[PUCL] Appeal to All activist of Gujarat - Join us for Dharna and CANDLE LIGHT VIGILin support of our dear Dr. Binayak Sen

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Trupti Shah & Rohit Prajapati <rohit.trupti@gmail.com>
Date: Sat, Jan 1, 2011 at 12:24 PM

*Appeal to All activist of Gujarat
Join us for
Dharna and CANDLE LIGHT VIGIL on 4th January 2011, Tuesday between 5.30 p.m.
to 7.00 p.m. in support of our dear Dr. Binayak Sen.
*

While the most corrupt, criminal and convicted “leaders” move around
scot-free, a well-known human right activist like Dr. Binayak Sen, Vice
President of PUCL is sentenced to life imprisonment by the lower court of
Chattisgarh Court. This is assassination of democracy and nothing but
mockery of justice. This is one of the saddest day in our history.

We all should start agitation in protest of the conviction of Dr. Binayak
Sen.

Kindly join us in *Dharna* and *CANDLE LIGHT VIGIL* on 4th January 2011,
Tuesday between *5.30 p.m. to 7.00 p.m.* in support of our dear Dr. Binayak
Sen.


*DHARNA and CANDLE LIGHT VIGIL in support of Dr. Binayak Sen

Date: 4th January 2011, Tuesday, 5.30 p.m. to 7.00 p.m.

SARDAR PATEL STATUE, SAYAJIGUNJ, VADODARA
*

*Dr.* *J*. *S*. *B*andukwala          *R*enu *K*hanna
*R*ohit *P*rajapati         *B*harti *P*armar           *T*rupti
*S*hah
*T*apan *D*asgupta
*P*eople’s *U*nion for *C*ivil *L*iberties

 *Binayak Sen *is a paediatrician, public health specialist and activist
found guilty of sedition. He is the national Vice-President of the People's
Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL).

Binayak Sen originally started working as a doctor extending health care to
poor people in the rural-tribal areas of the Chhattisgarh state, doubling up
as a human rights activist. While he has worked with the state government on
health sector reform, Binayak Sen has also strongly criticized the
government on human rights violations during the anti-Naxalite operations,
while advocating nonviolent political engagement.

Binayak Sen and Illina, his wife played key roles in the foundation of the
set up the Chhattisgarh Mukti Morcha's Shaheed Hospital, which is owned and
operated by a workers' organization and a community-based NGO called
Rupantar. As the National Vice-President of the People's Union for Civil
Liberties (PUCL) and General Secretary of its Chhattisgarh unit, Binayak Sen
helped organize numerous investigations into human rights violations carried
out during anti-Naxalite operations. These violations included the murder of
unarmed and innocent civilians by the anti-Naxalite movement Salwa Judum.

In May 2007, he was detained for allegedly supporting the outlawed
Naxalites, thereby violating the provisions of the Chhattisgarh Special
Public Security Act 2005 (CSPSA) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention)
Act 1967. The evidence presented against him included his meetings with the
jailed Naxalite leader Narayan Sanyal and certain documents allegedly
supporting his links with the Naxalites. Binayak Sen first applied for bail
before the Raipur Sessions Court and then the Chhattisgarh High Court in
July 2007, soon after his arrest, but was granted bail by the Supreme Court
of India only on 25 May 2009.

In repeated statements, Binayak Sen has stated that he doesn't condone the
Naxalites, doesn't approve of their violent methods, and has spoken strongly
against them several times. But, he also expressed his opposition to the
violent activities carried out by Salwa Judum, which he believes, have
created a split in the tribal community. Binayak Sen advocates peaceful
methods such as negotiations to solve the Naxalite problem.

Binayak Sen was the recipient in 2004 of the Paul Harrison award for a
lifetime of service to the rural poor. This award is given annually by the
Christian Medical College in Vellore, India to its alumni. Binayak Sen was
awarded the R.R. Keithan Gold Medal by The Indian Academy of Social Sciences
(ISSA) on 31 December 2007. The citation describes him as "one of the most
eminent scientists" of India. "The award is for his outstanding contribution
to the advancement of science of Nature-Man-Society and his honest and
sincere application for the improvement of quality of life of the poor, the
downtrodden and the oppressed people of Chhattisgarh." In 2008 he was
awarded the Jonathan Mann Award for Global Health and Human Rights. The
Global Health Council issued a public statement, "Dr. Binayak Sen's
accomplishments speak volumes about what can be achieved in very poor areas
when health practitioners are also committed community leaders. He staffed a
hospital created by and funded by impoverished mine workers, and he has
spent his lifetime educating people about health practices and civil
liberties­providing information that has saved lives and improved conditions
for thousands of people. His good works need to be recognized as a major
contribution to India and to global health; they are certainly not a threat
to state security."

On 24 December 2010, the Raipur Sessions' Court found him guilty of helping
the Naxalites, charged him with connections with a banned organization
(though widely but incorrectly the charge is reported as treason) and
sentenced him to life term.

We believe that this conviction is politically motivated and based on bogus
evidence. We condemn the unlawful act of the state in shutting up the
whistleblowers’ voices against the structural injustices. This construes to
us as a throttling of the spirit of democracy. We urge all right thinking
persons/progressive forces to raise their voices in protest and an effort to
FREE BINAYAK, FREE DEMOCRACY.



 ___________________________________________________________________
*         * Rohit *P* rajapati & *T* rupti *S* hah
       37, Patrakar Colony, Tandalja Road,
        Post-Akota, Vadodara - 390 020
       GUJARAT, INDIA
       Phone No. *+ 91 - 265 - 2320399
*         Email No: *rohit.prajapati@gmail.com
* ____________________________________________________________________

--
Adv Kamayani Bali Mahabal
+919820749204
skype-lawyercumactivist
*
*
*"Nobody is giving up violence. Neither the state nor the Maoists are giving
up violence. I am interested in furthering my cause, which is the cause of
peace with justice.- DR BINAYAK SEN *
*www.binayaksen.net*
*PL SIGN ONLINE PETITION: *
http://www.petitiononline.com/sen2010/petition.html
*DO JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP *
*http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=14205312918*
*JOIN THE FACEBOOK EVENT: ONE MILLION FACES
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=179177728772740*

PUCL Public Meeting: Prosecution of Binayak Sen- Implications for Indian democracy!- 30th Dec 2010-Thursday @ 5.30pm @ T. Nagar

Nationwide, ordinary citizens have been shocked by the prosecution, conviction and sentencing   of Dr. Binayak Sen to life sentence for offence of sedition under sections 124A read with Section 120B of the Indian Penal Code, Sections 8(1), 8(2), 8(3) and 8(5) of the Chhattisgarh Vishesh Jan Suraksha Adhiniyam, 2005 (Chhattisgarh Special Public Safety Act) and Section 39(2) of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, 1967. Dr. Sen, one of India's celebrated medical professionals has dedicated his life to India's most impoverished and vulnerable communities. His contribution to public health has been acknowledged by the Chhattisgarh government itself who incorporated his medical work in official health programme. Yet the same Chhattisgarh Government could not tolerate Dr. Sen questioning its policy of support to the unlawfully constituted and armed `Salwa Judum' force. It is useful to remember that the Supreme Court of India itself has directed that the Salwa Judum should be wound up.

            PUCL has consistently been campaigning for the repeal of the laws under which Dr. Binayak has been convicted as these very enactments are an infringement on the democratic fabric of the country. History has shown whether it is the sedition law in the Indian Penal Code or the later laws like POTA and TADA, the state has always used these laws to suppress and silence dissent and criticism of state action.  The Chhattisgarh Special Public Safety Act and Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, 1967 are nothing else but POTA and TADA in a new avatar.

           The prosecution of Dr.Binayak sen is being showcased as a warning to all citizens of the fate that befalls anyone challenging the state. Arise citizens of India! Lets raise our voices and show that  we will not tolerate silencing the voices of freedom and independence.  

 

PLEASE CIRCULATE WIDELY

 

People's Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL)-TN

Invites you to a protest meet

 

Prosecution of Binayak Sen –

Implications to Indian Democracy!!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

Speakers: Dr. Sara Bhattacharjee, Dr. Zachariah, Dr. Anand Zachariah, CMC, Vellore;

Mr. M.G. Devasahayam, ex-IAS, Dr. V. Suresh, National Secretary, PUCL, and others  

 

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On

30.12.2010 (Thursday) at 5.30 pm

@ 

C.D. Nayagam Thiyagaraya Nagar Hr. Sec. School,

Venkatnarayana Road, T. Nagar, Chennai.

Landmark: Opp. TTD Temple

 

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Join us in protecting Democracy! PUCL-TN

Contact: 9444231497/ 9444905151/ 9751237734

 

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மக்கள் சிவில் உரிமை கழகம்-[பி.யு.சீ.எல்.]- தமிழ்நாடு

நடத்தும்

*************************

 பினாயக் சென்னை விடுதலை செய்! ஜனநாயகத்தை விடுதலை செய்!!

 

அநீதியான தீர்ப்பை எதிர்த்தும் &

டாக்டர்.சென்னை விடுதலை செய்யக் கோரியும்

 

கண்டனப் பொதுக் கூட்டம்

-------------------------------------------------------------

பேச்சாளர்கள் : மருத்துவர்கள், மூத்த வழக்கறிஞர்கள், முன்னாள் அதிகாரிகள், மனித உரிமை ஆர்வலர்கள் மற்றும் பலர்

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நாள் : 30 -12 -2010 /மாலை 5.30 மணி

இடம்: சி.தெ.நாயகம் தியாகராயர் நகர் மேனிலைப் பள்ளி,

வெங்கடநாராயணா சாலை, தி.நகர்.

*************************  

ஜனநாயகம் காக்க, அனைவரும் வருக! பி.யு.சீ.எல்.—தமிழ்நாடு

தொடர்புக்கு: 9444231497/ 9444905151/ 9751237734

 

August 4th meeting in Delhi/ Interview with Binayak Sen

Hi all,

The August 4th meeting in Delhi that was mentioned in an earlier interview Binayak Sen seems to be materializing. This is the push by our allies on the ground to start making noise around the promised post-monsoon military offensive against the Naxals. I think the meeting announcement clearly lays out some of these issues.

[They are asking for organizational commitments and contributions of Rs 1000 from each endorsing organization. I am not clear if non-India based organizations can endorse, and will check with Kavita. But are our groups here comfortable in endorsing the Aug 4th meeting? The endorsement fee of roughly $25 will not be a hurdle thankfully...]

Also, another interview with Binayak Sen follows the meeting announcement. This appeared in the Times of India and reiterates many of the earlier points about a peace initiative in Bastar.... It is exceedingly short, but in my opinion, it is one of the BEST interviews. Maybe it has to do with the fact that it is Jyoti Punwani interviewing him--his viewpoint comes across extremely clearly in it.

===================

27 July 2009

Stop! Militarization of Democratic Processes and Space

A Public Meeting

4th August 2009, India Islamic Cultural Center, Lodi Road, New Delhi

3.00 pm to 7.30 pm

Dear friends,

According to newspaper reports, the Union Home Ministry is planning to finish the Maoists in a military action after the monsoons, a move which appears to have the support of all the state governments. This military model is now being practiced all around in South Asia at huge costs to civilian lives. We have seen this happen in the recently concluded war in Sri Lanka. The operation in Lalgarh seems to be a case of testing the waters. The Maoists for their part are also increasingly resorting to major provocative strikes, in which large numbers of police personnel have died.

While the government and the Maoists are engaged in militarism, the real issues that concern the people have been lost. Apart from the issue of land acquisition and displacement, food security, education and health, the right of people to live in peace and dignity has been denied through this conflict. The Home Minister says that development will follow security – this is against all the principles of citizenship as well as most expert analysis of Naxalism. The police and security view of Naxalism as purely a law and order problem, which needs more security forces, more police stations and better weaponry ignores the context which gave rise to Naxalism in the first place, including corruption and harassment by the police, especially when it comes to dalits and adivasis. The militaristic approach of the Government of India and of the state governments to a situation which is an outcome of their own systematic and criminal neglect over the years of adivasi areas, cannot be allowed to take centre stage.

In the past similar militaristic approaches have boomeranged at heavy cost to people. The Salwa Judum campaign, used both armed civilians and security forces to burn villages and force people into camps. The Maoists have used the State offensive to further militarization. This massive militarization on the both sides has resulted in loss of lives and has created huge
problems for adivasi people. More than 1000 people were killed and many women were raped in the Salwa Judum operations and hundreds of thousands still remain displaced five years after the start of that disastrous experiment. By appointing SPOs in Orissa and Manipur and transforming the SPOs into Koya Commandos in Chhattisgarh, the government has refused to learn from the failure of this policy. In continuing to glorify Salwa Judum and refusing to compensate and rehabilitate villagers even ten months after its admission in the Supreme Court, the Chhattisgarh government is in contempt of the Supreme Court. The BJP Government of Chhhattisgarh is not interested in health workers, teachers or grain for its population – it only wants police and more police. At the same time huge tracts of land and resources are being handed over to corporate.

As concerned citizens of this country, who wish for a peaceful, democratic and just resolution of conflicts, we invite you to discuss these issues and help to craft a non-militaristic solution.

We call upon all sides to engage in dialogue, specifically putting the interests of civilians and citizens as their top priority, as against the interests of capitalists, the bureaucracy and the party.

In addition we demand that the Government of Chhattisgarh which has been responsible for serious crimes against humanity, make good its promise to the Supreme Court to rehabilitate and compensate people who have been affected by Salwa Judum, and to move security forces out of civilian spaces.

We also demand a full enquiry into all extra-judicial killings that have taken place in the former undivided district of Bastar since 2005, and prosecution of all those guilty.

Group of organizations, movements and individuals have called for a public meeting on 04th August 2009 at India Islamic Cultural Center (Conference Hall # 1, from 3.00 pm to 7.30 pm) Lodi Road, New Delhi. You are requested to express your endorsement and be part of this as co-organizer and also to support this assembly with minimum contribution of Rs. 1000, which would be
used to meet progarmme costs.

Endorsed & Co- organized by

Campaign for Peace and Justice in Chhattisgarh (CPJC)

People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL)

Delhi Forum

The Other Media

Combat Law

Jamia Teacher’s Solidarity Group, New Delhi

Nandini Sunder

Vijay Pratap, Convenor, Socialist Front

Nivedita Menon, Jawaharlal Nehru University

Aditya Nigam, Centre for the Study of Developing Societies, Delhi

Anhad, Shabnam Hashmi

Manoranjan Mohanty, Retired Professor, University of Delhi

Gautam Mody, NTUI, New Delhi

Rakesh Shukla, Advocate Supreme Court

Mamta Dash, National Forum of Forest People & Forest Workers

Subrat Sahu, Independent Film Maker

Sandeep Pandey, Asha

For information contact: Bipin Kumar (986828 0198), Nandini Sunder (98680 76576) Mamata Dash (98682 59836) Madhuresh (98189 5316), Pravin Mote (93138 79073)

--
Bipin Kumar
Campaign & Advocacy Desk
THE OTHER MEDIA
J 42, II Floor, South Extension , Part I
New Delhi 110049

Tel -+91-11- 2462 9372/ 73 Fax- +91-11- 2462 9371

--
Kavita Srivastava
(General Secretary) PUCL Rajasthan

Address for correspondence :

76, Shanti Niketan Colony, Kisan Marg, Barkat Nagar, Jaipur-302015
Tel. 0141-2594131
mobile: 9351562965

=================

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articlelist/articleshow/4839086.cms

'We deplore military approaches to alter social situations'

Since his release on bail after two years in a Chhattisgarh jail on charges of being a Naxalite, PUCL vice-president Binayak Sen has been consumed with the idea of a 'peace initiative' to counter the growing 'military campaign' of the state. Sen explains to Jyoti Punwani why civil society must say no to violence:

What do you mean by the state's 'military campaign'?

Responsible people at the Centre have been making bellicose statements about launching a military campaign against those opposing the state. There's talk of doing what Sri Lanka did. Such talk is an obscenity in the light of the deprivation faced by majority of our people. I won't call it poverty. A lot of energy and discipline have to be extended to keep this poverty in its place. Till now, Adivasis and Dalits have had to face structural violence that deprives them of nutrition and basic survival needs. Thousands of our children are paying with their lives for the economic policies of the state; there's a continuous famine for certain sections of our citizens. But now, they may have to face guns and bombs if they protest.

Why has this happened?

We are at a particular historical juncture where the state acts as the guarantor for those who appropriate national resources for their own profit. The activities of the government should decrease, not increase, inequalities. The use of national resources must be manifestly for the public good. Instead, the government backs the unconstitutional expropriation of resources that leads to increased polarities. The state is engaged in displacing huge masses of population; people with guns provided by the state are getting villages emptied out. What is this if not a military campaign? Unfortunately, many people seem equivocal about state violence. Civil society must assert that military strategies are not a legitimate means of solving social problems. We must all try to establish an imperative for peace and against military confrontation, a peace that comes with equity and justice. We must question those who speak about following the Sri Lanka example.

What about the violence of those opposed to the state?

We deplore all military approaches to alter social situations. There is no legitimate justification for violence except in self-defence. No human rights group true to its mandate can approve of planned violence as a means of solving social problems. Such deployment of planned violence by organisations against the state ties us to a circle of violence from which it's difficult to emerge. We have certain institutions of democratic governance, rights which people have gained over long years of struggle. All are teetering on the brink of collapse. We have to make these institutions work whether it is Parliament, or the devolution of power to gram sabhas. We should draw lessons from our neighbouring countries. If violence is met with violence, these institutions will become defunct.