Activists condemn Father Swamy’s arrest

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, October 10

Several activists have condemned the arrest of Father Stan Swamy by the NIA, saying the “kind” man fought for the rights of tribals.

The 82-year-old was arrested from his Ranchi house on Thursday night for his alleged involvement in inciting a mob at Bhima Koregaon near Pune on January 1, 2018.

“Shocking and condemnable act on the priest who has spent all his life serving the poor,” Swaraj India president Yogendra Yadav tweeted.

Lawyer Prashant Bhushansaid, “Just got news that the NIA has forcibly taken octogenarian Father Swamy from his ashram. It would be difficult to imagine a gentler and kinder person.” He added: “It is the sign of the venality of the NIA that they are trying to implicate him under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act.” “Like Sudha Bharadwaj, Stan Swamy has spent a lifetime fighting for the rights of adivasis,” historian Ramachandra Guha said.

However, BJP national secretary Sunil Deodhar endorsed the NIA action. “It’s good that NIA arrested Swamy. This may reveal links between the Christian missionaries and Urban Naxals,” he added.