Convention in Ludhiana raises concerns over detentions, rights issues

By Harsh Thakor* 

A convention organised by the Democratic Front Against Operation Green Hunt, Punjab, was held to mark April 8 as a day opposing what participants described as “draconian laws” and to commemorate the legacy of Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru. Speakers at the event referred to the historical incident in which the revolutionaries threw a bomb in the Central Legislative Assembly in 1929 to protest colonial legislation. The gathering focused on issues relating to alleged rights violations in tribal areas and called for the release of imprisoned intellectuals, activists, and convicts who, according to organisers, have completed their sentences but remain in custody.

The convention was presided over by activist and writer Seema Azad, Professor A.K. Maleri, and Boota Singh Mehmoodpur. It was attended by representatives of several organisations, including the Association for Democratic Rights Punjab, Rationalist Society Punjab, Punjabi Sahit Akademi Ludhiana, Punjab Lok Sabhiyachark Manch, BKU (Ekta Ugrahan), Krantikari Kisan Union, Inquilabi Kendra Punjab, and Mukti Sangram Mazdoor Manch, along with students from Punjabi University, Patiala, and Panjab University, Chandigarh. Farmers, workers, students, youth, women, writers and artists were among those present.

Participants included Gulzar Singh Pandher, Prof. Jogmohan Singh, Dr. Harbans Singh Grewal, Jaswant Jeerkh, Jaspal Jassi, Amolak Singh and Kanwaljeet Khanna, among others.

In her keynote address, Seema Azad alleged that democratic and human rights were being undermined through arrests and legal cases against activists, and raised concerns about developments in tribal regions such as Chhattisgarh. She claimed that state policies were linked to facilitating corporate access to natural resources, including land, forests, water and minerals. Azad also referred to the use of paramilitary operations and surveillance technologies, alleging that these were being used to suppress resistance in tribal areas and could have wider implications.

She further raised concerns about what she termed the “criminalisation of ideology,” citing cases involving individuals such as Advocate Surinder Gadling, Umar Khalid and journalist Rupesh Kumar Singh. She also referred to the continued detention of some prisoners who have completed their sentences, describing it as a violation of legal norms.

Resolutions presented by Jaswinder Phagwara were adopted at the convention. These included demands for the withdrawal of military and paramilitary operations from tribal areas, removal of police camps, an end to displacement of tribal communities, and a halt to corporate exploitation of natural resources. The resolutions also called for the repeal of laws such as the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), and certain labour codes, as well as the abolition of the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Additional demands included the release of activists and intellectuals in cases such as Bhima Koregaon, the Lucknow conspiracy case and the Delhi violence cases, the release of undertrials and convicts who have completed their sentences, protection of the right to organise and protest, and an end to alleged fake police encounters in Punjab.

The convention also adopted resolutions on international issues, expressing concern over ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Iran and calling for changes in India’s diplomatic stance towards Israel, while raising concerns about the situation of Palestinians.

The programme included cultural performances by singers Gurmeet Judge, Kasturi Lal, Brij Rajiana and Mausam. Professor A.K. Maleri delivered the vote of thanks at the conclusion of the event.

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*Freelance journalist