Subject: CONDEMNATION OF ARREST of NON-VIOLENT HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVIST Dr. Binayak Sen in CHATTISGARHFor more information Prof. Noam Chomsky, Prof. Romila Thapar, Arundhati Roy and other intellectuals demand release of Dr. Sen Read Medha Patkar and People's Movements' letter The Paul Harrison Award in 2004 by the Christian Medical College in Vellore Hear the voice of Binayak Sen recorded by his brother before the arrest. Situation serious in Chhatisgarh: National Media Coverage || International Media Coverage Click here for news about illegal arrest of Dr. Binayak Sen 15th May, 2007 To, Dr. Raman Singh, The Hon'ble Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh Fax No: 0771-2221000/2221001 Copy sent to: 1) Dr. Manmohan Singh, Hon'ble Prime Minister of India (Fax: 011-23016857) 2) Mr. Shivraj Patil, Union Home Minister, GoI (Fax: 011-23094221/23794833) 3) Shri E.S.L. Narasimhan, Governor, Chhattisgarh (Fax: 0771-2331104) Dear Dr. Singh: We are shocked to learn that the government of Chhattisgarh has arrested Dr. Binayak Sen, an esteemed member of India's medical community. Dr. Sen is a noted human rights activist and General Secretary of the People's Union of Civil Liberties in Chhattisgarh. He has worked tirelessly striving for the betterment of Indian society, bringing medical help to those who otherwise would suffer, particularly the poor. He helped establish the well-known Shaheed hospital for mineworkers and was state coordinator of the people's health campaign Jan Swasthya Abhiyan on behalf of National Alliance of People's Movements (NAPM). We have reason to believe that the arrest has been made on false charges, and we fear for the life and liberty of Dr.Sen. We urge you to act immediately to safeguard his freedom and human rights. Dr.Sen and PUCL have consistently and courageously highlighted gross human rights violations and injustices being committed in Chattisgarh. We are following with deep concern media reports of continuing civil-war like situation in Chhattisgarh, which is causing great deal of concern at national and international level. It is notable that even police officer K.P.S. Gill, who was an adviser to Chhattisgarh government for tackling Naxalism, has stated in a recent interview with Tehelka that in order to win the confidence of tribals, the government must "Improve their villages. Give them land rights. The problem in Chhattisgarh is not Naxalism. It is the administration." It is deplorable that the government is harassing sincere social workers instead of addressing the issues they raise. We attach to this letter an excerpt from the newsletter of India's famous Christian Medical College, Vellore, which presented the Paul Harrison Award recognizing the services of Dr.Sen. We demand immediate release of Dr. Sen and withdrawal of false cases against him. We trust you will leave no stone unturned to ensure the safety of Dr. Sen and his family. With deep concern, In Solidarity, Privacy PolicyEmail addresses are required to verify the authenticity of the petition. They are kept strictly confidential and will not be disclosed to anybody. List of SupportersClick here to view the supporters who have signed up. |