by Nirmala Carvalho

Thirty policemen dragged Junesh Pradhan, a prominent activist for the rights of the tribals, from his home, hooded and handcuffed. The charges of possession of explosives could cost him life in prison. The Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC) is calling for its immediate release and an inquiry into the agents involved in the case.

Kandhamal (Asianew) - Junesh Pradhan, christian tribal activist, threathens with life imprisonment. The Orissa police arrested him for alleged links with maoist guerrillas. At least 30 policemen took the man from his home in Linepara village (district of Kandhamal). When Junesh tried to ask for an explanation of the arrest warrant, the police handcuffed him, hooded him and escorted to the prison of Baliguda, where he has been held since 9th February. Sajan George, president of the Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC), denounces the activist's arrest as "illegal", "an outrageous violation of human rights."

Junesh Pradhan is known in the district of Kandhamal for his fight as the leader of the tribal community. From 2002 to 2007 he was sarpanch (head of village council) of the gram panchayat (local government) of the village of Greenbadi; 2007 to 2012 he was elected president of the panchayat samiti (local government body that binds with the district administration ) of Daringibadi. In recent years, Hindus ultranationalist forces have targeted Junesh for his campaigns for justice for victims of anti-Christian pogroms of 2007 and 2008.

Interviewed by local television stations, J.N. Pankaj, Superintendent of Police, said that they had "solid evidence" against Junesh. As reported in the GCIC, the police have registered the case under various sections of the Penal Code. In particular, the Explosive Substances Act, ("unlawful use or intended use of any explosive material that could cause damage to life or property"). If a court were to recognize Junesh guilty of this indictment, he could be imprisoned for life.

"Junesh Pradhan - Sajan George tells AsiaNews - has only raised his voice against the arrest of innocent tribals, also a cause championed by the Maoists. We demand his immediate release, the withdrawal of all charges and action against police officers. Furthermore, we demand security for all members of his family. "

 

 

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• Global
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• tribals
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