He was murdered by the state: Activists remember Father Stan Swamy on fourth death anniversary
New Delhi: On the fourth death anniversary of Father Stan Swamy, members of the Jesuit community, human rights defenders, and civil society groups came together in Delhi to commemorate the legacy of the late tribal rights activist and Jesuit priest, who died in judicial custody on July 5, 2021.
The memorial event was organised jointly by the Jesuits and the Catholic Associations of the Archdiocese of Delhi (CAAD). Speakers condemned the injustice surrounding Father Stan’s arrest and death, highlighting his lifelong commitment to Adivasi rights and the increasing criminalisation of dissent in India.
Senior Advocate Colin Gonsalves, founder of the Human Rights Law Network, criticised the use of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) against peaceful activists. “It is irrational that judges who deny bail to ailing individuals like Father Stan, leading to their death, face no accountability,” he said. “Stan Swamy was the most soft-spoken and gentle ‘terrorist’ India has ever produced.”
Prominent sociologist Prof. Nandini Sundar reiterated the dangers faced by those who question state power. She recalled Father Stan’s advocacy for Gram Sabha rights and his 2017 PIL in the Jharkhand High Court against mass incarceration of Adivasis and Dalits under false Maoist allegations. “Stan was targeted because he stood with the oppressed,” she said.
Father Cyril Anthony Samy SJ described Father Stan as “a living saint,” and accused the Indian state of causing his death. “He proclaimed the truth boldly and paid the price for standing with Adivasis and demanding justice. His death is a murder by the state,” he said.
Father Stan was arrested on October 8, 2020, by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) under UAPA in the Bhima Koregaon case. Despite suffering from Parkinson’s disease and other serious illnesses, he was denied bail multiple times. His request for basic medical necessities, like a straw and sipper, was also initially denied, sparking national outrage. He died of cardiac arrest after contracting COVID-19 in custody, while his bail plea was still pending.
The United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention later declared his arrest “arbitrary” and his death “utterly preventable,” holding the Indian state responsible.
To mark his martyrdom, members of the Bhima Koregaon-16 group (BK-16), including Anand Teltumbde, Hany Babu, Gautam Navlakha, and Sudha Bharadwaj, observed a hunger strike both inside and outside jail on July 5. A statement issued by the group was read aloud at the event, denouncing the state's repression of dissenting voices.
“The powers that be feared Stan, because he was fearless,” the statement read. “He united people’s movements against the destruction of jal, jungle, zameen in Adivasi areas. In return, the state used surveillance, fabricated charges, and incarceration to silence him.”
The statement also condemned the broader trend of targeting activists from the anti-CAA-NRC movement, members of the Moolnivasi Bachao Andolan, and Muslim individuals and organisations under the guise of national security.
Prof. Sundar also drew parallels between India's domestic repression and its international alliances, particularly with Israel. She highlighted the use of Israeli weapons, originally tested on Palestinians, against India’s own minorities, and criticised the export of arms linked to Adani to Israel, contributing to the ongoing war in Gaza.
Speakers concluded that remembering Father Stan is not only an act of mourning, but a renewed commitment to resistance. “His life was a beacon of hope for democratic values. His death is a reminder of the cost of speaking truth to power,” they said.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Karnataka govt directs municipal corps to regulate, prohibit pigeon feeding
Bengaluru (PTI): The Karnataka government has issued directions to municipal corporations across the state to regulate and prohibit feeding pigeons in public places, citing serious public health concerns.
Deputy Secretary to Government V Lakshmikanth has written to the Urban Development Department requesting it to issue directions to the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) and all municipal corporations to take immediate steps to implement the measures.
In an official note dated December 16 issued by the Health and Family Welfare Department and released to the media on Wednesday, the department said uncontrolled feeding of pigeons in public places has resulted in large congregations of birds, excessive droppings and serious health concerns, particularly respiratory illnesses linked to prolonged exposure to pigeon droppings and feathers such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis and other lung diseases.
ALSO READ: Chinese GPS tracker found on seagull near Karwar Coast
"The commissioner, the Greater Bengaluru Authority and the Commissioners and chief officers of other municipal corporations shall take necessary action to mitigate the causes of dangerous disease spread by pigeon and enforce specified guidelines in their respective jurisdiction," the note said.
According to the department, these include a prohibition on feeding pigeons or causing pigeons to be fed in areas where it may cause nuisance or pose a health hazard to the public. Pigeon feeding shall be permitted only in designated areas in a controlled manner, subject to certain conditions.
"The designated areas may be selected in consultation with stakeholders. The responsibility for upkeep of the designated areas and compliance to the directions shall be taken up by some charitable organisation or an NGO. The feeding in designated areas shall be permitted only for some limited hours in the day," it said.
The note further stated that authorised officers of local authorities shall issue on-the-spot warnings and may impose fines for violation of the order, or lodge complaints to prosecute offenders under Sections 271 (Negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) and 272 (Malignant act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
It also directed local authorities to conduct public awareness campaigns, including the display of signboards, banners and digital messages, explaining the health hazards associated with pigeon droppings and feathers, the content of the regulatory directions and penalties for violations, and alternative humane methods of bird conservation that do not endanger public health.
