Our Bureau
New York
The Indian Overseas Congress (IOC, USA) has expressed shock on the way Father Stan Swamy was treated inhumanly without basic facilities in spite of his fragile health in police custody resulting in his death. The President of Indian National Overseas Congress Mohinder Gilzian expressed outrage at the death of Father Stan Swamy under custody, and said that the Indian Government should punish the people responsible for foisting false cases on the activist, his continued detention and inhuman treatment. He urged the intervention of President of India to hold accountable those responsible for the detention, inhuman treatment and death of Father Stan Swamy. He said that the UAPA/Sedition act is being misused and used against people for political reasons.
Vice Chairman George Abraham said that It is a dark day for democracy in India, and the national leadership and members of the judiciary should hang their heads in shame. He said that Father Swamy’s detention and treatment in prison that led to his death is a blot on the consciousness of the nation and a travesty of justice. He said that he will be organizing a meeting to pay homage to Father Stan Swamy and celebrate his life which was spent in service of the poor and helpless people.
Secretary General Harbachan Singh said that he was saddened by the death of Father Stan Swamy, a Jesuit priest & tribal rights activist, who died in Indian custody under charges of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act. He said that the Indian Government should respect the vital role of human rights activists in healthy democracy.
The National General Secretary Rajendar Dichpally has said that the NDA Government should be held accountable for the death of a man who has spent his lifetime in service of the poor and tribal people. He said that the Modi Government has been twisting the judiciary as one can see how bail was given to Pragya Thakur (BJP MP) and Arnab Goswami (Founder of Republic TV) and the same denied to Father Stan Swamy. He said that this is a black mark in Indian Democracy. He expressed his deep condolences to the family of Father Stan Swamy.
Washington DC IOC, USA Chapter President Johnson Myalil said Father Stan Swamy’s custodial death is the result of high-handedness of NSA, indifference of the judiciary, and the failure of political leadership. Government of India should allow the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to conduct a comprehensive and thorough investigation into the circumstances of the incarceration and death of Father Stan Swamy.
Meanwhile, Indian Overseas Congress, USA, gave an enthusiastic reception to Praveen Chakravarthy, the Chairman of the Data Analytics Department of the Indian national congress on Thursday, July 1, 2021, at the Jassis restaurant in Queen, New York. It was the first physical gathering by the organization in 18 months as the country is slowly coming out of the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
“India is facing enormous problems from pandemic to farmer’s protests and alarming inequality, failing healthcare, and border tensions and the Modi government’s response to these challenges have been very disappointing,” said Chakravarthy.
The meeting was opened by Dr. Sam Pitroda, who lauded the contributions of Mr. Chakravarthy to the Indian National Congress party. He urged all those enthusiastic supporters of the Congress party who have gathered at the meeting to work hard to convey the party’s vision to the Diaspora that includes Democracy, freedom, inclusiveness, and bottom-up development. These ideals are the hallmarks of the Congress party and are sorely needed in these politically and economically challenging times more than ever, Mr. Pitroda added.
Mr. Chakravarthy also inaugurated the new membership portal of the Indian Overseas Congress, USA (www.iocusa.org) that would make it easier for Congress loyalists across the country to become members and active participants promoting the organization. Mr. Mohinder Singh Gilzian expressed hope that members of the Diaspora concerned about India’s current situation will get involved and be a part of this great endeavor.
