Amnesty row: State-wide bandh planned

BENGALURU: Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishat (ABVP) is planning to call for a state-wide bandh demanding the police to arrest those who had chanted anti-Indian army slogans during a programme organised by Amnesty International, recently.

On Sunday evening, members of ABVP held a meeting and planned their next course of action.

Speaking to Express, ABVP city secretary Harsha said, “We had demanded the arrest of the people who had raised Anti-Indian army slogans in the event. Though investigating officials have filed a case and FIR, no one has been arrested till now. We will not compromise. We will take up a state-wide protest if they continue to neglect the issue.”

Around 40 ex-servicemen, headed by N S Rajan, assembled at Anand Rao Circle and  extended their support to ABVP’s protest. BJP leaders, including Union Minister Ananth Kumar and actor-politician Jaggesh also supported the protest.

Speaking at the event, N S Rajan said, “The state government has to probe the role of Amnesty International India in spoiling the country’s unity by organising such events. The organization should also be banned in India.”

On August 13, Amnesty International India had organized a programme titled ‘Broken families — journey for justice’ at the United Theological College on Miller’s Road. During the event, a few participants allegedly chanted anti-indian army slogans, which led to the dispute.

Taking it forward, ABVP filed a police complaint against members of Amnesty International India.

The ACP of J C Nagar, who is heading the investigations, has gathered the video footage. They have also questioned the members of Amnesty International.

Protesters had tried to barge inside Amnesty’s office on Friday and were later dispersed after lathicharge. Following this, ABVP had called for a overnight protest for 48 hours since Saturday night. Two ABVP members — Veena and Abhijith — who were injured in the lathicharge are recovering.