Fr. Stan Swamy wasn’t quiet when tribals were tortured: Felix Raj

SUBHANKAR CHOWDHURY

He was speaking at a meeting on Sunday, July 25 In protest against the Institutional killing' of the 84 year old ailing jesuit and tribal rights activists Father Stan Swami was not a silent spectator  to the torture that was being unleashed on whosoever dated to question "The ruling powers of India'. said father Felix Raj, the vice-chancellor of St Xavier's University. 

The Vice-Chancellor quoted from a video message of Father Stan:What is happening to me is not something unique, it is a broader process taking place all over the country. We all are aware how prominent Intellectuals, lawyers, writers, poets, activists, student leaders are put in jail because they have expressed dissent or teased questions about the ruling power of India.

He "Father Stan" was happy to be part of the process because he was not a "silent spectator". I am ready to pay the price whatever be it  he said; Father Felix Raj said at the meeting organised by the Paschim Banga Samajic Nyay Mancha, Kolkata Jela Committee and held at Milli al-Ameen College in central Calcutta. His tragic death in custody is termed as a case of judicial murder .... His bail petition was rejected so many times and this proves the inherent weakness of a section of the judiciary.- The 84 year old ailing jesuit and tribal rights activist from Ranchi had died in custody in Mumbai earlier this month while waiting for bail for nine months. since his arrest by the National Investigation Agency in connection with the Elgaar Parishad Case. 

More than 100 people attended the protest meeting following all covid safety protocol. Father Felix Raj described the arrest of Fr. Stan as "politically motivated". 'Looking at the shameful way this senior Jesuit priest had been arrested, I find myself failing to repeat the words of Christ on the cross 'Father, forgive them: they do not know what they are doing'. The arrest was politically motivated.' said the Vice-chancellor who had led a march in Calcutta on October 15 demanding the release of Father Stan. . . . . .