New Delhi: In the wake of "arbitrary" government action against use of social media and "policing" of books, several activists called for safeguarding democratic rights Thursday, which marked the 39th anniversary of the Emergency.
Social activist Aruna Roy said government surveillance in the recent days was reminiscent of the Emergency - imposed by then prime minister Indira Gandhi on June 26, 1975 - when law enforcement agencies muzzled any expression of dissent.
"Freedom of expression is under attack by the state as well as authoritarian elements in society. It is clearly evident in the arbitrary acts of violence against Facebook posts to policing books and forcing withdrawal of public issue, and the more recent IB (Intelligence Bureau) report and its deliberate targeting of NGOs opposed to the dominant economic framework," she said.
Veteran journalist Kuldip Nayar echoed similar sentiments.
"We should not take the democratic framework of rights for granted; there should be constant vigilance and the necessary conviction and courage to make personal sacrifices in order to safeguard these inalienable rights of every citizen," he said at Jantar Mantar, addressing people who had gathered to recall the atrocities committed during the Emergency.
Other prominent speakers were Justice (retd.) Rajinder Sachar, National Minorities Commission's former chairman Wajahat Habibullah, commentator Paranjoy Guha Thakurta and senior lawyer Prashant Bhushan, among others.
The gathering passed a resolution, reiterating a firm resolve for ensuring an environment free of fear and coercion, and one where different visions of public policy and development will get equal space and the right to be heard.
Comments
| Quick linksNews
National
International
Regional
Politics
Education & Career
Business
Science & Technology
Health
Views & Analysis
The Funny Side
© 2012 Awaz Multimedia & Publications. All rights reserved.
Maharashtra approves 5% reservation for Muslims in government jobs, educationThe Maharashtra cabinet led by Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan Tuesday has given its nod to 4.5% reservation for Muslims in the education sector and government jobs. ... More
Also Read: Maharashtra govt to announce reservation for Marathas, mum on Muslims
'Show faith in Malegaon weavers, they have potential to return back'Reiterating that the weavers of Malegaon are talented, skilled and hardworking, Additional Collector of Malegaon Raghunath Gawade Wednesday assured the buyers of profitable and speedy returns if they show faith in the local textile industry. .... More
Congress and caste parties decimated, whither Indian Muslims?By giving them frontline roles in communal conflicts, the Sangh Parivar has dignified Mochis, Khatiks (fruit sellers), Lohars (blacksmiths), Nayis (barbers), Valmikis (toilet cleaners), dhobis (laundry washers) in large numbers as Hindutva's foot soldiers..... More
Buddhists force festival to cancel film based anti-Muslim violenceA human rights film festival was forced to cancel screening of a documentary based on anti-Muslim violence in Myanmar's central town of Meiktila last year after Buddhist extremists threatened .... More