Sedition Case Against Amnesty India as Debate on Kashmir turns Chaotic

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru Aug 15, 2016 : A case of sedition has been filed against Amnesty International’s India chapter today in connection with alleged raising of anti-India slogans during a debate it organised in Bengaluru.

 

The debate, held on Saturday, had turned chaotic as some members from Kashmir -- most of whom were students -- entered into a heated argument with a Kashmiri Pandit leader.

A former journalist, RK Mattoo had said, "The Army is present everywhere in the North-East, Kashmir and other sundry places. I can tell you proudly that the Indian Army is one of the disciplined armies in the world."

The "pro-freedom" Kashmiris vehemently objected, leading to a heated exchange and slogan shouting. The policemen posted at the event eventually managed to pacify the warring groups.

Yesterday, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara had said the intention and background of those involved will be investigated.

ABVP activists, who staged a protest yesterday against the event calling it "anti-national", filed a complaint with the police, submitting a video recording of the event.

Amnesty India said it had organised the event as part of a campaign to seek justice for "victims of human rights violations" in Jammu and Kashmir.


Amnesty said as a matter of policy, it does not take any position in favour or against demands for self-determination. It however added that "it considers the right to freedom of expression under international human rights law protects the right to peacefully advocate political solutions that do not involve incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence."