United Against the Politics Of

April 2018

United against the politics of ban harkhand government has banned Though Jharkhand government state, the corruption of the ruling JPopular Front of India in the state press release states alleged IS in- class and the atrocities of police. It under section 16 of the Criminal fluence on south India as sufficient is quite encouraging, however, that Law (Amendment) Act, 1908 cit- ground for banning the organization a large section of the civil society ing the alleged influence of ISIS of in the state, we strongly believe the has dismissed the decision and the Syria/Iraq on some members of the real reason is something else. Ever ban as undemocratic and unconsti- Front in southern states. It is learned since the declaration of the orga- tutional. Political leaders, Commu- that the police are targeting and ha- nization in the state, our members nity leaders and activists have come rassing Popular Front members in have stood in the forefront of fight openly against the decision demand- certain regions of Jharkhand. The against human rights violations such ing its immediate withdrawal. They office was sealed and extensive po- as hate speeches, lynching incidents all have identified that by this act, lice raids were conducted. Since the and police atrocities. We believe a repressive government sends the ban, the activities of the organization that Jharkhand and its police are un- message to all civil rights groups are stopped in Jharkhand. However, happy with Popular Front for its role and mass movements that any voice it is reported that new cases were in highlighting the multiple lynch- of dissent and any act of empower- registered against some leaders and ing cases and Police atrocities in the ment would not be tolerated. members after the ban alleging con- state. At the time of the declaration History is witness that evil designs of tinuation of the activities. of ban, the organization was fighting fascist forces and their governments Since over a decade, Popular Front several cases including three cases were prevented when progressive of India has been working as a na- against police atrocities. Finding sections and victimized communi- tional movement in India, actively the organization an obstacle to get ties built broad alliance by taking engaged in developmental activities away with their crimes, the state au- the attack on one as attack on all. like literacy, education, public health thorities plan to destroy the cases by In this special edition of Forefront, and comprehensive empowerment intimidating the very petitioners. we bring to you major responses on of the poor and the downtrodden This is not for the first time that the the part of civil rights activists, com- masses, especially the Muslims. In Jharkhand government has used CLA munity leaders and political leaders 2015, the organization opened its Act to ban organizations opposed against the ban on Popular Front in units in some parts of the state. to the plunder of this resource-rich Jharkhand. Nationwide Protest against Popular Front ban in Jharkhand; Jharkhand Bhawan March held in New Delhi

embers and support- Mers of Popular Front of India took to streets and marched in large numbers across the country against the ban imposed on the organization in Jharkhand by the state government. Pro- testers demanded immediate lifting of the undemocratic ban. Indian states of Manipur, West Bengal, Bihar, Assam, New Delhi, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telan- gana, Goa, Karnataka, Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu and Kerala witnessed huge protest rallies on the day. In the national capital New Delhi, hundreds of people including women participated in the march to Jharkhand Bhawan.

Forefront news & views I April 2018 2 Ban in Jharkhand: Revoke Ban in Jharkhand: Popular Front seeks interventiovn of President, Press meet in Delhi, Kolkata NHRC and Jharkhand Government

n the context of the ban on Pop- ational leaders of the Popular Front of India said to the Iular Front of India by Jharkhand Nmedia persons who were attending the press meet that the government, General Secretary of ban imposed on the organization by Jharkhand government the organization M. Mohammed was a warning to all civil rights groups and mass movements. Ali Jinnah, through a memoran- Leaders rubbished the accusation leveled against the organi- dum, has sought immediate inter- zation by Jhakrkhand government. “The Jharkhand govern- vention of President of India and ment had nothing to quote against the organization in the state Governor of Jharkhand to get the of Jharkhand and had to give some vague reason of alleged undemocratic and unethical ban IS influents on some PFI members in south India. It is worth lifted forthwith. noting that the governments of Kerala and Karnataka had re- Urgent letters were also sent from cently stated that there is no reason to ban Popular Front and General Secretary to Union Home no such request to ban Popular front was made to the central Minister, Union Law Minister government. Hence the Jharkhand government imposing a urging them to intervene in the ban based on reports from southern states is unreasonable.” matter as it was a case of violat- Leaders called the ban “a ploy used by the state govern- ing fundamental rights includ- ment to suppress democratic forms of protest and dissent.” ing minority rights. In addition, National Secretary Anis Ahmed and National Executive Council Popular Front national leadership Members EM Abdurahman and AS Ismail addressed the press has approached National Human meet held at New Delhi. EM Abdurahiman, Anis Ahmed and Rights Commission, National Popular Front State General Secretary Dr. Minarul Shaikh ad- Minority Commission, Jharkhand dressed the pressmeet at Kolkata. Human Rights Commission and Jharkhand Minority Commission through separate memorandum for revoking the Jharkhand ban since it involved violation of freedom of expression and freedom of association as against the provisions of Indian constitution.

Forefront news & views I April 2018 3 Ban on Popular Front is unjust, withdraw it: Prominent Muslim leaders

ew Delhi, 13 March, 2018: do not tolerate any ideology op- NCondemning the ban on the posing theirs and try to crush such Jharkhand unit of Popular Front ideology on every level, which is of India (PFI) by Jharkhand gov- injurious to democracy and su- ernment, leaders of important premacy of Constitution in the Maulana Wali Maulana Asrarul Muslim organisations and lead- country. The leaders demanded Rahmani Haq Qasmi, MP ing figures of the Indian Muslim that the ban on PFI in Jharkhand community considered the ban should be withdrawn forthwith. tantamount to murdering democ- The statement has been racy. The Muslim community issued by Maulana Wali Rah- leaders said in a joint statement mani, General Secretary, All In- that PFI is a nationwide welfare and social organisation offering dia Muslim Personal Law Board Maulana Muhammad Adv. Zafaryab educational and social services and Head of Imarat-e Shariyah Sajjad Nomani Jilani all over the country and helping Bihar, Jharkhand and Orissa; victims within the limits of the Maulana Mahmood Madni, Gen- Indian Constitution and laws. eral Secretary, Jamiat Ulama-e It has been active in relief and Hind; Maulana Muhammad Saj- rehabilitation work for the im- jad Nomani, spokesperson of the poverished the victims of ca- All India Muslim Personal Law lamities and from south to north. Board; Maulana Mufti Mukarram Maulana Mufti Maulana Tauqeer PFI is active in rehabilita- Ahmad, Shahi Imam & Khateeb, Mukarram Ahmad Raza Khan tion work in Jharkhand in addi- Fatehpuri Mosque, Delhi; Maul- tion to offering help to victims of ana Asrarul Haq Qasmi, MP; mob lynching there. Earlier, al- Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan, legations by the Central Govern- President, Ittehad-e- Millat Coun- ment of PFI’s relations with ISIS cil; Prof. Akhtarul Wasey, Presi- were proved wrong. The apex dent, Maulana Azad University, court has rejected the allegations Jodhpur; Dr. Zafar Mahmood, Prof. Akhtarul Dr Zafar of PFI’s indulging in the so-called Wasey Mahmood “Love Jihad”. Chief Ministers of Chairman, Zakat Foundation of Kerala and Karnataka have clari- India; Dr. Zafarul-Islam Khan, fied that there are no proofs to Chairman, Delhi Minorities support a ban on PFI. In these Commission & former Presi- circumstances, blaming of PFI dent, All India Muslim Majlis-e by state and central governments Mushawarat; and Dr Tasleem Re- hmani, President, Muslim Politi- is undemocratic and betray that Dr Zafarul Dr Tasleem governments in states and Centre cal Council of India. Islam Khan Rehmani

Forefront news & views I April 2018 4 Jamiat Ulama comes out in Justice Kolse patil, Justice Sawant, other support of Popular Front, slams activists from Maharashtra demand Jharkhand BJP government to revoke Popular Front Jharkhand ban amiat Ulama-i-Hind, has Jslammed the Jharkhand’s BJP government for pre- scribing social organization Popular Front of In- dia (PFI). Jamiat said the decision of banning the outfit smacks ‘partisan at- titude of the government while Hindutva outfits have been inciting vio- group including former judges, ex-bureau- lence and hatred against minorities in the state. Acrats, social activists, political leaders and It also said Jharkhand witness dozens religious scholars in Maharashtra has come up of mob-lynching incidents but the state gov- against the ban order in Jharkhand on Popular ernment failed to bring the culprits to book. Front of India through a joint statement. Those In a statement issued to media Maulana who signed the joint statement include Justice P. Mahmood Madani, General Secretary of Jamiat B. Sawant (Retired Judge, Supreme Court), Justice Ulama-i-Hind and former MP criticized the ban Kolse Patel (Retired Judge, Mumbai High Court), imposed on Popular Front of India in Jharkhand. S. M. Mushrif (Retired I.G. Maharashtra Police), He said the ban on PFI seems to be a vindictive Mujtaba Farooque (Ex-National President, Wel- action against members of a particular religion. fare Party of India), Shamsher Khan Pathan (Na- Maulana Madani urged the Jharkhand government tional President, Awami Vikas Party), Niranjan to make public any concrete evidence against PFI Takle (Chief Editor Caravan Magazine, Reporter that has forced it to take such action against the CNN, IBN), Nawab Mallik (State Spokesman, PFI. Without doing this, he said the ban imposed by the Jharkhand government on PFI shall be Maulana Tauqeer Nationalist Congress Party), Sarfaraz Arzoo (Edi- seen as “undemocratic, unconstitutional and il- Raza Khan tor, Hindustan Urdu Daily), Shivaji Humberday, legal”. Moreover, it will raise serious question Shivraj Mukesh, Ganesh Shinde (Maratha Seva mark behind the intention of the government, he Sangh) and others. added.

PUDR condemns the ban on Popular Front in Jharkhand

Dr Zafar eoples Union for Democratic Rights has condemned the Jharkhand government for banning Popular Mahmood PFront of India without providing any prima-facie evidence to support its decision. The statement issued by Shashi Saxena and Shahana Bhattacharya, the secretaries of PUDR stated that “The proscription (of Popu- lar Front) is unwarranted as there is no clarification regarding the nature of ‘activity’ in Pakur. Further, the charges leveled against PFI—that it is internally influenced by ISIS and that its members have secretly gone to Syria—are based on unverified reports. Hence, neither can be proffered as conclusive reasons for banning PFI.” The statement further went on to say that the “The ban is surely meant to paralyze the activities of the PFI, especially its role in exposing the administration.” PUDR demanded revocation of the ban on PFI, repeal of the imperial draconian law, CLA 1908 and immediate and unconditional release of Tahmid Alam, who was arrested following the ban.

Forefront news & views I April 2018 5 Activists and intellectuals call up on Jharkhand government to lift ban on Popular Front of India

Dr Suresh Khairnar Ravi Nair Prof Shamshul Islam Lenin Raghuvamshi Rajiv Yadav

ctivists and intellectuals drawn from different Among the signatories are : Dr. Suresh Khairnar (Nag- Acorners of the country have called up on the pur), Ravi Nair (South Asian Human Rights Docu- government of Jharkhand to immediately lift the ban mentation Centre), Prof. Shamshul Islam (New Delhi), on Popular Front of India. In a joint statement issued Leni Raghuvamshi (PVCHR,Lucknow), Adv.Sreedevi by them, they said the ban order scoffs at the laws Panicker(New Delhi), Rajiv Yadav (Rihai Manch), of the land and opens doors to the violation of fun- Adv. Aditya Wadhwa(Supreme Court), Dr. Malam damental rights respected by the constitution. It is Ningthauja (Campaign for Peace and Democracy), reported that the ban was imposed on the specious and Sunil Kumar (Journalist/ Activist) , Madhuri Krish- baseless allegation that the Front was influenced by naswamy (JDSA, Bhopal), Vasantha Saibaba (Hydera- the so called ISIS of the Middle East, they continued. bad), Rona Wilson (CRPP, New Delhi), Seema Azad “We understand that Popular Front of India is a neo (Editor Dastak), Prbal (DSU, Delhi University), Adv social movement actively involved in developmental Amit A Srivastav (High Court Delhi), Adv. Mangala work like literacy campaign, prevention of malnutri- (High Court, Delhi), Anushka Sharma (Democratic tion and comprehensive empowerment of the poor Rights, New Delhi). and the downtrodden, especially Muslims.”

Popular Front hails emerging public opinion against ban in Jharkhand

resolution passed by the National Executive Council meeting of Popular Front of India welcomed the Agrowing public opinion against the anti-democratic ban on the organization in BJP ruled Jharkhand. The meeting expressed gratitude to all organisations and leaders who have openly spoken out against the ban. It is quite hopeful that a large section of Human Rights activists, Muslims organizations and political leaders have identified the increasingly intolerant and repressive moves being adopted by Sangh Parivar against any form of dissent and are ready to extend their support to Popular Front of India. The meeting urged the Cen- tral government and Jharkhand state government to take these responses as a serious reminder against their unconstitutional ways and withdraw the undemocratic decision of Popular Front ban immediately.

Forefront news & views I April 2018 6 Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Leaders, activists in Uttar Secretary General Pradesh question ban on Popular expresses concern Front in Jharkhand over ban on PFI

amaat-e-Islami Hind expressed deep Jconcern on reports about the state government of Jharkhand putting a ban on the activities of Popular Front of In- dia (PFI). The Secretary General of Ja- joint statement issued by leaders of political parties maat, Muhammad Salim Engineer has Aand social organization in Uttar Pradesh has stated issued a statement to the media saying: that the ban imposed by Jharkhand government on Popular ‘’ Jamaat-e-Islami Hind is disturbed by Front of India in the state is anti-democratic and demanded reports of the Jharkhand government that it be revoked immediately. The leaders who signed the banning the activities of PFI under sec- joint statement include Adv. Mohammad Shoeb (National tion 16 of the CLA Act, 1908. We are President, Rihai Manch), Nahid Aqeel (State President, All highly concerned and condemn this India Muslim Pasmanda Mahaz women), P C Kureel (Na- culture of banning organizations. It is tional President, Rashtriya Bhagidari Andolan), Dr. Donald a clear violation of the fundamental De’Souza (Chancellor Cathedral of Lucknow), Moulana rights protected by the Constitution and Jahangir Alam Qasmi (President, Anjuman Falah e darain), goes against the democratic ethos and basic civil liberties’. Salim Engineer Moulana Yahya Noumani (Chancellor, Madrasa Assuffa), continued: ‘‘it is the duty of the police Maroof Khan (State General Secretary UP, Congress), Ab- and administration to maintain law and dul Khaliq (Executive Member of Milli Council), Haji Fa- order in the state. If the government is heem Siddiqi (National Vice President INL), Haji Arif Ali seeking action against any individual or (AIMIM, Ghaziabad), Advocate Kousar Jahan (Aam Aadmi organization for any alleged violations, party), Choudhary Qasid Ali (Samajwadi Party), Shahnawaz then it must prove those charges in the Khan (Senior Advocate Delhi High Court, Ghaziabad), Sajid court of law. However to ban an entire Husein (Samajwadi Party), Susheel Gowtam(Chairman, organization is totally unjustified and DSF and Organiser Bhim Army) and Moulana Ahmad Baig undemocratic’’. Nadwi (President, All India Imams Council) and others.

Forefront news & views I April 2018 7 Tamil Nadu against ban on Popular Front in Jharkhand (Ex. MLA, President, Tamilnadu Muslim Munnetra Kalagam & Manitha Neya Makkal Katchi), Kolathur Mani (President, Dravidar Viduthalai Kalagam), P.R. Pandiyan (President, All Farmer’s Association Coor- dination Committee), Thiru Murugan Gandhi (Co- ordinator, May 17 Movement), Fr. Esra Sargunam (President, Social Justice Movement), S.M. Baakkar (President, India Thowheed Jamath), K. Jalaludheen

Joint Meeting of Political Parties, Organiza- Ations and Social Activist’s urged the Jharkand Government to Revoke Ban On Popular Front of India in Jharkhand. The meeting called by Social Democratic Party of India on 02 March 2018 in Chennai was attended by about 30 delegates representing various political parties, civil rights organizations and social activists. he Massive protest gathering held at Valluvar ( Jamath-e-Islami Hind), Haroon Rasheed (Treasurer, Kottam in Chennai on 16 March 2018 ques- T Manitha Neya Jananaayaga Katchi), Mohamed Haa- tioned the decision of Jharkhand government which lidh (State Vice President, Welfare Party of India), Fr. banned Popular Front of India. The programme Iniko Irudhayaraj (Kirusthava Nallenna Iyakkam), M. witnessed an outpour of political leaders, commu- Basheer Ahmed (President, Indian National League), nity leaders and activists across the state as well as Tholar Thiyaagu (General Secretary, Tamil Thesiya a large numbers of people. Leaders and speakers Podhuvudaimai Iyakkam), Tholar Balan (General who addressed the gathering condemned the ban Secretary, Tamil Thesiya Makkal Munnani), K.M. and demanded BJP government of Jharkhand to im- Shareef (President, Makkal Jananayaga Katchi), mediately withdraw the undemocratic decision. T.S.S. Mani (National Committee Member, PUCL), Leaders who protested the ban and expressed Supa Udayakumar (Coordinator, Pachai Thamilagam solidarity with Popular Front include Thol. Thiruma- Katchi), S.K. Athavulla (Working President, INL), valavan (Ex. MP, President, Vidudhalai Chiruthai- Moulana Mansoor Khashifi (State President, Jam- kal Katchi), Trichy Veluchamy (Spokesperson, miyath Ulama-e-Hind), Prof. A. Marx (Chairperson, Tamilnadu Congress Committee), Thi. Velmurugan NCHRO), S.J. Inayathulla (President, All India Na- (President, Thamilar Vaalvurimai Katchi), Seeman tional League), Fathima Muzaffar (Coordinator, Mus- (Chief Organiser, Naam Thamilar Katchi), Thanga lim Women’s Federation), Se.Mu.Mu. Mohamed Ali Thamil Selvan (MLA Amma Makkal Munnetra (General Secretary, Muslim Thondu Iyakkam), A.K. Kalagam), P. Vetrivel (MLA Amma Makkal Mun- Mohamed Haneefa (Coordinator, Federation of All netra Kalagam), Munowar Basha (General Secretary, Muslim Organizations & Parties), Thi Senthil (Co- Tamil Maanila Congress), Mallai Sathya (Deputy ordinator, Ilanthamilagam), Sundar Rajan (Coordina- General Secretary, MDMK), S.K. Mahendran (Ex. tor, Poovulagin Nanbargal), Sou Sundara Moorthy MLA ,CPM), G.R. Ravindranath (State Committee (Coordinator, Thamilar Viduthalai Kalagam), and Member, CPI), Poet. Kali. Poongundran (General Aaval Ganesan (General Secretary, Thamilar Thesiya Secretary, Dravidar Kalagam), M.H. Jawahirullah, Munnani).

Forefront news & views I April 2018 8 Activists and intellectuals in Kerala Seminar in Rajasthan call for revoking of Popular Front ban expresses concern over in Jharkhand growing repression of dissent; demands revoking of ban on joint statement issued Popular Front in Jharkhand Aby activists and intellectuals in Kerala has stated that the ban imposed by Jharkhand government on Popular Front of India in the state is anti-democratic and demanded that it be revoked immediately.Prof. K. Sachi- danandan, O. Abdullah, KEN Kunjahammed, Appukkuttan Vallikkunnu, NP Chekkutty, seminar organizaed by Sanyukt Dr. J. Devika, KK Kochu, ASangharsh Morcha at Vinoba Bha- Jamal Kochangadi, A. Vasu, wan, Jaipur, on 16 March 2018 ex- A.Sajeevan, Gopal Menon, K pressed concern over ongoing repression K Baburaj, Rupesh Kumar, A and demonization of dissent by the BJP S Ajith Kumar, V.R Anoop, government using government agencies. Dr. Varsha Basheer, AA Wa- A resoulation was unanimously passed by the seminar demanding the imme- hab, Dr. Dhanya Madhav, V. diate withdrawal of the Ban imposed Prabhakaran, Reny Ailyine on the neo-social movement, Popular etc signed the statement. Front of India, by the state government. Various social, political and human rights organization’s leaders participate in Activists in Goa this seminar. Mohammed Asif (State Presi- demands to stop dent, Popular Front of India, Rajasthan), targeting Nazimuddin, (General Secretary, Jamat-E- organizations Islam Hind Rajasthan), Yasmeen Farooqie (Member of AIMPLB & Convener, WIM), T.C. Rahul (President, Bodh Mahasabha), joint statement issued by prominent social activists in Goa Sawai Singh (President, Samgra Seva Aquestioned the ban on Popular Front of India in Jharkand Sangh), Professor Rajiv Gupta (Presi- state and demanded its immediate withdrawal. Those who signed dent, Union of Progressive Writer), Prem the petition include Sayed Abdul Majid (Social Worker), Naresh Krishna Sharma(Ex.President, PUCL), Ghodge(Businessman), Savio J.M Dias (Journalist, Prudent Me- Sumitra Chopra(Secretary, CPM), Sardar dia), Rony Dias ( Convenor, Rainbow Warrior), Mathew Dcosta Gurucharan Singh Mod (General Secretary, (Coach-Sporting Club), Gurunath Kelekar ( Goa Freedom Fight- Kisaan Sabha), Abdul Latif Arco (Presi- er), Roselle Solomon (Counselor & Activist), Laurel Abranches dent, Dalit Muslim Ekta Manch), Sahibe Alam (President, Rashtriya Muslim Maha ( Social Activist), Dr Mario de Santana Godinho (Social Worker), Sabha), Mehrunnisa Khan (Vice President, Auda Viegas (Convenor, Bailancho Ekvottv) NCHRO) etc spoke on the occesion.

Forefront news & views I April 2018 9 Opposition builds up in North East gainst Popular Front Jharkhand Ban Social Upliftment Development Organization), Md Hakim Ahamed (President, All Sangaiyumpham De- velopment Organization), Md Abdul Salam (Secre- tary, Irong Social Development Organization), SM. Jalaluddin (President, All Manipur Muslim Orga- nizations Co-ordination Committee), Md Mujibur Rahman (State Executive, All India Tanzeem-e In- shaf), FM. Abdullah Pathan ( President, Manipur Muslim Welfare Organization), Alhaj Mohd. Has- san (Treasurer, Lilong Sport Association), Farooque get-together attended by delegates representing Khan (Treasurer, Integrated Development Organi- Avarious civil rights organizations, community organizations and political parties took strong excep- zation), Wahidur Rahman (General , All Manipur tion with the Jharkhand government decision which Muslim Organization, Co-ordinating Committee), banned Popular Front of India in the state. The pro- Dr. Badaruddin (All India Tanzeem-e Inshaf), Md gramme was held at the Manipur state headquarters Ismat Khan ( Executive Member, Integrated Devel- of Popular Front of India in Lilong on 10 March opment Organization), Alhaj Nooruddin Mohatamin 2018. They issued a joint statement demanding im- Madrassa Alia, All India Muslim Personal Law mediate withdrawal of the ban. The statement was signed by Md Jalaluddin (Senior Govt. Advocate), Board Member), Md Riyajuddin ( General Secretary, Md Ramijuddin Aizaz (Advocate, Manipur High Social Democratic Party Of India and Md Nazimud- Court Bench), Md Abdul Wahid ( Joint Secretary, din (Adhyaksha, Kakching Zilla Parishad)

Protest in Kurnool against fascist atrocities

joint protest march was held in Kurnool against ban on APopular Front of India in Jharkhand and demolition of statues of Lenin, B R Ambedkar and Periyar.Activist and leaders belonging to different organisations participated. Pinaaka Pahani (Virasam state Gen. Secretary), Som Shekar Sharma (State convener, Rayalaseema Vidiya Wantula Vedika), Srinivasa Rao (National president, POP), Abdul Waris (State President, SDPI), Abdul Latheef (State Gen. Secretary, Popular Front of India), Balanna (Convenor, Pads co), Shehupani (State Vice President, BC’s Janasabha), Roja Ramani (President, Manila Shrawanti, Kurnool), Jayanna (RTI, State Gen Secretary), Rat- nam Esup (Democratic Teachers Federation, Kurnool), Som Sundarm (MRPS), Nagi Reddy (Praja Parirakshana Hakkula Samithi, Kurnool), Allah Bakhash (Andhra Pradesh Civil Liberties Committee) and Subha Rao (Senior Communist leader, Kurnool) participated in the programme.

Forefront news & views I April 2018 10 Women against the ban

President A S Zainaba speaks at solidarity meet organaized by National Women’s Front at Malappuram, Kerala against the ban on Popular Front in Jharkhand

Activists against the ban

Prominent activists, journalists, artists and intellectuals expressed their solidarity with Popular Front and spoke against the ban in the conferance organaized by Popular Front Kerala State Committee at Calicut in Kerala

Students against the ban

Prominent documentry film maker Roopesh Kumar speaks at the solidarity meet Prominent Dalit intellectual KK Baburaj leaves his signature organaized by Campus Front Of India at Kannur against the ban against the ban in kerala

Forefront news & views I April 2018 11 NCHRO demands judicial enquiry into illegal arrests in Jharkhand and end of suppression of people’s movements

Prof. A. Marx, Chairperso NCHRO, (Centre) along with Reny Ayline (Right), National Secretary, and Adv. Ansar Indori (Left), National Executive Council Member releasing the fact finding Report

Fact Finding Committee of National Confederation of Human Rights Organisa- Ation (NCHRO), which visited Jharkhand on March 23 and 24, in its report, has demanded a judicial enquiry into arrests of innocent adivasi youths in large numbers in Jhakhand and asked state government to end ongoing suppression of people’s movements in the state. Prof. A. Marx, chairman, NCHRO, Reny Ayline, National Secretary, and Adv. Ansar In- dori, National Executive member, who were members of the Fact Finding Committee had met some of the organization leaders, relatives of the people in jail and social activists and spoke to them on the real situation prevailing now in the state. In a press meet held on, March 27, 2018 at New Delhi released their report and shared their experiences with the media persons. The NCHRO’s Fact Finding Committee in its report has included other demands which are: (a) The illegal ban on Popular Front (PFI) and Majdoor Sangathan Samiti should be immediately lifted and those arrested in related cases merely to justify these bans should be released and the cases against them should be immediately withdrawn. (b) The draconian British imperial Law CLA 1908 should be immediately repealed. (c) All the undertrial prisoners should be released on bail immediately and a special court to be formed to dispose their cases. It was learnt by the team that the present BJP government in Jharkhand had arrested more than 4000 persons mostly adivasis for their participation in people’s movements and also had banned many organizations fighting for the rights of the people. Both Popular Front (PFI) and Majdoor Sangathan Samiti are banned by invoking Section 16 of the draconian Criminal Amendment Act, (CLA), which gives power to the government to ban any organization. Although, the BJP government ruling Jharkhand stated that PFI is influenced by IS, it failed to substantiate its allegations with proof. The Fact Finding Committee members had met and spoken to Jharkhand people including Fr. Stan Swami of ‘Bagacha’, movement fighting for the rights of the tribals, Debi w/o Damodhar Turi, the activist now arrested after the ban on MSS, Nadeem Khan, a CPI (ML) activist, Tridip Gosh, a retired engineer and Human Rights activist, Hanzla Sheikh, former state vice president of the banned PFI and many others.

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