India: Peace Activist Yugal Kishore Shashtri Arrested in UP - Rights groups seek unconditional release

Rights Groups Condemn the Arrest of Peace Activist Yugal Kishore Shashtri
January 11, 2014 9:37 pm0 comments

Ayodha (UP): Noted peace activist and priest Yugul Kishore Shashtri was arrested here this afternoon (11th January) by the Uttar Pradesh (UP) Police. On 12th of January (Sunday), he was going to hold a People’s Panchayat on the issue of the attack on the Shrine of Sheesh Paighambar, which was attacked on 20th December 13. A student Syed Zeeshan alias Danish was also killed during the incident. The Police arrested Sashtri claiming that he was a ‘threat to peace and order’ in the city.

According to his close aide and local activist, Shah Alam, the arrest is a result of his sustained campaign to expose the communal elements involved in the attack of the shrine and the murder. “This shows the communal nature of police and administration,” said Alam. “The role of the police and local administration has been very doubtful since the beginning of the investigation,” he added.

Rights groups and activists have condemned the arrest and demanded his immediate and unconditional release. Condemning the arrest, Rajeev Yadav of Rihai Manch said, “If he is not released immediately, we will launch a campaign against it.” Talking to IndiaResists, Rajeev Yadav said that, his group would also visit Ayodhya on Sunday and meet the local administration if Sashtri is not released till then.

Noted Gandhian Activist Dr. Sandeep Pandey has also condemned the arrest and calls for the unconditional release of Shahtri.

For further details contact: Shah Alam +91-9454909664

Source: http://www.indiaresists.com/rights-groups-condemn-the-arrest-of-peace-activist-yugal-kishore-shashtri/