Environmental Advocacy Threatened: EPG Condemns Detention of Doda Activist
EPG Concerned Over Detention of Doda Environmental Activist
The Environmental Policy Group (EPG) has raised serious concerns over the recent detention of environmental activist Rehamatullah from Doda. This development has sparked a conversation about the treatment of environmental advocates in the region and the implications for environmental advocacy.
The Incident
Rehamatullah, known for his vocal criticism of local administration and his efforts to address environmental issues, was detained under preventive detention laws. The EPG has pointed out that this action appears to be a direct response to Rehamatullah’s criticism, particularly following his video interview on November 6. In the interview, he highlighted the inadequate solid waste management in Doda town, drawing attention to a crucial environmental issue.
EPG’s Statement
The EPG released a statement expressing its concern over the use of preventive detention laws to silence environmental advocates. The statement read:
“Environmental activism and constructive criticism are not just rights but necessities in any democratic society. Using preventive detention laws to silence environmental advocates sets a dangerous precedent and must be immediately addressed.”
The EPG emphasized that Rehamatullah’s detention undermines the principles of democracy and the right to free speech. They argue that environmental issues should be addressed through dialogue and constructive criticism, not through punitive measures.
The Broader Implications
The detention of Rehamatullah has broader implications for environmental advocacy in the region. It highlights the challenges faced by activists who are working to bring attention to environmental concerns. The use of detention to silence critics can create a chilling effect, discouraging others from speaking out against environmental issues.
This incident also raises questions about the effectiveness of local administration in handling environmental concerns. The issues raised by Rehamatullah in his interview about solid waste management in Doda are valid and need to be addressed. Instead of silencing critics, the administration should engage with them to find solutions to these problems.
Call for Action
The EPG has called for the immediate release of Rehamatullah, emphasizing that the concerns he raised should be addressed through dialogue rather than detention. They argue that engaging with environmental advocates and addressing their concerns is essential for the well-being of the community and the environment.
The EPG’s call for action includes the following demands:
- Immediate Release: The immediate release of Rehamatullah from detention.
- Dialogue and Engagement: A commitment from the local administration to engage in dialogue with environmental advocates and address their concerns.
- Review of Preventive Detention Laws: A review of the use of preventive detention laws to ensure they are not used to silence legitimate criticism and activism.
Community Response
The community has responded with a mixture of outrage and support for Rehamatullah. Many see his detention as an attack on free speech and a sign of the administration’s unwillingness to address environmental issues. There have been calls for protests and demonstrations to demand his release and to highlight the importance of environmental advocacy.
Bottom-Line : The detention of Rehamatullah is a concerning development that highlights the challenges faced by environmental advocates in Kashmir. The EPG’s call for his release and their emphasis on dialogue over detention is a crucial step towards addressing these challenges. It is essential for the local administration to engage with critics constructively and to address the environmental concerns that impact the community.
As the situation unfolds, it will be important to monitor the response from both the administration and the community. The resolution of this issue could set a precedent for how environmental activism is treated in the future and could have significant implications for the fight against environmental degradation in the region.
Press Release
EPG concerned over detention of Doda environment activist
The Environmental Policy Group (EPG) has expressed concern over the detention of environmental activist Rehamatullah from Doda, viewing it as a concerning development that threatens environmental advocacy in the region.
EPG highlighted that the recent action appears to be in response to the activist’s vocal criticism of local administration, specifically following his November 6 video interview highlighting inadequate solid waste management in Doda town.
“Environmental activism and constructive criticism are not just rights but necessities in any democratic society,” the EPG statement stressed. “Using preventive detention laws to silence environmental advocates sets a dangerous precedent and must be immediately addressed.”
The Environmental Policy Group has demanded release of Rehamatullah, emphasising that environmental concerns should be addressed through dialogue rather than detention.
FAIZ AHMAD BAKSHI
CONVENOR
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY GROUP(EPG)
