Save the doctor

The continuing detention of Dr Binayak Sen in Chhattisgarh’s Raipur jail is a blot on Indian democracy. He is a conscientious and distinguished doctor who worked among the tribals of that state, providing them health services and creating awareness about their rights. He was arrested under the draconian Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the Chhattisgarh Special Public Security Act in 2007. He has languished in jail for over two years without trial and even without bail. The government has charged him with collusion with Maoists, which Dr Sen has denied. The real reason for the state government’s action against him was his exposure of the killings of tribals in fake encounters by the state’s anti-Maoist mercenary force Salva Judum and his defense of the civil rights of the poor people. He was also the secretary of the state unit of the People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL). It has been the policy of the state government to dub anyone who champions the rights of the tribals as a Maoist or supporter of Maoists, and use draconian laws against him.
It is well-known that any programme or  the activity to improve the health of people, especially in backward and poverty-stricken areas, cannot be separated from public policies and will be effective only with wide popular participation. Ordinary people need to be sensitised on their rights so that they can make the best use of the facilities and services on offer. Basic health education is also necessary for this. One need not be a Maoist to appreciate the correctness of this model of delivery of public service. But those who venture into this area ruffle vested interests and are considered a threat. This is what happened with Dr Sen.
The physician’s detention has provoked outrage not only within the country but abroad also. A group of eminent Nobel Prize laureates and many international bodies have appealed for his release. He has been conferred with international awards for his service to society. And yet the government has not relented. Authoritarian governments ignore international appeals for freedom of  prisoners of conscience. It is difficult to imagine that in a country where constitutional rights of the citizens are guaranteed, governments throw people in jail for advocating legitimate causes and turn a deaf ear to voices of sanity. Dr Sen is turning into an international symbol for oppression by the state and that is no badge of honour for a country which has just concluded a gigantic democratic exercise creditably.