Grave Concerns Expressed by Academics over Threats to Democracy in India
Sixteen academics, including author Amitav Ghosh, have released a statement expressing grave concern about recent developments in India that threaten its democratic principles.
Academics Express Concern Over Threats to Democracy in India
Recently, a group of sixteen academics, including renowned author Amitav Ghosh, have come forward to voice their grave concerns over the alarming threats to democracy in India. The statement highlights the prolonged detention of writers, journalists, and activists critical of the government without trial, raising serious questions about the erosion of democratic principles in the country. The signatories express their deep dismay at the blatant disregard for fundamental rights and the unjust treatment of individuals who have dared to criticize the current administration in India.
The case of Prabir Purkayastha, a 75-year-old senior journalist and author, stands out as a glaring example of the oppressive actions being taken against dissenting voices. Despite being imprisoned for nearly six months, Purkayastha has not been served a charge-sheet, further underscoring the arbitrary nature of his detention. The academics point out the detrimental impact of such actions on media independence, calling for urgent attention to safeguard the democratic values that India has long been admired for.
- Some of these incarcerated individuals have been languishing in prison for over five years without trial, as seen in the Bheema-Koregaon case.
- Many accused in the Delhi riots case have also been detained for over three years without any trial in sight.
International Attention Urged to Address Alarming Developments
The statement issued by the academics serves as a wake-up call to the international community, urging Indian authorities, particularly the judiciary, to take immediate steps to uphold democracy and protect the rights of citizens. The signatories emphasize the need for swift action to reverse the unjust abridgements of freedom that are currently taking place in India.
Notable figures such as Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen have thrown their support behind this statement, highlighting the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for intervention. The academics stress the importance of preserving India's democratic legacy and ensuring that no encroachment occurs on the fundamental rights of its people.
A Call to Action for Upholding Democratic Values
The signatories of the statement, including prominent scholars and thinkers from various esteemed institutions, have united to condemn the erosion of elementary freedoms in India. Their collective voice resonates with a sense of urgency and moral obligation to speak out against injustice and oppression.
As the world looks towards India, once hailed as a beacon of democracy, the signatories call upon those in positions of power and influence to stand up for the principles that underpin a free and fair society. The statement is a poignant reminder that the true test of a democracy lies in its ability to protect the rights and liberties of all its citizens, regardless of their beliefs or affiliations.
The international community must heed this call to action and support efforts to restore democracy and uphold the rule of law in India.
Signed by:
- Amitav Ghosh, Novelist and Author, New York
- Wendy Brown, UPS Foundation Professor, Institute for Advanced Studies, Princeton
- Judith Butler, Maxine Elliot Professor, University of California, Berkeley
- Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak, University Professor, Columbia University, New York
Amartya Sen's Statement on the Undermining of Elementary Freedoms in India
In a powerful statement, Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen has expressed his solidarity with the academics raising concerns about the violation of elementary freedoms in India. Sen recounts his own experiences of fighting for India's independence and the hope for a just and fair society that inspired his efforts.
Sen's words resonate with a deep sense of disappointment at the continuation of unjust practices, such as prolonged detention without trial, in present-day India. He calls upon the judicial system to uphold the principles of democracy and eliminate such barbaric actions that undermine the very essence of a free and democratic society.
As a respected voice in academia and a champion of human rights, Sen's statement adds weight to the collective plea for justice and fairness in India. His call to action echoes the sentiments of those who refuse to stay silent in the face of oppression and tyranny.
Hey, I'm Fateh Muhammad, a Lahore local with a passion for arts and politics. My journey led me through the halls of the National College of Arts, where I delved into the intricacies of both disciplines. Now calling Lahore home, I'm here to share my insights and perspectives on the dynamic intersection of art and politics. Let's embark on this enlightening journey together! Connect With Me .