Hyderabad Police Prevent Sharmila’s Visit to Osmania Hospital: What Happened?
On the 5th of June, Hyderabad police prevented the visit of human rights activist Irom Sharmila to Osmania Hospital. Sharmila, who is known for her hunger strike against the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in Manipur, was in Hyderabad to attend a seminar on “Democratic Movements in India” at the University of Hyderabad.
Sharmila had planned to visit Osmania Hospital to meet with Rohith Vemula’s mother and other Dalit students who were injured during the recent protests at the University of Hyderabad. However, the police stopped her from entering the hospital, citing security reasons.
The police claimed that they had received intelligence reports suggesting that Sharmila’s visit could lead to a law and order situation. They also argued that Sharmila had not taken permission from the police before visiting the hospital.
Sharmila, however, argued that she had a right to visit the hospital as a citizen of India and as a human rights activist. She also claimed that the police were trying to suppress her voice and prevent her from expressing solidarity with the Dalit students.
The incident sparked outrage among civil society groups and human rights activists who criticized the police for violating Sharmila’s rights and preventing her from meeting with the injured students.
Many saw the incident as part of a larger pattern of suppression of dissent and curtailment of civil liberties by the government. The incident also raised questions about the role of the police in a democratic society and their obligation to protect citizens’ rights.
Sharmila’s visit to Hyderabad was seen as an important opportunity for her to express solidarity with the Dalit students and to highlight the issue of caste discrimination in India. The police’s actions prevented her from doing so, raising concerns about the state of democracy and human rights in India.
In conclusion, the incident in Hyderabad highlights the need for greater protection of civil liberties and human rights in India. It also underscores the importance of respecting the rights of citizens, including the right to freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly. As citizens, we must continue to demand greater accountability from our institutions and fight for a more just and equitable society.
