Nishan along with 90 organisations from across the country and Anhad became successful in mobilisation against fascist forces in India. The convention called on all members of the society who are concerned about the current national state of affairs to come forward and stand against fascist forces attempting to halt the democratic process in the country.
ANHAD in collaboration with delegates and participants from different organisations across the country, including Nishan, organised the “National Convention on Countering Fascism: Defending the Idea of India” held in New Delhi on 25-26 October 2008, calling on all members of the Indian society who are concerned about the current national state of affairs to come forward and stand against fascist forces attempting to halt the democratic process in the country.
Over 750 activists and intellectuals from 18 states (Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, West Bengal, Delhi, Harayana, Uttar Pradesh, Manipur, Gujarat, Bihar, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, J & K, Punjab, Maharashtra and Chattisgarh) attended the two day national convention aimed at intervening in defence of democracy, secularism and justice to guarantee the long-term survival of India as a unified nation of diverse religious, linguistic and ethnic groups.
The Convention resolved to adopt a general resolution, which among other things, called for the resignation of officials who have failed to prevent bomb attacks in major Indian cities and likewise attacks on different religious minorities across the country. The declaration also condemned the use of fake police encounters.
To read the full political resolution passed at the convention click here
Delegates from all four corners of the country made a strong call to review major cases of terrorist attacks and immediately release those against whom there is no evidence of any kind. These measures should contemplate the implementation of NHRC instruction regarding independent investigation into all deaths in police custody and in police encounters over the last 5 years and the creation of a national commission of inquiry into the misuse of special security laws by the police to arrest members of the minority community in false cases of terrorism.
Participants also demanded the immediate release of Human Rights Defenders who have been arrested for exposing police atrocities and state violence against innocent citizens.
The final day also featured the participation of the families of victims of state abuse and excessive use of force that have put an end to the life of many innocent people in the country. Nishan has pledged to extend all possible legal support and further collect essential evidences to make it available to the relevant authorities and secure punitive actions against the culprits.