In a democratic country like India, the right to freedom of speech and dissent is considered sacrosanct. However, in recent years, there has been a worrying trend of the government cracking down on individuals who speak out against its policies. One such case that has come to light is that of a man who has spent four years in jail without trial for his dissent against the government.
Akhil Gogoi, a prominent activist and leader of the Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS) in the northeastern state of Assam, was arrested in December 2019 under the draconian Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The UAPA allows for individuals to be detained without trial for up to six months, with the possibility of extension for another six months. In Gogoi’s case, he has been languishing in jail for over four years without any progress in his trial.
Gogoi was arrested for his role in the protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in 2019, which many saw as discriminatory against Muslims and a threat to India’s secular fabric. Gogoi’s arrest was seen as a way to silence dissent and intimidate others from speaking out against the government’s policies.
The government has justified Gogoi’s detention by claiming that he has links to Maoist groups and was involved in violent activities. However, many human rights organizations and activists have condemned his arrest as a blatant violation of his right to freedom of speech and dissent.
Gogoi’s case is just one example of the growing trend of individuals being targeted for their dissent in India. Journalists, activists, and students who have spoken out against the government have faced harassment, intimidation, and even arrest under various laws such as the UAPA and sedition.
The price of dissent in Modi’s India is high, with individuals risking their freedom, safety, and even their lives to speak out against the government’s policies. The government’s crackdown on dissent is a worrying sign for the future of democracy in India, as the space for free speech and expression continues to shrink.
It is imperative for the government to respect the right to dissent and uphold the principles of democracy and freedom of speech. The arbitrary detention of individuals like Akhil Gogoi without trial is a grave violation of human rights and a threat to the democratic fabric of the country. It is time for the Indian government to release Gogoi and other political prisoners and uphold the values of democracy and justice.