Dr. GN Saibaba who has been on a hunger strike since May 21, 2022 was sent to prison hospital yesterday. The former Delhi University professor is a human rights activist and political dissenter and has been behind bars after being convicted in a case related to his alleged involvement with left-wing extremist groups. He is currently under the care of the prison’s Chief Medical Officer (CMO) and the Superintendent who have agreed to extend the medical treatment.

In a press release dated May 26, 2022, the Committee for the Defense and Release of Dr. GN Saibaba has said that the former DU Professor is suffering through serious health problems due to four days of hunger strike. They say that from the third day of the strike, Prof. Saibaba started passing blood motions spilling all over the bed. Moreover, the Committee states how his skin has loosened and is now hanging from the muscles.

This is not the first time that Dr. Saibaba has gone on a hunger strike for the sake of upholding his fundamental rights. Previously, during the pandemic, he had gone on a strike demanding the immediate handover of medicines supplied by his family members and advocates, as well as supply of books, letters, etc.

As for this hunger strike, he is fighting for his fundamental right to privacy, life, liberty and bodily integrity. The jail authorities installed a CCTV camera in front of his Anda Cell without providing any valid reason which records everything 24X7 including use of toilet, bathing, and all his bodily activities. The letter claims that this is against the basic human rights and that the rights, even of a convicted person, should be upheld. In a letter dated May 14, 2022, Saibaba’s wife Vasantha Kumari and his brother G. Ramadevudu wrote to the Maharashtra Home Minister, Shri Dilip Walse Patil urging him to intervene in the matter and to protect his rights.

In the letter, his family reportedly pleaded, “How can Dr G N Saibaba live in these circumstances? The helpers are also intimidated by the closely watching camera since their bodies are constantly exposed to the eye of the camera. This is clearly to intimidate and insult him.”

Two weeks ago, it was reported that the Nagpur Jail authorities have been denying Prof GN Saibaba a plastic water bottle for three weeks. The former Delhi University professor, who is ninety per cent physically disabled and wheelchair-bound, has been finding it difficult to lift the small pot kept in his cell or even a glass bottle, and has reportedly been unable to hydrate himself adequately amidst soaring temperatures due to this.

The Committee lists out the following demands:

• Removal of CCTV camera’s focus on his Anda Cell that keeps his privacy, dignity and body integrity at risk.

• Grant parole and enable him to get proper medical treatment for all his health issues. [His family members submitted applications several times to release him on parole.]

• Immediately shift him out of Anda Cell as he is unable to withstand heat/cold waves and unable to move on his wheelchair as the cell is very small and compact.

• Prison Transfer: He and his family members submitted letters to Jail Authorities and Maharashtra Home minister to transfer him from Nagpur Central Prison to Cherlapally Central Prison, Hyderabad.

• Implementation of all other demands of his earlier hunger strike that were not so far addressed.

Advocate Aakash Sorde informed the Committee that the jail authorities are now ready to give him a water bottle and they have claimed that they will accept all other demands one by one in due course of time.

As reported by the Wire, Dr. GN Saibaba suffers from ailments like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, hypertension, paraplegia, kyphoscoliosis of the spine, anterior horn cell disease, acute pancreatitis and a cyst in the brain. It is also reported that Prof. Saibaba’s left hand is on the verge of failure and there is acute pain spreading in both his hands.

Brief background of the case

The Sessions Court at Gadchiroli on May 7, 2017 sentenced Prof. Saibaba to life imprisonment under the Unlawful Prevention (Activities) Act (UAPA), for alleged links with banned organisation Communist Party of India (Maoist). He had appealed against the Judgment of the Sessions Court before the Nagpur Bench of Bombay High Court, but his appeal has been pending for the last five years.

Dr. Saibaba, who has been a long-time defender of the rights of India’s minorities, especially Dalits, Adivasis and forest dwelling communities, against vested corporate interests, was first arrested in in May 2014, and eventually sentenced to life imprisonment in March 2017, for “waging war against the state”.

As an activist and rights defender, Dr. Saibaba has campaigned against a push to end reservations for lower castes, as well as against “encounter killings” of innocent people in Andhra Pradesh. He launched the Forum Against War on People, in response to the Indian government’s Operation Green Hunt in India’s tribal belt, which allegedly cracked down on Adivasis in the region. He organised a national campaign against the operation that reportedly led to investors pulling out. In July 2015, he told The Hindu that the authorities felt “the best way to stop me was to throw me in jail.”

Related:

GN Saibaba to go on hunger strike to protest being placed under CCTV surveillance
On what basis has GN Saibaba been sacked from DU?
Now, jail authorities deny GN Saibaba plastic water bottle!

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Six ad-hoc Sikkim teachers reached the seventh day of their hunger strike in Gangtok on September 8, 2021 while demanding either an extension of their service contracts or fresh interviews within this month without any delay.

According to The Telegraph, three of the teachers reported deteriorating health due to the continuing fast. However, they asserted they would continue the demonstration under the banner of New Ad hoc Teachers Association of Sikkim (NATAS) until their demands are met.

However, the Sikkim education department authorities, on Monday, refused the demands and asked the protesters to prepare for the re-interviews instead.

Speaking to EastMojo, Education Secretary G. P. Upadhaya said that the delay in interviews was due to on-going “interviews for head masters and assistant education officers”. He said that these interviews will be completed by September 30, when the ad-hoc teachers will be given priority treatment. Still, protesters have resolved to dig in their heels until their demands are met.

NATAS talks about delayed promises and interviews

In June, 860 teachers were terminated from service merely eight months after being recruited by the state education department. In response, the NATAS circulated a press release in mid-August that said, “We [Ad-hoc teachers] were initially told that the entire process would be completed by mid-July, and then by August 1. Now they are saying from October 3 onwards. This onward thing can go on and on.”

Members said that ad-hoc teachers have been going through the interview process since 2020 when over 800 teachers from various districts received orders after day-long interviews. Their six month work tenure was extended by another three months until June 2021.

On completing this period, teachers were asked to sit for re-interviews for the same post. This was in accordance with the state government’s “eight years regularisation” scheme that sought to bring all ad-hoc teachers under one umbrella. It allowed candidates to appear for one-time interviews following which, their contract will be extended on the basis of their performance report. After eight years, they will be regularised without facing another interview, provided they fulfill the NCTE criteria. The same rule will be applicable for ad-hoc teachers whose contract is to expire in 2022.

However, the delay in the re-interview has begun demoralising ad-hoc teachers, creating a discord with their parental department, the education department. It also affects students, who continue to struggle with online classes and shortage of teachers.

“We also make an appeal to all the school heads to remain concerned regarding this and brief the education department about the shortage of teachers in their respective schools and demand to meet up with the numbers of teachers needed as soon as possible,” said the NATAS.

Meanwhile, the Education Ministry stated on September 6 that it was stated that the ad-hoc teachers did not realise the benefits of the systemic change that the department is attempting.

“Big systemic changes take time and effort. This is a golden opportunity being created for ad-hoc teachers… It takes time and faces logistical issues. Ad-hoc teachers should participate in the district wise scrutiny to save time,” it said in a press release.

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Farmers observed a quiet hunger strike on Sadbhavna Diwas, January 30, 2021 across India to denounce the anti-farmer laws of the central government.

Earlier farmer leaders of various organisations affiliated with the Sanyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) called for a nationwide response to the day-long fast planned for the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

“The fast will go on from 9AM to 5 PM. We call upon people from every part of the country to join us on Sadbhavana Diwas,” said farmer leader Amarjeet Singh Rada late Friday night.

Shortly after the January 26 events, farmers at Singhu border had set out on a Sadbhavana march while waving tricolour flags and spreading the message of communal harmony.

Reciprocating the goodwill of India’s kisan, activists and personalities also participated in the events of January 30.

On Gandhiji’s martyrdom today & in support of the protesting farmers we will observe a minutes silence & then chant prayers of all religions, at Gandhi Peace Foundation, Deen Dayal Upadhyay marg. Join us there https://t.co/zuyvm9HaDg

— Prashant Bhushan (@pbhushan1) January 30, 2021

According to All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee (AIKSCC) Tamil Nadu Convener K. Balakrishnan, people across the state answered the call with people observing a hunger protest in Chennai capital city.

Similarly, Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha (KRRS) leaders said that many district headquarters observed satyagrahas at the taluka-level as well. Cities like Bengaluru and Mysore witnessed satyagrahas in three to four areas.

Regarding the Nishan Sahib flag incident at Red Fort, KRRS Vice President G. T. Ramaswamy demanded that Deep Siddhu, who allegedly instigated the event, be arrested. He asked, “Why make false claims on farmers? We have been peacefully protesting. Why will we suddenly turn violent?” 

Meanwhile, farmer leader Darshan Pal told NDTV at Singhu border that Delhi police mishandled the situation on Republic Day that led to disruption during the Kisan Ganatantra Parade. Accordingly he said that more supporters were coming in from Haryana and the movement would continue its movement against the three farm laws.

Earlier, SKM leaders had said that farmers from nearby areas have once again begun mobilising towards various farmers’ protest sites to support the struggle. Leaders also advised the internet shutdown to be removed from all protest areas, otherwise they will protest in this regard accordingly.

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Why did Delhi Police mislead us, not stop the outsiders who initially broke the 
Kisan Ganatantra Parade: How the mainstream media ignored ground realities 
Amit Shah chairs high-level meeting, directs additional security
Internet suspended around protest sites in Delhi, situation 

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On Wednesday, the fast-unto-death started by members of the Kashmiri Pandit Sangharsh Samiti (KPSS) entered its fourth day. KPSS president Sanjay Tickoo and youth activist Sandeep Koul have been fasting since Sunday.

In a statement released on the occasion, KPSS said that they “feel cheated and back stabbed by the Administration of UT for not adhering to their own promises and commitments that were expressively and verbally conveyed to us during the First phase of Fast-Unto-Death Pledge.”

The previous ten-day long fast was called off on September 30, 2020 after “Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar Shri. Shahid Iqbal Chowdhary, IAS on behalf of Administration assured in writing that the Charter of Demands will be discussed in a logical way and all the directions of the Hon’ble High Court read with Parliamentary Standing Committees recommendations and directions issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Union of India will be implemented on the ground zero to mitigate the long pending issues of the Non-Migrant Kashmiri Pandits / Kashmiri Hindus living in Kashmir Valley.”

However, when the administration reneged on its promises, KPSS went on a second hunger strike. “Though Hon’ble Prime Minister claims that his government stands for “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas” [Together, for everyone’s growth, with everyone’s trust] but due to the step-motherly treatment from the UT Administration it seems that this phrase excludes Non-Migrant Kashmiri Pandits / Kashmiri Hindus living in Kashmir Valley,” said KPSS.

At present there are 808 non-migrant Kashmiri Pandit families living in over 240 locations, mostly in makeshift facilities or refugee camps amidst poverty and squalor in the Valley. At least 150 of these are low-income families who fall below poverty line (BPL). Most struggle for basic expenses like food and medicine.

Security that was earlier provided to members of the community has now been withdrawn and Kashmiri Pandit families, especially vocal community leaders are now left to their own devices to protect themselves. Nearly 600 youth are unemployed. While they had earlier qualified for employment schemes of the government, a delay in implementation of the schemes led close to 100 of them becoming ineligible due to crossing age restrictions.

The KPSS is demanding not only financial aid, but also swift implementation of government employment schemes. CJP has been supporting KPSS, which is it partner organisation, in their quest for Kashmiri Pandits in the Valley.

The charter of demands is as follows:

1.            Extension of PM’s Job Package and apportionment of 500 posts / one job per family (preferably) criteria for 808 Non-Migrant Kashmiri Pandit / Kashmiri Hindu Families.

2.       DMRR&R deliberately delayed the process by more than four years as such give one-time age relaxation to all the over-age candidates’ w.e.f. 31.05.2016 (date of the judgment passed by Hon’ble High Court in OWP 1986/2013 titled Kashmiri Pandit Sangarash Samiti and others vs. Union of India and others)

 3.           Providing of Accommodation to all deserving Non-Migrant families under PM’s Relief and Rehabilitation Package

4.            Extension / providing of necessary financial assistance to the 808 Non-Migrant Kashmiri Pandit / Kashmiri Hindu families living in Kashmir Valley

5.            Extension of benefits of Migrant Welfare Fund to the Non-Migrant Kashmiri Pandits – Kashmiri Hindus living in Kashmir Valley.

6.            Constitution of Nodal Agency between UT Government including Relief Department headed by Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir with one member from KPSS Core Committee.

7.            Protection, Preservation and Restoration of Temples and other religious institutions belonging to the religious minority in Kashmir Valley.

Related:

Kashmiri Pandits on fast-unto-death in Valley again!
Betrayed again, Kashmiri Pandits to go on fast-unto-death

The post Kashmiri Pandit hunger strike enter day 4 appeared first on SabrangIndia.

The Kashmiri Pandit Sangharsh Samiti (KPSS) is all set to go on a hunger strike starting November 22, 2020. This is the second time KPSS chief Sanjay Tickoo will go on hunger strike this year demanding that the Jammu and Kashmir administration delivers on promises made to Kashmiri Pandit families who did not leave the Valley during the exodus in the late 80s and early 90s.

At present there are at least 808 Kashmiri Pandit families still living in the valley, many in refugee camps. At least 150 of these are low-income families who fall below poverty line (BPL). Most struggle for basic expenses like food and medicine.

Security that was earlier provided to members of the community has now been withdrawn and Kashmiri Pandit families, especially vocal community leaders are now left to their own devices to protect themselves. Nearly 600 youth are unemployed. While they had earlier qualified for employment schemes of the government, a delay in implementation of the schemes led close to 100 of them becoming ineligible due to crossing age restrictions. The KPSS is demanding not only financial aid, but also swift implementation of government employment schemes. CJP has been supporting KPSS, which is it partner organisation, in their quest for Kashmiri Pandits in the Valley.

It is noteworthy that KPSS has sent over 110 memoranda since June, indicating the urgency of the situation, the last on August 12. Following this KPSS had a meeting with J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on August 27 who had then assured that action would be taken on the demands made by the group. But when the administration failed to walk the talk, KPSS members led by Tickoo went on an indefinite hunger strike on September 20, 2020.

At the time, the group had released a statement saying, “Disaster Management Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (DMRR&R) Department is punishing left out (Non-Migrant) Kashmiri Pandits – Kashmiri Hindus for staying back in Kashmir Valley. Since abrogation of Article 370 and 35 A we the Non-Migrant Kashmiri Pandits – Kashmiri Hindus living in Kashmir Valley are facing harassment and isolation at the hands of Relief Department. Despite multiple directions from Hon’ble High Court and recommendations from the Central Government through the Ministry of Home Affairs, Relief Department is playing with the life and security of the Non-Migrant Kashmiri Pandits – Kashmiri Hindus living in Kashmir Valley.”

Ten days later, Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary (IAS), the Deputy Commissioner of Srinagar met with Tickoo and other protesters at the protest site, and gave the group a written undertaking promising that all genuine demands will be followed up, and requesting them to call off the hunger strike. But once again, the administration failed to deliver on its promises.

The group will begin it second hunger strike from November 22, 2020. KPSS lists the following under its Charter of Demands:

1)       KPSS demand Vigilance inquiry against the officers/officials of the Relief Department for deliberately stalling and sabotaging Relief and Rehabilitation of Non-Migrant Kashmiri Pandits – Kashmiri Hindus living in Kashmir Valley and misusing their official positions to harm Kashmiri Pandits – Kashmiri Hindus living in Kashmir Valley.

2)            Implementation of Hon’ble High Court directions and recommendations of the Ministry of Home Affairs regarding Jobs to the unemployed educated Kashmiri Pandit/Kashmiri Hindu youths.

3)       DMRR&R deliberately delayed the process by more than four years as such give one-time age relaxation to all the over-age candidates’ w.e.f. 31.05.2016 (date of the judgment passed by Hon’ble High Court in OWP 1986/2013 titled Kashmiri Pandit Sangharsh Samiti and others Vs. Union of India and others)

4)            Easy and stress-free process of providing Bonafide Certificates to all the aspirants (Non-Migrant Kashmiri Pandits / Kashmiri Hindus) as per SRO 425 dated 10.10.2017.

5)            Monthly Financial Aid to 808 Non-Migrant Kashmiri Pandit – Kashmiri Hindu families living in Kashmir Valley

6)            Providing accommodation to all deserving Non-Migrant Kashmiri Pandit – Kashmiri Hindu families living in Kashmir Valley as per recommendations of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

7)            Extension of benefits of Migrant Welfare Fund to the Non-Migrant Kashmiri Pandits – Kashmiri Hindus living in Kashmir Valley.

Related:

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Victory! J&K administration relents, KPSS calls off hunger strike

The post Kashmiri Pandit group to go on hunger strike from Nov 22 appeared first on SabrangIndia.

All weekend human rights activist AS Vasantha Kumari has been worried if the Nagpur Central Jail authorities have finally given her husband Prof GN Saibaba the food, medicines, and reading material he requested. The Professor had made a brief call to his wife on November 6 to inform her that he had just ended his 10-day hunger strike, after the Jail authorities agreed to give in to some of  his demands for newspapers, books, and letters. “I didn’t even know he had gone on a hunger strike, that too for 10 days,” she said she was shocked at the call from her husband and that neither she, not Saibaba’s lawyers, had not got any information about the hunger strike. “He said they gave him some lemon water to end the hunger strike, but why did they even let it go on for 10 days. His health is not good even on normal days. I am so worried now,” said Vasantha.  

She had convinced him not to go on hunger strike last month as she feared for his life. “I had wanted to get an update about his health and did not get any information. Then he only makes a short call and tells me he was on hunger strike from October 28 till November 6,” she said adding, “The lawyer managed to drop off some of Saibaba’s essential medicine but is still not allowed to meet him because of the jail’s Covid-19 rules. I do not know for sure how he is feeling after such a long hunger strike.”

Vasantha  says her only source of information remains the media, and the rare phone call from Saibaba. “They do not allow us to talk comfortably in our mother tongue Telugu, only English. We are only allowed to write our letters in English. My English is not good at all, and I struggle to express what I want to say. I cannot ever share personal feelings in English. I only manage to ask about health and tell him news updates. I do not know why they create this language problem for Saibaba and me only. Other inmates are allowed to speak in Marathi if that is their mother tongue, but we cannot speak in Telugu? They record all conversations, and read all our letters. We are not hiding anything. Then why?” asked an emotional Vasantha, who refuses to budge from Delhi because she feels the case for parole for her husband may be decided in their favour soon.

The parole application has been rejected multiple times so far, but she remains hopeful, “We will go to hyderabad together one day”. Vasantha and Saibaba are yet to complete the traditional post death ceremonies for his mother who died waiting for his return. 

The 53-year-old professor who is serving a life sentence for alleged links with Maoists, taught English at Delhi University’s Ram Lal Anand College, until his arrest in 2014  under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Dr. GN Saibaba is wheelchair bound with 90% disability, and is suffering from multiple comorbidities that put him in the most vulnerable category of those susceptible to Covid-19 infection. He had threatened to go on a hunger strike from October 21 if he was not allowed to receive personal letters, books and medicines in Nagpur jail where he is lodged. 

Meanwhile, as soon as they learnt of the hunger strike, the Committee for the defense and release of  Dr. GN Saibaba issued the following statement:

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On Tuesday, as many as 76 inmates of a detention centre in New Delhi went on hunger strike protesting the substandard conditions in which they are forced to live. Muslim Mirror reported that these foreign nationals hail from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Myanmar, Spain and many different African nations.

The inmates complained about the poor sanitation, inedible food, and lack of proper drinking water that forced them to purchase water from outside. They also claimed that they were not provided basic items like toothbrushes, toothpaste, soaps etc. Some elderly inmates also complained about being denied hot water for bathing and blankets to fend against the winter.

A team from the People’s Union of Civil Liberties (PUCL) comprising N.D. Pancholi, Sheoraj Singh and Arun Maji, visited the facility located in Narela. Subsequently they shared their findings in a statement: “There is no provision for drinking water and inmates are forced to buy the same from outside. There is no cleanliness in spite of the much propagated ‘Swachhata Abhiyan’ (Cleanliness Drive) of the government. The lavatories and bath rooms continue to remain dirty and repulsive to use. Some inmates of old age require hot water for bathing and blankets but there is no arrangement for the same. There are some other complaints also. In spite of repeated representation there is no redressal.”

Detention centres are facilities where foreign nationals found to have illegally entered India or having committed crimes are lodged pending deportation. Pancholi, a Supreme Court advocate however told Muslim Mirror that many of the inmates who were serving sentences had completed their five or seven-year jail terms. He further said that a few inmates are his clients but they are yet to be released by the government so that they can fly back home. 

It is noteworthy that the conversation around the concept of detention centers picked up momentum in wake of the proposed National Register of Indian Citizens (NRIC) about which there is still a great deal of ambiguity despite the government’s attempts at allaying fears. New detention centres are coming up in different states including Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Goa, West Bengal and even Assam, where there are already six-makeshift detention camps that operate out of district jails. If the condition at the Delhi detention centre is anything to go by, one can assume that things wouldn’t be very different in any of the upcoming facilities.

What is widely ignored though is the entire question of citizenship and the need to flee hostile regimes that often leads people to sneak into other countries illegally. The other more diabolical aspect of the citizenship conundrum is the heightened pitch by the regime to link it to religion, thereby causing much anxiety among people who don’t belong to religions that are welcome. In India when it comes to the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) the exclusion of Muslims is glaring and undeniable. No amount of gaslighting or obfuscation of the truth will justify the communally divisive and exclusionary aspect of the Act.

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The fast-unto-death started by Kashmiri Pandit Sangharsh Samiti (KPSS) president Sanjay Tickoo on September 20, 2020, enters its tenth day on September 29. He was also joined by Sandeep Koul on September 24. The medical condition of both men is deteriorating.

According to a press release by KPSS on Monday, Tickoo is experiencing “acute physical weakness”, his blood pressure has dropped and his immune system has weakened. They released a picture where Tickoo can be seen lying down in protest with a saline drip. Koul is also showing similar symptoms though he remains stable.

The statement reflects the KPSS’s frustration with the inaction on part by government agencies, particularly the Relief Department that is tasked with providing the urgent reliefs sought by the group in multiple memoranda to various authorities. It says, “Completed 192 hours of Fast-Unto-Death at Shri Sidhi Vinayak Ganesh Mandir, Ganpatyaars, Habaa Kadal, Srinagar Kashmir but the administration is still silent on the issue and are playing with the life and sentiments of the left out Kashmiri Pandit / Kashmiri Hindus living in Kashmir Valley. Rather, stooges of the local administration are busy in sharing rumors trying to discredit every attempt which KPSS do for the rehabilitation of 808 Non-Migrant Kashmiri Pandit / Kashmiri Hindu families living in Kashmir Valley.”

It adds, “Kashmiri Pandits / Kashmiri Hindus faced isolation since 2014 and since August 2019 we became invisible for the administration. Officers and officials of DMRR&R have hijacked the entire relief and rehabilitation of Non-Migrant Kashmiri Pandits / Kashmiri Hindus under some vicious and sadistic agenda and are misleading their superiors and media.”

The KPSS has, since June 2020, sent 110 memoranda demanding urgent relief for the community that has been struggling with poverty, deprivation, alienation and unemployment ever since the Kashmiri Pandit exodus in the late 80s and early 90s. While migrant KP families still have access to certain benefits and provisions, non-migrant families have been forced to fend for themselves. The Relief Department has failed to act despite orders of the J&K High Court and also the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

The KPSS have reiterated their demands via a charter:

1)       KPSS demand Vigilance inquiry against the officers/officials of the Relief Department for deliberately stalling and sabotaging Relief and Rehabilitation of Non-Migrant Kashmiri Pandits – Kashmiri Hindus living in Kashmir Valley and misusing their official positions to harm Kashmiri Pandits – Kashmiri Hindus living in Kashmir Valley.

2) Implementation of Hon’ble High Court directions and recommendations of the Ministry of Home Affairs regarding Jobs to the unemployed educated Kashmiri Pandit/Kashmiri Hindu youths.

3)       DMRR&R deliberately delayed the process by more than four years as such give one-time age relaxation to all the over-age candidates’ w.e.f. 31.05.2016 (date of the judgment passed by Hon’ble High Court in OWP 1986/2013 titled Kashmiri Pandit Sangarash Samiti and others Vs. Union of India and others)

4) Easy and stress-free process of providing Bonafide Certificates to all the aspirants (Non-Migrant Kashmiri Pandits / Kashmiri Hindus) as per SRO 425 dated 10.10.2017.

5) Monthly Financial Aid to 808 Non-Migrant Kashmiri Pandit – Kashmiri Hindu families living in Kashmir Valley.

6) Providing accommodation to all deserving Non-Migrant Kashmiri Pandit – Kashmiri Hindu families living in Kashmir Valley as per recommendations of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

7) Extension of benefits of Migrant Welfare Fund to the Non-Migrant Kashmiri Pandits – Kashmiri Hindus living in Kashmir Valley.

The entire press release may be read here:

Related:

KPSS’s fast-unto-death begins in Srinagar
Pleas of non-migrant Kashmiri Pandits have fallen on deaf ears: Sanjay Tickoo
KPSS chief fires salvo against Relief Department on Day 4 of Fast-unto-Death
KPSS fast-unto-death completes one week!

The post KPSS hunger strike enters day 10 appeared first on SabrangIndia.

In a bid to convince the Central government to postpone NEET, JEE, CLAT and UGC-NET and the CBSE compartment exams, more than 4,000 observed a hunger strike for an entire day on Sunday, reported LiveLaw.

In light of the on-going pandemic, students appearing for country-wide exams have appealed to the government to postpone the exams until the coronavirus pandemic is properly dealt with. University representative from Aligarh Muslim University and Jawaharlal Nehru University have also joined the student movement to address this issue. Aligarh University has also cancelled all its entrance exams in light of COVID-19.

On the day of the hunger strike, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi tweeted in support of the students asking the Centre to listen to the demands of the students.

आज हमारे लाखों छात्र सरकार से कुछ कह रहे हैं। NEET, JEE परीक्षा के बारे में उनकी बात सुनी जानी चाहिए और सरकार को एक सार्थक हल निकालना चाहिए।

GOI must listen to the #StudentsKeMannKiBaat about NEET, JEE exams and arrive at an acceptable solution.

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) August 23, 2020

Many even submitted a petition for the postponement of exams to the Supreme Court. However, the apex court in a three-Judge Bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra rejected the plea stating that “life cannot be stopped” because of COVID-19 and that exams should continue just as Courts have remained open.

As per the circulars published by the concerned authorities, the JEE (Main) shall be held from September 1 to September 6. Similarly, the NEET will be conducted on September 13, CLAT on September 7 and the UGC-NET will be held from September 16 to September 25.

Desperate to have the exams cancelled, students have taken to social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter.

Some students have tweeted about the issues faced during State-level exams such as GUJCET.

These visuals of Gujarat Gujcet exams Are Really Terrible Imagine the situation when it comes to national level exams Govt Can’t Risk Life Of more then 2.5 Million Students On stake Safety Of Students Should Not Be Compromised#SWAMYJI_HELPJEENEET#SATYAGRAHAgainstExamInCovid pic.twitter.com/v7YGXKZH2L

— Manoj Singh Banjara / मनोज सिंह बंजारा (@ManojbanjaraIYC) August 24, 2020

Others still voiced their dissent on social media using trending hashtags such as #SATYAGRAHagainstexamsinCovid.

Aao mil kar diye jalayeein
.
.@sakshijoshii@Swamy39#StudentLivesMatter#मोदीजी_जॉब_दो#PostponeJEE_NEETinCovid#SATYAGRAH_AgainstExamsInCovid pic.twitter.com/A00uqfRaaq

— Sandeep Ahirwar (@Sandeep82696861) August 23, 2020

Even Union Cabinet Minister Subramanian Swamy showed solidarity with the students for the postponement of exams and created his own hashtag of #swamyji_helpjeeneet.

Few days ago NTA even after Admit Cards were released for AIAPGET-2020( Ayush) & other Test Courses,postponed the examinations about one week before the schedule dates ! If these can be postponed why not NEET/ JEE, etc ? pic.twitter.com/Y2ghVsy8IZ

— Subramanian Swamy (@Swamy39) August 23, 2020

On Monday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also sided with the students urging the government to consider the risk and postpone the exams for student safety.

Now with the directive of @EduMinOfIndia to conduct NEET, JEE 2020 in Sep, I would again appeal to the Centre to assess the risk and postpone these examinations until the situation is conducive again. It is our duty to ensure a safe environment for all our students. (2/2)

— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) August 24, 2020

Meanwhile, other people supporting the students have also posted on social media some even creating song parodies encouraging the postponement of exams.

 

 

 

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Postpone JEE and NEET exams? please #postponeneetandjee#NEET#JEE#neet #parody #postponeexams#examsincovidasuicide #JEE #video#tubeindian @rvcjinsta @indian.tweets @twittasm @allindiabakchod @thehasleyindia @bcbilliofficial @bcbaba @idiotic_.sperm._ @just._lol_.things @berozgaar.af @just.indian.things @_adultgram_ @ghantaa @the.dope.memes @terrifyingdanktale @nagarpalika_memes_ @fakinghumour @sarcasm.villa @sarcaster.memes @filtercopy @trending_starss @weareyuvaa @update_bus_bhopal @tvfqtiyapa @neet_mantra @jeeneet.memes

A post shared by Pragati Pandey (@_heartbeat_poetry_) on Aug 22, 2020 at 4:03am PDT

As per the Worldometer, India currently records over 31 lakhs coronavirus cases. With no viable vaccine in sight, students grow concerned for their and their families’ health and thus demand that the government reconsider its decision not to postpone national exams.

The post Students observe hunger strike, demand national-level exams be postponed appeared first on SabrangIndia.

Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS) leader Akhil Gogoi, who has been hounded by a right-wing proto-fascist regime and held behind bars after being implicated in a series of cases based on trumped-up charges, has reportedly gone on an indefinite hunger strike.

According to literary critic and social scientist Dr. Hiren Gohain, who is also the President of Coordination Committee of the anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) organizations, “Peasant leader Akhil Gogoi and three of his associates have gone on indefinite fast at Central Jail, Guwahati, in protest against primitive living conditions in jail and inhuman treatment of inmates. Poor inedible food, unhygienic housing and bedding, awful toilets, terrible congestion that turns social distancing into a farce, scornful neglect of illnesses suffered by inmates turn prison into hell. This is in complete defiance not only of modern ideas of prison management but also rules of old jail manuals.”

Gogoi and his fellow activists Dhaijya Konwar and Bittu Sonowal have been incarcerated under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) since December 2019. Earlier this month, KMSS leaders had condemned the National Investigation Agency’s (NIA) effort to establish that they were guided by a Maoist ideology. They said that the chargesheet made against the KMSS leaders had no basis and only attributed charges based on books read and words like ‘Laal Salaam’ and ‘Comrade’ being used by them.

Dr. Gohain also told SabrangIndia, “Akhil has been behind bars for seven months as he is detained under one charge after another in spite of being granted bail in every case. The moment bail is granted in one case the police arrest him on yet another vacuous and trumped-up case. It is an open secret that he was among those whose role turned the anti-CAA movement into a vast surging tide of popular protest and resistance that rocked the BJP government in the state. One prominent demand of the opposition today, made through statements, protest-meetings and rallies, is to release Akhil and other political prisoners.”

Related:

No Maoist links, NIA trying to smear anti-CAA agitation: KMSS
Gogoi, other KMSS leaders taken for voice sample test
Gauhati HC denies default bail to Akhil Gogoi in UAPA case, as NIA investigation pending

The post Akhil Gogoi goes on indefinite hunger strike in Assam appeared first on SabrangIndia.