A collective of writers, journalists and other members of the civil society have urged the Telangana government not to give a “free hand” to Maharashtra police in connection with the recent raids and arrests of activists, including poet Vara Vara Rao.
The group also asked the general public to express their outrage against the arrests.
The collective, which organised a round table in the city on Monday, also had the presence of Vara Vara Rao’s relatives including daughter K. Pavana.
Speaking to the gathering, Ms. Pavana said the arrest of Mr. Rao and others was an “attempt to curb dissent”.
At the end of the round table, activists decided to form a committee ‘Bhava Prakatana Parirakshana Samiti’ to safeguard freedom of expression.
Narrating the harrowing experience of her marital home being raided for over six hours, Ms. Pavana said, “People have the freedom to read and write. Why should books be seized? This is an attempt to scare and silence anyone who speaks out to safeguard human rights.”
Five activists and lawyers were arrested by Maharashtra police with suspected links to the Communist Party of India (Maoist) on August 28. The Supreme Court had later ordered Maharashtra police to place all five under house arrest till the next hearing on September 6.
At the meeting, Professor P. Kasim accused the police and the Union government of creating a “climate of fear” so that they can suppress voices of those fighting for justice.
The meeting was supported by Viplava Rachayitala Sangham (VIRASAM) which was founded by Vara Vara Rao and others.
K. Sandhya of Progressive Organisation of Women (POW), who was also present at the meeting, said, “Anyone speaking against the government’s misgivings are being dubbed radical. Writers and activists are entitled to freedom of thought, speech and expression. They cannot be dubbed terrorists and jailed.”
Activists pointed out that of the five who faced arrests were lawyers including Sudha Bharadwaj, Arun Ferreira and Vernon Gonsalves who have fought legal battles against violation of human rights.
Mr. Vara Vara Rao’s family also added that they intend to fight “the injustice legally” and are “hopeful that all charges will be quashed by the Supreme Court”.
