Massive protests by Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) activists against Amnesty International India on Monday, spread from Bengaluru to other cities in Karnataka on Tuesday. The ABVP is demanding arrest of Amnesty representatives for organising an event to seek “justice for victims of human rights violations” in Jammu & Kashmir where anti-India slogans were allegedly raised. “We have intensified our protests in Bengaluru, Tumakuru, Hubballi and Belagavi. Rallies will be taken out in more cities till the culprits are arrested,” ABVP city convener Prem said.
ABVP activists have also submitted a CD containing video recording of the event after filing a complaint with police. As ABVP activists held a protest in front of Raj Bhavan, police had to resort to lathicharge to control the students
Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara said, “An FIR against Amnesty International India has been filed. Police are examining the video and CCTV clippings to identify the pro-freedom Kashmiris who had raised independence slogans at the event.” Amnesty International India said the charges were “without substance” and the only discussion at the event was about allegations of human rights violations and denial of justice in J&K.
“No Amnesty International India employee shouted any slogans at any point,” it said, replying to the charge that "slogans were raised that Indian Kashmir should be part of Pakistan."
"Towards the end of the event, some of those who attended the event raised slogans; some of the slogans referred to calls for 'Azaadi' (freedom)," it said. Amnesty International India as a matter of policy does not take any position in favour of or against demands for self-determination.
"However, Amnesty International India considers that right to freedom of expression includes right to peacefully advocate political solutions. Amnesty International India had invited the Bengaluru Police to be present at the event in the interest of security," the statement said.
Police have slapped IPC Sections 142, 143,147 (rioting), 124A (sedition), 153A against Amnesty.
Taking note that an FIR had already been registered on sedition charges, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said an enquiry was underway and police would take action accordingly.
Senior BJP leader and former Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa said the BJP would fight to ensure that the culprits were brought to book and added that he had written to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh in this regard.