Feature story - June 5, 2015
Thousands of Greenpeace supporters in over 148 cities across India will hold events this weekend to show solidarity for the environmental group. Greenpeace faces a coordinated crackdown orchestrated by the Ministry of Home Affairs due to its successful campaigns. There have been over 1300 individual events have been registered online so far.
A huge banner was held in solidarity by students of St. Joseph’s College, Bangalore.
Shabin John, a student from St.Joseph’s College, who participated in the Bangalore event said, “We’ve come together today because we support Greenpeace India. We believe in its work for clean air, clean water, protected forests and clean energy for all Indians. Greenpeace is under attack from the Ministry of Home Affairs for speaking out, but criticism is an important part of any democracy. We’re here to stand up for free speech”.
05 June 2015
World Environment Day solidarity activity at Bangalore
A photo uploaded by a volunteer from Amravati in Maharashtra stated, “We only stand for (our) right! We stand for Greenpeace”. The photo was taken next to a statue of Shivaji with the volunteers holding a placard in their hand and a blue ribbon tied on their mouth signifying the right to free speech. Another photo uploaded by a volunteer showed a family from Ajmer, Rajasthan holding placards with message on free speech, democracy and their support to Greenpeace.
Greenpeace and the civil society in India has been facing a clampdown for voicing concerns about violations of environmental rights. Recently, there has been an unprecedented suppression of voices of dissent and democracy. Since 2001, Greenpeace India has been working for a sustainable future for issues related with renewable energy, sustainable agriculture and protecting forests. Earlier this year, a campaign demanding action on clean air was launched in Delhi, which is the most polluted capital in the world.
“Civil Society has an important role to play in a democracy. We will speak to all political parties to stand up and protect the fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution. We are calling on all political leaders across parties to stand up for Indian democracy and for the principles of freedom of speech and association,” said Priya Pillai, senior campaigner with Greenpeace India.
Among other locations, events are being held in Bhuj, Kashmir, Sultanpur, Mahan and Dharnai.
Stand up for Greenpeace India sign petition here