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The Campaign Against State Repression (CASR) held a press conference at the Press Club of India to denounce the ongoing targeting of activists under the controversial FIR No. RC-01/2023/NIA/Lucknow, widely referred to as the Lucknow Conspiracy Case.
Moderated by CASR representative Deepak Kumar, the event exposed the widening scope of state action against dissenters since the case's inception on September 5, 2023. Kumar highlighted the increasing geographical reach of the case, which now spans over five states, targeting a broad spectrum of individuals, including students, labor rights activists, journalists, and advocates. He criticized the flimsy evidence, such as public books and loose papers, alleging that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) is fabricating a conspiracy akin to the Bhima Koregaon case to stifle opposition.
Mrigank, spokesperson for the Delhi Committee of CPI (ML) New Democracy, condemned the government's weaponization of laws like the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and agencies like the NIA to silence dissent. He underscored the prolonged legal harassment and denial of justice as tactics to instill fear. Referring to Home Minister Amit Shah's aim to make India "Maoist-free" by 2026, Mrigank warned against using such rhetoric to label adivasis and activists as naxals, displacing communities under the guise of development. He called for unity in resisting systemic oppression and defending democratic rights.
Activist Safoora Zargar criticized the growing number of conspiracy cases, describing them as "limitless blackholes" where due process is bypassed. She denounced the targeting of minorities, women, and dissenters, emphasizing the state's manipulation of laws like the UAPA to suppress voices against injustice. Zargar asserted that fighting for justice must continue fearlessly despite these challenges.
Dhananjay, president of JNUSU, echoed these concerns, accusing the state of labeling dissenters as anti-national to suppress democracy. He pointed to the harassment of students, farmers, and marginalized groups as evidence of systemic repression. Dhananjay emphasized the need for collective action to protect democratic values and resist authoritarianism.
Human rights defender Asif Iqbal Tahna and activist Hem Mishra also spoke at the event. Tahna emphasized the importance of sustained, fearless resistance to systemic oppression, while Mishra, who endured a decade-long imprisonment, described the current atmosphere as a "larger prison" for dissenters. Mishra connected the repression to a broader agenda of silencing voices advocating for adivasi rights and Marxist ideologies.
The speakers concluded with a call for unity, urging the public to continue organizing and mobilizing against the erosion of civil liberties and the rise of authoritarianism.
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