DR BINAYAK SEN, General Secretary, Chhattisgarh PUCL and National Vice President of PUCL was arrested by the Chhattisgarh police on 14 May 2007 under sections of the Chhattisgarh Special Public Security Act, 2005 and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 for alleged links with banned Maoist groups.

Binayak Sen’s arrest under sections of the Chhattisgarh Special Public Security Act, 2005 and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 for alleged links with the banned Maoist groups raises disturbing questions about the intolerance of the Chhattisgarh state with respect to civil rights and democratic dissent. In the past, Chhattisgarh PUCL has raised uncomfortable questions about the Chhattisgarh government’s intentions in fostering Salwa Judum – a state-sponsored anti-Maoist campaign in Dantewada district, which has displaced a large number of adivasis. The Chhattisgarh PUCL has also been instrumental in investigating human rights violations and atrocities committed by the security forces.

(Hindi Version of the Parcha distributed during the demonstration on 17th May 2007 in Delhi).