace of drugs in the state, TSA supports all anti-drugs measures and steps taken by the churches, governments, NGOs, etc. The motto of “War on Drugs” was a mere slogan until Shri N. Biren, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Manipur took political risks and started educating by consulting and involving Church Leaders, Civil Societies, Police Department, District Administrations of the state through Seminar, Workshop, etc. This initiative and action of anti-drugs movement by Shri N. Biren Singh is laudable. We truly appreciate Shri N. Biren Singh led Manipur government for adopting a bold step in the much needed drugs affected state by setting up a Fast Track Court for ND&PS cases in April, 2018, without which more than hundred cases will not be disposed of with conviction.

Th Brinda also deserves to be given her due appreciation for her excellent performance in busting drugs cartels where she was deservedly awarded the “Gallantry Medal & Chief Minister’s Commendation” in 2018 and “Best Performer Award” in 2019. But her disdain towards the judiciary, the executives, the police department and her interference in political matters that was seen in her Facebook post is untenable.

There are instances where the then Addl SP(NAB) acts to be double standard wherein her sub-ordinates staffs were involved in drug mafia. The fact that Radhakishore, a Sub-Inspector (SI) at Narcotics and Affairs of Border (NAB) along with one (1) constable by name Sanjoy, three (3) VDF personnel and two(2) civilians were arrested by Thoubal Police on the intervening night of 12th March, 2019 for being involved in drugs trafficking. Thereafter, on 12th March, 2019 morning, with the advice of Th Brinda, the then OC, NAB Rishikesh Sharma went to Dr. S. Ibomcha, SP, Thoubal and Shri K. Jayanta, IGP Zone-I for the release of Radhakishore and all. There was also an instance where seized drugs were lost in the custody of NAB PS during which Th. Brinda was the Addl SP(NAB). Two (2) of the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of NAB PS viz. Rishikesh Sharma & Chandrakumar are now put under suspension. All this sums up that during her posting as Addl. SP (NAB), her conduct on drugs appears to be doubtful.

TSA condemn the breach of conduct by Th Brinda, a police officer in public domain threatening decorum to a law and order enforcement agencies. It is unfortunate that in spite of her outstanding performance she is communal in her intent and indiscipline in her conduct which is unbecoming of a police officer.