Bangalore, 5th June 2015: Thousands of Greenpeace supporters in over 148 cities across India will hold events this weekend to show solidarity for the environmental group. Greenpeace faces a coordinated crackdown orchestrated by the Ministry of Home Affairs due to its successful campaigns. The group said that over 1300 individual events have been registered online so far.
Shabin John, a student from St, Joseph’s College, who participated in the Bangalore event said, “We’ve come together today because we support Greenpeace India. We believe in its work for clean air, clean water, protected forests and clean energy for all Indians. Greenpeace is under attack from the Ministry of Home Affairs for speaking out, but criticism is an important part of any democracy. We’re here to stand up for free speech”.
A photo uploaded by a volunteer from Amravati in Maharashtra stated, “We only stand for (our) right! We stand for Greenpeace”. The photo was taken next to a statue of Shivaji with the volunteers holding a placard in their hand and a blue ribbon tied on their mouth signifying the right to free speech. Another photo uploaded by a volunteer showed a family from Ajmer, Rajasthan holding placards with message on free speech, democracy and their support to Greenpeace.
“If this government is keen on development, then it must work with civil society organisations like Greenpeace, instead of trying to silence them. Sabke saath, sabke vikaas has to be more than an empty slogan.” John added.
The 148 cities in which activities are planned include: Delhi, Jaipur, Pune, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Kolkata, Chennai and Cochin. Last week, the Delhi High Court granted interim relief to Greenpeace India allowing it to access two of its bank accounts. On April 9, the MHA had suspended Greenpeace’s FCRA registration and blocked its domestic and international bank accounts.
Greenpeace India, along with other civil society organisations, is engaging with all political parties across the spectrum to discuss the clampdown on civil society. On June 4, a delegation of civil society organisations met with Congress Vice President, Rahul Gandhi to discuss the issue.
“Civil Society has an important role to play in a democracy. We will speak to all political parties to stand up and protect the fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution. We are calling on all political leaders across parties to stand up for Indian democracy and for the principles of freedom of speech and association,” said Priya Pillai, senior campaigner with Greenpeace India.
we suported this event by pura trust, balanandana trust, vinutana sevasante, govt higher kannada primary school,shri maruti yuvaka mandala sherewad and in hubli, dist dharwad
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