Bnagalore: Several organisations have joined together to take out a People’s March here on Thursday 22 November 2012, urging the government to stop arresting innocent youth from marginalised communities, particularly Muslims, on false charges of terror acts.

The march from Chikka Lalbagh to Town Hall, followed by a public meeting, has been organised by  By Praja Rajakiya Vedike (PRV), Students Islamic Organisation (SIO) along with AASRA, Abhidama Foundation, Aneka, Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR), Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Jamaat-e-Ulema Hind, Janasadbavana Organisation of India, Jana Seva Samithi, Karnataka Dalitha Mahila Vedike (KDMV), Karnataka Muslim Mutthahida Mahaz (KMMM), Karnataka Sexual Minorities Forum (KSMF), New Socialist Alternative (CWI-India), Open Space, People’s Democratic Forum (PDF), People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) – Karnataka, Samvada-Bangalore, Sangama, Tiger Tippu & Dr. B R Ambedkar Association and other groups and individuals.

Inaugurating the rally Muhammad Taha Mteen JIH Bangalore metro organisor said that thousands of youth  innocent youths across the country are being arrested on false charges and are being denied bail. Their trial goes on for 10 to 15 years of their youth age.

Mohammed Kunni, secretary of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind said “The people whom you are putting in jails, are very important for the development of our nation. There are doctors, engineers and journalists. We are speaking for all the innocents. Nobody is speaking for Kasab or a terrorist like him.”

Former minister B T lalita Naik said said media that the media by their ‘breaking news’ project the accused as the  culprits prior to the courts, but when the accused are released as innocents, the same media do not give any such importance.  Media should play responsible role in this matter, she said.

SIO president Ashfaq Ahmed Shareef said that the main demand was to stop arrest of innocent youth and seeking free and fair investigation besides seeking an end to bias in law enforcement.

The march will also seek provision of special fast track courts for speedy trial of “terrorism” cases to settle case within a week and to demand compensation to and rehabilitation of innocents, he added.

Human rights activist and senior advocate B.T. Venkatesh said they were also demanding removal of draconian laws, including Unlawful Activities Prevention Act and Armed Forces Special Powers Act. Action should also be initiated against personnel of investigation agencies responsible for fabrication of evidence against innocents, he added.