The Indian Catholic Press Association (ICPA) is saddened, and shocked, by the demise of Fr. Stan Swamy SJ and we see it as martyrdom for a great cause. We join the countless number of people in India, and the world over, who mourn the irreplaceable loss of a valiant soldier of human rights; on the equal measure, he was a fearless activist who tirelessly worked for the tribals, the poor, and the marginalized.
Questions regarding his arrest, incarceration, denial of bail and the sad circumstances of his death are going to disturb the collective conscience of the nation for a long time to come. The questions that beg for answers are: Why did Fr. Stan have to die as a prisoner charged under various sections of the draconian Unlawful Activities Prevention Act? What did the octogenarian who was suffering from debilitating diseases do, other than serving the tribals and the poor, to be put behind bars, denying bail for months together? Wasn’t his arrest a part of the strategy to throttle voices of dissent and outright infringement of civil liberties? All pillars of our democracy will have to answer these questions at some point of time.
In Fr. Stan, the marginalized sections had found their saviour. Now the poor are left poorer in his absence. He was a true disciple of Jesus Christ and a true Indian who was passionate about securing justice for all, especially the last and the least, as visualised and assured in our Constitution. In his heroic sufferings and virtual martyrdom he has emerged stronger and more relevant.
The ICPA repeats its appeal to the Central and State governments to review the draconian laws like UAPA, and numerous cases against activists, journalists and others who are languishing in various jails across the country. Some of the recent pronouncements of the Supreme Court and other courts should make any responsible government to take a fresh look at these laws. The sad and most unfortunate passing away of Fr. Stan should work as a catalyst in this regard. That would be the greatest tribute to him.
Ignatius Gonsalves,
President, ICPA.