ABVP demands arrests of Amnesty representatives for organising Kashmir event in Bengaluru
Over 300 protestors belonging to the ABVP organised a protest march in Bengaluru demanding action against Amnesty International India and the United Theological College over an event in which 'anti-India' slogans were allegedly raised.
The event organised by Amnesty on Saturday saw disturbances as sloganeering for and against the presence of armed forces in Kashmir were allegedly raised. Following the event a case was registered in the JC Nagar police station, on charges of sedition and rioting.
Protestors began their march from JAC College, and intended to march to the Police Commissioner’s Office on Infantry Road. However, the protestors were stopped by police near Nehru Planetarium, and some of the protestors were detained.
Protestors demanded that immediate action be taken against Amnesty and the United Theological College, where the event took place
The protestors demanded that the organisers of the event be immediately arrested, and stated that they would not suspend their protest until then. “We’re not ready to vacate the place until they are arrested,” said one of the protestors.
ADGP Charan Reddy spoke to the protestors and assured them that action would be taken after due investigations. “According to the law we will take action. I assure you on behalf of the police,” he said.
He added, “We have heard what your members said. The ACP is investigating. We are all experienced in criminal investigation. We know how the investigation is to be done and we will expedite the investigation.”
The ADGP also urged protestors not to cause disruptions through their protest. “We know how Bengaluru traffic is. You cannot just descend on the roads. There are designated places for protest.” Facing protests over the detention of some of the protestors, he assured them that the detention was only a preventive measure and no arrests had been made.
He also stated that the police had taken the protestors’ memorandum on record and asked students to disperse and return to their classes. However, despite repeated such requests from the ADGP, students were not pacified and continued raising slogans.
The ADGP told mediapersons present that Amnesty had obtained permission for the event, though they were not required to. “Amnesty was not required to take permission as it was an indoor event. But they have informed us and accordingly we have deployed police.” On the question of arrests, he said that a prima facie case has been registered and depending on the investigation action would be taken. He also said that there is no pressure on police concerning the investigation.
Meanwhile, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that a case has been registered, investigations are on, and the law will take its own course.