The committee for release of political prisoners appealed to the government to release political prisoners unconditionally, by repealing the draconian laws. The committee demanded to recognize all those arrested on political grounds as political prisoners and recall all armed forces to the barracks.
While inaugurating a convention against draconian laws, Justice B. Sudershan Reddy, retired Supreme court Judge, said that ‘political prisoners are those who have been detained and awaiting trial or who have been convicted and are serving criminal sentences. Not clear from this concept is whether the individuals who have committed any acts and legislation has passed regarding violation of guaranteed fundamental rights. If such political prisoners have not committed such activities, ie., the state is unable to carry the necessary burden of proof, then the presumption of innocence until proven guilty necessarily attaches and they are to be set free, irrespective of their political views.
When it comes to issues of imprisonment and punishment for crimes deals with more or less definitively defined categories of events caused by the motivated activities of individuals.
Justice B. Sudershan Reddy, stated that a social activist who is targeted by the state, are raising questions that are politically ‘uncomfortable’ for the powers that be, most reasonable people would agree is on a or ought to be on a different footing than a political worker, say a former minister or a leader of a political party, who is accused of a embezzlement, corrupt practices or misuse of official power for self aggrandizement etc. He added it also come the questions regarding the degree of ‘social’ and/or ‘political’ factors animating ones actions, including those who advocate or take up arms and perpetrate violence, both specific and random against life or property.
Veteran Journalist, Potturi Venkateshwar Rao, stated that though India is a largest democractic country, the prisoners rights are being violated in several cases. He appealed all the peoples’ organizations and political parties jointly to review the laws and acts which are hindering the release of prisoners. There is a need to consider such prisoners under humanity grounds.
He specified that the Maoists who fight for the cause of basic needs of the people must be considered, while the forces which aim for imperialism shall be punished. In this context, he raised objection that how Narender Modi could be proposed for the prime ministerial position though he was responsible for killing 3000 people.
Professor Hara Gopal, Hyderabad central University (HCU), stated that it is time to form a re-fined platform to unite for a better cause.
Prof. Jagmohan, nephew of late Bhagat Singh, stated that no government is tolerating peoples’ ideology and their struggle, instead it is treating them as rebels or criminals. He recalled the struggle and sacrifice of Bhagat Singh who always raised slogan ‘imperialism down down and revolution long-live. (NSS)