Silent Human Chain Protest ‘Seeking Justice’ for Fr Stan Swamy Sj & other Human Rights Activists
- Silent Human Chain Protest ‘Seeking Justice’ for Fr Stan Swamy Sj and other Human Rights Activists, organized by St Aloysius Institutions, Mangaluru, Citizen Forum for Mangaluru Development, Mangaluru; Spandana Trust, Jeppu, Mangaluru-together with Like-Minded Citizens of Mangaluru at St Aloysius College Campus, on Monday, 12 October 2020 from 4 pm onwards
Mangaluru: Today, Monday 12 October was ‘National Day of Solidarity’ showing solidarity to Fr Stan Swamy, a Jesuit Priest, Who Fought for Tribal Rights, after he was arrested by a team of National Intelligence Agency (NIA) from his residence in Ranchi-Jharkhand in connection with the probe into the 2018 violence in Maharashtra’s Koregaon-Bhima village, and also for other Human Rights Activists who are being harassed and tortured for their role in seeking justice for Dalits, Adivasis, Minorities, unorganized labourers, Fisherfolk, distress migrants, Dalit Christians, among others. Fr Stan was unnecessarily arrested by NIA. alleging that he was involved in the Koregaon-Bhima Village case. But Fr Stan denies such allegations made on him regarding the Koregaon-Bhima Village case because according to him, he has never been to that village. So, why did NIA officials arrest an 83-year-old Jesuit priest who was doing yeomen service fighting for the rights of Tribal/Adivasis in Jharkhand?
It is shocking to hear that human rights activists who have dedicated their lives for bringing justice and livelihoods to the most marginalized groups have been continually targeted and victimized. Stan Swamy, SJ has been a recent and tragic example of such draconian actions. Nation-wide protests held today by various organizations and the social media demanding justice, immediate and unconditional release of such activists who have been sent to jail for standing with the last, least and the lost communities and tribes, and observed NATIONAL DAY OF SOLIDARITY’, on 12 October 2020 from 4 pm-5 pm, as a mark of silent protest day of prayer and support. And locally here in Mangaluru, a Silent Human Chain Protest ‘Seeking Justice’ for Fr Stan Swamy Sj and other Human Rights Activists, organized by St Aloysius Institutions, Mangaluru, Citizen Forum for Mangaluru Development, Mangaluru; Spandana Trust, Jeppu, Mangaluru-together with Like-Minded Citizens of Mangaluru at St Aloysius College Campus, on Monday, 12 October 2020 from 4 pm onwards.
83-year-old Fr Stan Swamy was arrested on 8 October by NIA, where the agents have linked him to groups of Maoist guerrillas, which is NOT TRUE! The priest was only defending the rights of prisoners, Dalits, tribals, and his work impacted the powerful interests of politicians in government-therefore all this issue. Sources reveal that the officials reportedly spent around 20 minutes at his home before taking him away. The arrest has sparked outrage. Author and historian Ramachandra Guha tweeted saying Stan Swamy has spent a “lifetime fighting for the rights of Adivasis. That is why the Modi regime seeks to suppress and silence them; because for this regime, the profits of mining companies take precedence over the lives and livelihoods of Adivasis,”. The agency said documents and propaganda material of the CPI (Maoist) and literature were seized from Stan Swamy, adding that he was in contact with the other accused in the Koregaon-Bhima case.
Together with Fr Stan others who were arrested in the Bhima- Koregaon case were also charge-sheeted. These include Gautam Navlakha, Anand Teltumbde, Hany Babu, Kabir Kala Manch, Sagar Ghoghare, Ramesh Gaichor, Jyoti Jagtap and others arrested till last week. When Fr. Stan was taken into custody, his colleagues and others present, say that the behaviour of the NIA officials was absolutely arrogant and rude, besides they did not even serve a warrant on Fr Stan before taking him in. Fr Stan is eighty-three years old and all his life he has passionately espoused the rights and cause of the Adivasis (the indigenous peoples) and other marginalized sections of society. He has stood up for them and accompanied them in their search for a more dignified life. Anybody who knows him will vouch that he is a peace-loving citizen who works always within the framework of the Indian Constitution.
The inhuman treatment meted out to a frail and sickly citizen of India, by the Government and particularly the NIA, speaks volumes of how this regime brooks no dissent and will not tolerate any voice of dissent that stands for truth and justice particularly on behalf of the subalterns of society. A couple of days ago in a message to his companions, colleagues and friends, Fr Stan wrote, “I hope all of us, all those who know me and who are concerned about me will also be ready to face what is to be faced…. what is happening to me is not something unique happening to me alone. It is a border process that is taking place all over the country. we are all aware how prominent intellectuals, lawyers, writers, poets, activists, student leaders, …they are all put in jail just because they have expressed their dissent or raised questions about the ruling powers of India. So, we are part of the process. As such in a way, I am happy to be part of this process because I am not a silent spectator. I am part of the game and ready to pay the price whatever, be it. Thank you for your attention.” Surely Fr Stan is paying the price today!
This illegal and unconstitutional detention has been vociferously condemned by all sections of society. And all the organizations joined in the Silent Human Chain today evening also condemned it emphatically and demanded that the innocent Fr Stan Swamy be released immediately and unconditionally, along with other Human Rights Activists. Prior to the Silent Human Chain protest, there were talks delivered on an online Zoom session at 3:50 pm. The eminent speakers in the zoom session Ms Lara Jesani, Advocate, Bombay High Court and Fr Tony P M, SJ, Jamshedpur Jesuit Province enlightened the audience on the issue.
The protesters strongly condemned the false allegations and defamatory charges against these Human Rights Defenders and joined hands in showing their solidarity with these brave hearts who have committed themselves for the welfare of the most marginalized sections of the society. Citizens of Mangaluru actively participated in the zoom/YouTube session. Fr Melwyn Pinto Sj, the Rector of St Aloysius Institutions, Mangaluru, and Fr Praveen Martis Sj, the Principal of St Aloysius College, Mangaluru appreciated the support shown by the huge turnout and thanked them whole-heartedly for showing solidarity towards Fr Stan and other Human Rights Activists. Naveen Mascarenhas, faculty at St Aloysius College compered the programme, while Dr Senek D’Souza- HR Head at SAC and his choir rendered the song “We Shall Overcome..”
