Human rights activists term ‘draconian’ UAPA

Hyderabad: The draconian laws of extra-judicial imprisonment like The Roulat Act of 1919, the Defense of India Act of 1915, AFSPA and several others, which were introduced by the British colonial rulers against freedom fighters, have now taken the form of Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), according to human rights activists. They felt that repressive laws which were used by the colonial power to suppress nationalist movements are still being used.

On the occasion of International Human Rights Day on Tuesday, Civil Liberties Committee (CLC) held a meeting at Basheerbagh Press Club on Tuesday to discuss the further prospects of human rights in view of Telangana formation.

“What is the world celebrating today for? American military has been striking several nations across the world, violating the sovereignty of nations. Even in India, the right to live and livelihood would soon be a thing of the past once FDI comes into full implementation,” said Narayana Rao, CLC State Co-Convener. Managing director of Siasat Daily, Zaheeruddin Ali Khan, observed that the failure leadership of Telangana, which has been making money out of the cause, would get into power and that nothing would change for the common man even if Telangana becomes a reality.

Wondering how rights would be incorporated in the new Telangana State, V Raghunath, Additional general Secretary, CLC, alleged that the enactment of laws like UAPA was a conspiracy of the ruling class to bring about an undeclared emergency.