Bangalore, November 23: Hundreds of people from various sections of the society Thursday held a massive protest march against the arbitrary arrests of innocent youths under the pretext of terrorism.
The 'People's March' organised under the joint auspices of Praja Rajakiya Vedike and Students Islamic Organization Of India (SIO) Karnataka, People's Union for Civil Rights (PUCL), Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Jamiat-e-Ulema, Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR), Karnataka Dalitha Mahila Vedike , Karnataka Muslim Mutthahida Mahaz (KMMM), Karnataka Sexual Minorities Forum (KSMF), New Socialist Alternative (CWI-India), Open Space, People's Democratic Forum (PDF), and many more civil society groups, demanded the Government to stop arresting innocent youths under false terror charges.
Inaugurating the march, Mohammed Taha Mateen, leader of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind said that innocent youths across the country are being arrested on false charges and are being denied bail. Their trial goes on for a long time and after prolonged imprisonment, they are acquitted by the courts. Such illegal arrests are matter of serious concern, he said.
Manohar Elavarthi, a leader of Praja Rajakiya Vedike lamented that it has become routine for the police and investigating agencies to arrest Muslim youth and implicate in false cases.
Prof. Narasimaiah, noted historian and thinker alleged that communal forces are behind such arrests.
The agitators demanded that fast track courts be set up to try cases of illegal arrests so that the victims get speedy justice. They also urged Government to provide suitable compensation and rehabilitation of those acquitted by the courts.
The 'People's March' culminated at Town hall, where several leaders and activists addressed that gathering.
“A terrorist was hanged on Wednesday, but we need to see who the real culprits are and punish them," said B T Lalita Naik, a former minister in the government of Karnataka.
"The media should also start using proper language for reporting. Whether it is the English, Urdu or Kannada media, the word 'alleged' should be used; because the world depends on media,” she added.
Expressing happiness over the turnout of people, B T Venkatesh, a lawyer and human rights activist said “I am worried about the lives which are being destroyed for no reason. If we don't raise a voice against such injustice, then we are not humans; even we become criminals”.
“The people whom you are putting in jails, are very important for the development of our nation. There are doctors, engineers and journalists. We are speaking for all the innocents. Nobody is speaking for Kasab or a terrorist like him,” said Mohammed Kunni, Manager, Shanthi Prakashan.
The protesters also demanded free and fair investigation of the arrested youth without any custodial torture and that suitable action be taken against the police officers who are responsible for fabrication of such cases.
Repeal of draconian laws like Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), was also one of the demands presented by the protesters.
According to the organizers, similar protest marches are being held at different state capitals, wherein protesters would march to the Assembly.
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