By TCN News
Boston: The Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC), an advocacy group has condemned attempts by the Gujarat government to use the state security apparatus to harass and intimidate noted human rights activist Teesta Setalvad, and the organization she represents, Citizens for Justice and Peace.
Teesta Setalvad has been at the forefront in the struggle to secure justice for the victims of the 2002 Gujarat pogrom. “The Gujarat police’s trumped-up charges of fraud against her, are indicative of the aggravation and fear among powerful elements within the Gujarat administration that stand to lose much if the truth about the Gujarat pogrom is established in a court of law,” said IAMC in a statement. “Clearly, the public officials and institutions that were complicit in the genocide, are lending themselves to the silencing of the voices of justice.”
Teesta Setalvad (TCN file photo)
IAMC said that Narendra Modi has a track record of intimidating human rights activists and whistleblowers such as IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt, ex-DGP officer RB Sreekumar, activist Fr. Cedric Prakash have all experienced harassment and intimidation at the hands of the Gujarat government under Mr. Modi.
“This should give every Indian pause to reflect on the implications of such an individual potentially occupying the highest executive office in the land.”
“The cases against Ms. Setalvad are clear vendetta against her for her activism and struggle in the cause of justice,” said Mr. Ahsan Khan, President of IAMC. “This sets the stage for other public officials in positions of power to behave like tin pot dictators, exacting revenge from anyone who dares to hold them accountable,” added Mr. Khan.
IAMC has called on civil society institutions and people of conscience, to stand by the victims of the Gujarat pogrom of 2002, and those who are fighting to secure justice for them.
Link:
http://www.iamc.com