In the most appalling display of hooliganism in the name of nationalism, the members of Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) took to violence in the premises of Delhi University over the last two days. The complete impunity that they enjoyed was evident in the fact that despite heavy police presence in campus on both days, the goons were allowed to go on a rampage physically assaulting teachers, students and media reporters, and till now no FIR has been registered against them.

People’s Union for Democratic Rights expresses its sincere condolences at the death of Shri. Bojja Tarakam, a tall figure fighting the cause of the Dalits, Minorities and a strong defender of civil liberties movements in the country for the last 50 years.  He was a prolific writer, public intellectual, poet, activist and a lawyer who used his profession to help the most marginalised people in their legal struggles. A popular book written by him “What is to be done when Police arrests you?” has become a Handbook for all the activists in AP and Telangana and elsewhere.

Peoples Union for Democratic Rights (PUDR) notes with concern provisions of the Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection and Rehabilitation) Bill, 2016. The Bill seeks to prevent trafficking of persons and to provide protection and rehabilitation to the victims of trafficking. However, the bill is regressive in its understanding, and draconian in its application of laws, so much so that it shifts the burden of proof from the prosecution to the accused.

“I started travelling to the Red Corridor in order to collect evidence that this is not a war against terrorism, the so-called Naxalite insurgency by the CPI-Maoists but a war against the Adivasis. The hidden goal is to snatch their resources i.e. their lands, their forests, their water and hills. I believe that my mission to Saranda Forest proves this to be the case.

पीयूडीआर छत्तीसगढ़ राज्य के बस्तर ज़िले में पत्रकारों के खिलाफ चलाए जा रहे सरकार के सुनियोजित अभियान की कड़ी निंदा करता है | इस संदर्भ में पीयूडीआर छत्तीसगढ़ के पत्रकारों की तरफ से बनाई गई पत्रकार सुरक्षा क़ानून संयुक्त संघर्ष समिति व पत्रकारिता की सुरक्षा और स्वतंत्रता की उनकी मांग का पूरी तरह से  समर्थन करता हैं |