The Statesman
December 10, 2012
On the occasion of International Human Rights Day, BJP today raised in the Lok Sabha the issue of rights violations in Tibet, while CPI-M alleged that similar problem exists in Jammu and Kashmir.
BJP leader Yashwant Sinha said the Chinese have been carrying out the “grossest” violations of human rights in Tibet over last 60 years because of which 81 Tibetans have committed suicide during this period.
66 Tibetans have committed self-immolation since January this year and “worse, the response of the Chinese is more repression”, Mr Sinha, former external affairs minister, said in special mentions during the zero hour.
He said Tibetans were troubled because of “excessive use of military force”, religious restrictions, disappearances and detentions, removal of nomads and degradation of ecological system in the region under Chinese rule.
Mr Sinha wanted the House to express “deepest heartfelt condolences” over Tibetans’ plight and call upon the Chinese to “listen to the anguish” and “ensure people (in Tibet) get their rights”.
“I call upon Parliament to speak up,” he appealed.
Immediately after, CPI-M leader Basudeb Acharia rose to allege “blatant” human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir by security forces.
He alleged that youth were being picked up by security forces and their families were not informed.
“They are put in jail, they remain in jail for five-six years as undertrials. After that they are acquitted,” Mr Acharia said.
He referred to the demand for withdrawal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from Jammu and Kashmir and said the central government had not taken any decision even after recommendation from the state government.
