Forum Demands Release of Political Prisoners at Indira Park Protest

Members of the United Forum for the Release of Political Prisoners-Telangana staged a protest demonstration at Indira Park in Hyderabad on Saturday, demanding that the State government immediately release all political prisoners lodged in jails across the state.

The forum specifically highlighted the plight of Adivasi prisoners and called upon authorities to drop cases filed under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) against leaders of mass organizations, intellectuals, and minority political prisoners. The demonstrators also urged the government to withdraw cases previously registered against activists of the Telangana statehood movement and called for the repeal of the UAPA legislation.

Speaking at the demonstration, Prof. G. Laxman, President of the Civil Liberties Committee (CLC), Telangana, underscored the importance of raising public opposition against detentions carried out under the UAPA. He stated that citizens must actively challenge these detentions, which he described as illegal and unjust, while demanding that the government release those currently in custody.

Prof. Laxman further pointed out that the issue extends beyond Telangana. He stated that there is an urgent need to demand the release of political prisoners from the Central government as well as other state governments, including Andhra Pradesh.

The forum raised concerns over numerous individuals who continue to remain in prison both nationwide and within Telangana on allegations of having links to Maoists. Representatives pointed out that many such individuals have spent years in jail as under-trial prisoners, noting that the strict legal framework has made securing bail extremely difficult for those accused.