SKM Denounces UAPA Prosecution of Arundhati Roy, Showkat Hussain

New Delhi, July 20 - The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), a coalition of farmer unions, has voiced strong opposition against the decision by Delhi's Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena to sanction the prosecution of author Arundhati Roy and former Central University of Kashmir professor Sheikh Showkat Hussain. The charges against both individuals are based on the stringent Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), a move that the SKM has criticized and called for the abolition of what they describe as a draconian law.

The approval for prosecution relates to allegations of making provocative speeches at an event in 2010. The SKM has expressed its dismay over the actions of the BJP-led NDA government, accusing it of initiating illegal prosecutions against dissenting voices in India. This criticism comes in light of the recent sanction given by the Delhi LG, which targets Roy and Hussain under the UAPA for their alleged speeches.

According to the SKM, there is no evidence of violence linked to the speeches made 14 years ago. They argue that Roy's speech was an appeal for democracy and justice across various regions in India, including Kashmir, Northeast, and Central India. The organization contends that the government's use of UAPA against Roy and Hussain is an attempt to suppress dissent and label it as anti-national.

The statement from SKM also highlights other instances where activists and intellectuals have been jailed under false charges, citing the Bhima-Koregaon case and mentioning individuals such as Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, NewsClick Founder-Editor Prabir Purakayastha, and Professor G N Saibaba. Furthermore, the SKM referenced a statement from Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat, emphasizing that opposition should not be seen as an adversary, yet noting the irony in RSS's silence over the arrests of Roy and Hussain.

The SKM's demand for the repeal of UAPA is grounded in their belief that it is unconstitutional and undermines Indian democracy. They call for the immediate release of all political prisoners jailed under UAPA and stand in solidarity with Arundhati Roy and Dr. Sheikh Showkat Hussain. The organization's stance reflects a broader concern over what they perceive as an attack on opposition voices and the fundamental principles of democracy in India.