IT News
Imphal Feb 9
PD club DM College and Concerned Citizens from different walks of life and ages today morning staged a bicycle rally under the theme “Cycle for Freedom of Speech”.
Reminding the government and fellow citizens that – everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression, the cycle rally was started from DM College of Arts rallied towards Tera then headed to Manipur University and finally concluded at Moirangkhom.
Over 150 cyclists participated in the rally to remind our government and fellow citizens that – everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression and also to support and show solidarity to the victims of right to expression in Manipur and outside.
Speaking to media persons a rider identified as Arambam Noni , Assistant Professor of Political Science at DM College of Arts stressed that the people felt strongly a fundamental need of highlighting that our human rights include freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers
He also said that the question of human rights violation regarding free speech is frequently raised because our government ignores so often that there is a legally valid contract/agreement between the government and “We the People”.
“After witnessing serious incidents of killings, tortures, jails, intimidations happened to the journalists, activists, online bloggers, artists and others, what we are taking part today though small it is – is towards the promotion and protection our right to freedom of expression”, he added.
Dr. Noni maintained that the event is also concerned about the cases of the victims under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act/UAPA which holds 65 percent whole of India, and frequent victims whose fundamental rights are deprived under National Security Act/NSA for exercising freedom of expression.
Placards that read NO FREE SPEECH NO DEMOCRACY, NO TO INTERNET BAN, FREE SPEECH IS OUR NATURAL RIGHT, FREE SPEECH FOR ALL, FREE SPEECH FIRST, GAG! BIG INJUSTICE was displayed by the riders.
