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Voices For Freedom expresses
concern as spate of arrests continues in Punjab
WSN Network
New York: Taking
cognizance of the spate of arrests of political activists in Punjab,
Voices for Freedom has expressed concern at the arrest of Bhai
Daljit Singh and others in Punjab in the last few days and said it
was worried about the constitutional and human rights of all those
who have been arrested. Reports of torture from Bhatinda and Mansa,
districts of
Punjab,
are a cause for concern.
"While Daljit
Singh continues to be in police custody, it is feared that his
arrest has been the result of his party –Shiromani Akali Dal (Panch
Pardhani)’s continuous protests against the cultist activities of
Dera Sauda, a cult headed by Gurmeet Ram Rahim, who is facing trial
in cases of murder, rape and molestation in the CBI (Central Bureau
of Investigation) court in Ambala. This cult has its headquarters
in Sirsa in the state of Haryana. The promotion of such cult leaders
in Punjab
is on the rise and constitutes a direct infringement of the
religious affairs of the Sikhs. Daljit Singh and his men have been
urging Sikhs to stop the anti-Sikh activities of this cult
consistently, democratically and peacefully through a sustained
campaign," the VOF release said.
It said Bhai
Daljit SIngh was being denied his fundamental rights during
detention. "Silencing the democratic voice of the people is a
serious violation of the freedom of expression as enshrined in the
Constitution of India as a fundamental right under Part III of the
Constitution. Voices for Freedom (VFF) believes that the police
claim that distribution of T-Shirts and car stickers of Sant Jarnail
Singh Bhindranwale, as revival of militancy is nothing, but
ludicrous."
VFF has written
to the National Human Rights Commission and Attorney General of
Punjab, Hardev Singh Mattewal, on the break 1down of the law and
order situation and expressed grave concern on the judicial blackout
on the recent spate of arrests.
9
September 2009
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