All India Democratic Women’s Association denounces in no uncertain terms the action of Chhatisgarh Police in charging Prof Archana Prasad, Prof Nandini Sundar and office bearers of recognized political parties with murder,criminal conspiracy and inciting riots in Bastar. The govt of Chhatisgarh along with the Central govt are bent on curbing lawful democratic activities by civil society groups and concerned citizens who wish to highlight the establishment’s undemocratic and heinous activities.
Prof Archana Prasad has been working with the tribals of Bastar for a long time. She has authored many books on the subject which have been considered outstanding resource material by public libraries and universities. It is in this connection that she had visited Bastar but was asked to leave the place. And now after many months, the state police has pressurised an adivasi woman to implicate Archana in her husband’s murder.
AIDWA demands that the fabricated cases against these academics and activists be withdrawn forthwith.
The Police chief of Chhatisgarh, Kalluri, is an RSS activist and he has been inspired by the training he has received in RSS to crush all democratic movement. AIDWA also demands his immediate removal in order to restore and protect the democratic rights of the people of Chhatisgarh.
AIDWA calls upon all those who strive for a democratic polity in this country to unite and fight the authoritarianism of the BJP-RSS governments at the Centre and in the States.
