Skip to main content

Top Odisha civil rights leader arrested, NAPM warns of "morcha" on March 11

By A Representative
The National Alliance of Peoples’s Movements(NAPM), calling the arrest on Wednesday of Lingraj Azad, leader of Niyamgiri Suraksha Parishad, by Odisha police illegal and deceitful, ha said, he "successfully fought the valiant struggle against Vedanta corporation along with Dongria Kondh."
"Initially it was reported that he has been arrested in an old case but just now we have learnt that sedition charges has also been slapped against him", NAPM said in a statement, adding, . Azad is "a fierce fighter for the rights of the adivasis." He is national vice president of the Samajwadi Jan Parishad and national convener of NAPM.
The top rights network said, "Arrests and attacks are not new to him in nearly three decades of his activism. He has faced physical attacks and harassment from the state for his struggle against the systemic oppression and corporate loot of the natural resources", warning, if he not released, it would plan a morcha in Bhubaneswar on March 11 and on the continued violations of rights in Niyamgiri hills.
The statement has been signed by Medha Patkar of the Narmada Bachao Andon; Aruna Roy, Nikhil Dey and Shankar Singh of the Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan; Dr Binayak Sen of the Peoples’ Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL); and Prafulla Samantara of the Lok Shakti Abhiyan, Odisha.

Comments

Post a Comment

NOTE: Hateful, abusive comments won't be published. -- Editor

TRENDING

Swami Vivekananda's views on caste and sexuality were 'painfully' regressive

By Bhaskar Sur* Swami Vivekananda now belongs more to the modern Hindu mythology than reality. It makes a daunting job to discover the real human being who knew unemployment, humiliation of losing a teaching job for 'incompetence', longed in vain for the bliss of a happy conjugal life only to suffer the consequent frustration.
59 comments
»

Hoping against despair after Myanmar President’s visit to India

By Nava Thakuria  Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing’s five-day official visit to India from 30 May to 3 June 2026 drew attention both in New Delhi and in India’s northeastern region, where policymakers and residents closely follow developments in the neighbouring country. The visit was significant because it touched on several issues of mutual concern, including security cooperation, border management, connectivity projects, trade, and regional stability.
Post a Comment
»

Beyond data: The economist who refused to remain in the ivory tower

By Vikas Meshram   There are few people who are born into privilege yet choose to dedicate their lives to the cause of the poor. Jean Drèze is one such individual. Born on January 22, 1959, in Leuven, Belgium, into the family of a distinguished economist, Drèze has become one of the most influential voices in the study of poverty, inequality, and social policy in India. Having lived in India since 1979, he adopted Indian citizenship in 2002 and has since played a pivotal role in shaping some of the country's most important welfare initiatives.
Post a Comment
»