“Honest citizens punished, powerful traitors applauded as patriots”

By Dilip -

Civil rights activists attending a national convention of the People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) here on Saturday expressed concern over State authorities resorting to violation of human rights of citizens for challenging the nature of development policies, police excesses, allocation of resources to private interests and brazen support for the rich and industrial elite. The two-day 11th convention is devoted to the theme, “People’s insecurity in the name of national security: Citizens’ rights, democracy & State terrorism.” About 300 delegates from 15 States are taking part in the event to deliberate on the challenges before democracy and rule of law in a complex and “violence-ridden” context when protests and agitations are being crushed with force.

The PUCL members honoured former Delhi High Court Chief Justice and the famous Sachar Committee chairman Rajinder Sachar for his distinguished work for protection of human rights of vulnerable sections. Noted Mumbai-based activist and Citizens for Justice & Peace secretary Teesta Setalvad was also felicitated for her courageous work for justice, peace and harmony. Activists pointed out that citizens who agitate as an expression of their fundamental right to live with dignity and freedom of speech are termed “traitors” by the State and beaten, killed, arrested and crushed. In contrast, those in power who sell natural resources and mineral wealth to foreign capitals are feted as “patriots” and rules are bent to favour them.

In her keynote address, Ms. Setalvad said the impunity enjoyed by the police officers who unleash violence and brutality on common citizens warrants structural changes ensuring accountability. “When the State honours are given to Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray during his cremation, we need to seriously ponder over the question of impunity in the public domain.” Ms. Setalvad said there was an urgent need to create a jurisprudence on the hate speeches and hate writings which evolve an atmosphere facilitating communal and caste violence, even as the majority of people are forced to remain silent. “The issue is also related to destruction of evidence, as witnessed in 1984 in Delhi and 2002 in Gujarat. There should be laws for prosecution of officers destroying evidence of communal violence,” she said... Read more:
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/honest-citizens-punished-powerful-traitors-applauded-as-patriots/article4155357.ece

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