Human rights activists will launch a nationwide protest on Wednesday seeking immediate release of Chhattisgarh health activist Binayak Sen, who is in jail for   the last year over his alleged links with the Maoists.
Protests and dharnas will be held on Wednesday in various parts of the country, including in the national capital, to demand immediate release of Sen, Justice (retd) Rajendra Sachar, President of the People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL), told reporters here on Tuesday.
Reiterating his demand of Centre’s intervention in the matter, Sachar said: “The state cannot become a terrorist in fighting against terrorists. We expect the Central Government to look into the issue.”
“The Centre should resolve the matter if it is committed to human rights,” he said. Sen, who is General Secretary of the PUCL, has been awarded the Jonathan Mann award by US-based Global Health Council recently.
Sen has been in jail since May 14 last year for his alleged involvement with the extremist movement run by the Maoists in Chhattisgarh.
Another demand
The PUCL also demanded  release of its another member Ajay T G, a photo-journalist who was arrested on similar charges a few days ago.
Sen’s wife Ilina, who is also a member of the PUCL, said, “Binayak faced the ire of the Chattisgarh Government as he exposed the ugly reality of Salwa Judum.”
“Besides, he was critical of the forced evacuation of the villagers from their homes to the relief camps.”