NIA raids activists in Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi; CASR condemns 'witch-hunting'

By A Representative 

The Campaign Against State Repression (CASR) has issued a strong condemnation of recent raids conducted by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on the residences of labor rights, student rights, and anti-displacement activists across Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi. The raids took place early on the morning of December 20, reportedly targeting individuals associated with trade unions and social justice movements.

The searches were conducted in connection with FIR No. RC-01/2023/NIA/Lucknow, referred to as the "Maoist's NRB Revival Case." Among those targeted were Rampal Singh, a labor activist from the Manesar General Mazdoor Front (MGMS), and Damanpreet Singh, a former president of Students for Society (SFS) in Patiala. Activists Ajay Kumar, Priyanshu, and Jagdish Singh from the Delhi General Mazdoor Front (DGMF), as well as anti-displacement activist Shree Ram from Delhi and MGMS member Bindu Ram from Sonipat, Haryana, were also subjected to raids.

According to CASR, NIA personnel attempted to coerce confessions and forced individuals to sign documents during the raids. In Delhi, Ajay Kumar and Priyanshu were allegedly pressured to sign unspecified confession papers. CASR also accused NIA officers of unlawfully seizing devices and attempting to tamper with seizure reports by adding items that were not recovered during the searches.

CASR linked these actions to a broader pattern of targeting dissenting voices under fabricated charges, likening the case to the Bhima Koregaon conspiracy, which led to the arrest of several activists and intellectuals. The organization expressed concerns about misuse of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) to suppress opposition and dissent.

The statement emphasized that courts have previously ruled that belief in Maoist ideology or membership in organizations like the CPI (Maoist) is not a crime under Indian law. CASR highlighted that such cases often result in prolonged imprisonment without trial, undermining the rule of law and silencing voices of resistance.

CASR has demanded the immediate quashing of the FIR, cessation of the raids, and an end to the harassment of activists. The organization has called upon democratic and progressive groups to oppose what it describes as a "witch-hunt" and raise their voices against state repression.

The press statement was endorsed by multiple organizations, including the All India Revolutionary Students Organization (AIRSO), All India Students Association (AISA), Students’ Federation of India (SFI), People’s Watch, and Rihai Manch, among others.