Akhila Bharath Vidyarathi Parishat (ABVP) is protesting outside the United Theological College in Bengaluru over an event organized by Amnesty International India to draw attention to alleged human rights’ violations in Kashmir.
Members of the ABVP protested outside the United Theological College on Millers Road on Sunday morning.
On Saturday, Amnesty had organised an event called ‘Broken Families’ on Saturday, aimed at highlighting human rights' violations in Kashmir. However, the several arguments, slogan and counter-slogans broke out during the event.
Three families from the valley were to speak about alleged human rights violations by the armed forces as a part of Amnesty’s Broken Families’ campaign in Bengaluru. The event also included a performance by Kashmiri rapper Roushan Illahi who goes by his stage name MC Kash. The performance was interrupted by slogans.
Amnesty had obtained police protection for which they had permission for only one hour, from 7.30pm.
Members of ABVP who were at the event raised questions at the NGO and at the three families for uttering “anti-national” slogans.
Danush, member of Hindu Jaagrana Vedike, who was at the event said, “There was a skit in which the message was to separate Kashmir from India. They also said ‘Ladke lenge Kashmir, Bandhook se lenge Kashmir’ (We will fight for Kashmir, we use the gun power to get back Kashmir). This might be tolerated in other cities, but in Bengaluru they cannot utter these words. Moreover these people are brainwashed by terrorist groups and that is why they are behaving in this way.”
In a statement released by Amnesty International India, it said:
"Amnesty International India as a matter of policy does not take any position in favour of or against demands for self-determination. However, Amnesty International India considers that 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."
“It is important that media attention to the conduct of some of those who attended the event not serve as a distraction from the important issues of the denial of truth and justice to those who have suffered in Jammu and Kashmir,” said Tara Rao, Programmes Director, Amnesty International India.