‘Editors and publishers’ arrest is a misuse of an important legislation’

Press Release  

 26, September, 2012

This statement is concerning the recent arrest of the publishers and editors of Sangam, Samana and Tarak Bharti Prakashan– Arun Garg, Sukhwinder Singh Swatantar, Amit Mittar and Jagjeet Singh Sahoke under the Prevention of Atrocities against SC/ST Act for reproducing the poetry of Punjabi poet Babu Rajab Ali on 15^th September 2012. This arrest is a grievous misdemeanor on the part of Punjab Police which has misused this important legislation as an instrument of public coercion.

We condemn this arrest, which we understand to be an indulgence of the state to suppress any act that can remotely be in a position to challenge its hegemonic place in power. Instead of constructing historical texts such as this poetry or other works of literary figures such as Waris Shah or Bhai Gurdas, as name-calling, rather these academic and cultural memories need to be understood in a historical context – of society and times in which they were written. Further, upon evaluation of whether these texts offend the sentiments of a particular group, should there be any initiation of police action. Mere reference to traditional caste names from historical writings cannot in itself become a case of atrocity against a particular group. We herby decry the decision of the state to arrest these publishers on flimsy ground, which seems to be a direct attack on the Freedom of Speech and Expression guaranteed by the constitution of India.

We also urge academics, artists, intellectuals and members of the society to engage with many of these texts including Manusmriti and Bhagvad Gita – have open discussions about how to engage with contemporary pedagogy. The idea of our efforts has to move beyond the politics of identity towards a realization of social justice. 

Issued by                                          

             

Rajeev Godara, President

Sampooran Kranti Munch , Haryana,

Junaid Ahmad, Lallan Singh Baghel

Critique: A Discussion Forum

IFDR (Initiatives for Democratic Rights) 

Panjab University, Chandigarh     

_____________________________________________________________________

(For details contact: Rajeev 9417150798, rajeevgodara@gmail.com  ,Lallan 9815338223, lallanbaghel@gmail.com )