Date:22/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/22/stories/2008082253970500.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

People’s tribunal on atrocities against minorities

Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD: A people’s tribunal is being organised by Delhi-based Act Now for Harmony and Democracy (ANHAD) and other human rights organisations, to hear cases of atrocities committed against minorities in the name of fighting terrorism, at Siasat office for three days from Friday.

Shabnam Hashmi of ANHAD told press persons that victims or their close relatives from Hyderabad and other places would depose before the Tribunal. The jury would comprise Asghar Ali Engineer, Justice S. N. Bhargava, Justice Sardar Ali, K. G. Kannabhiran, Prashant Bhushan, G. Haragopal, Ram Punyani and others.

She said each time there was a bomb blast, the long arms of the Indian State reached out to pick up scapegoats to cover up its incompetence in providing security to its citizens. Arrests are being made but police and investigative agencies were unable to prove their claims.