AHMEDABAD: Extending support to arrested IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt, activists and civil society groups on Wednesday announced a state-wide agitation against the move. Condemning the arrest, the activists have decided to observe October 8 as 'Black Saturday'. The day marks the completion of 10-years of Narendra Modi's government in Gujarat.
More than 30 activists who had gathered at a city-based NGO to chart out a plan for carrying out protest included veteran Gandhian Chunni Vaidya, Teesta Setalvad, Fr Cedric Prakash SJ and Dwarikanath Rath.
"Many across the state will tie a black band protesting Bhatt's arrest and demanding removal of the Modi-led government. The arrest happened as the Modi government was afraid of the truth coming out, and therefore was trying to intimidate witnesses such as Bhatt, and sending out a message that those who cross government's path would face dire consequences," said Rath.
The activists said they will also distribute pamphlets in Ahmedabad with details about Bhatt and the government's arm twisting to make citizens aware about the issue. Vaidya termed the situation in state as 'an undeclared emergency where government can pick up any one desired'.
"Bhatt's arrest has reminded me of emergency days when anyone who stood against government was arrested. I think it's high time for people to come out on the streets and tell Modi that his undemocratic and dictatorial style would not work any longer. If we don't raise our voice now, then it will be too late," said 95-year-old Vaidya. The activist accused the government of using police for its vendetta politics.
Source
No comments:
Post a Comment