Stan Swamy Amar Rahe
And the future of Stan Swamy https://www.mid-day.com/news/opinion/article/and-the-future-of-stan-swamy-23249592 10 October,2022 Ajaz Ashraf |
A clash of values exists within the Church, along the fault line of socialism and capitalism . Stan - A diisident both inside the Church and outside it. He wanted the Church to assist the adivasis in their fight against government policies designed to uproot them from their lands to establish industries, build dams and a firing range. Bagaicha’s mission, in fact, was to make the adivasis aware of their constitutional rights and imbibe in them leadership skills. The 2010s saw the emergence of the Pathalgadi movement, which involved erecting stone plaques featuring extracts from the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1986, and warning outsiders to not enter their villages. Stan was a participant in the movement, often persuaded to deliver speeches.
P. M. TONY LOTIKA SINGHA 04.21.2022
Radical priest Stan Swamy was one of India’s leading social activists. Modi’s government is to blame for his death while awaiting trial on bogus terror charges, but the clampdown won’t snuff out the inspiring legacy of Swamy’s work with Adivasi communities. https://jacobinmag.com/2022/04/narendra-modi-india-false-charges-terrorism-stan-swamy-adivasi-community
Institutional Murder of Fr. Stan Swamy: Ten Opposition Leaders Write to the President Demanding Accountability https://indianexpress.com/article/india/opposition-leaders-demand-action-against-those-responsible-for-foisting-false-cases-on-stan-swamy-7391895/ Act against those responsible for foisting false cases on him, his continued detention in jail and inhuman treatment. They must be held accountable. It is now incumbent that all those jailed in the Bhima Koregaon case and other detenues under politically motivated cases, misusing draconian laws like UAPA, Sedition etc, be released forthwith,” the Opposition leaders have said in their letter to Kovind.
S Sen : It's worth noting that apart from the two usual suspects - Mayawati and Kejriwal, two more - Uddhav Thackeray and, even, Akhilesh Yadav, have, this time, opted to opt out.
https://gaurilankeshnews.com/a-bharat-ratna-dies-an-undertrial/
Leo Saldanha: As a student in the 1980s, I had the privilege of participating in various discussions on social change at the Indian Social Institute. Stan was there at that time. He would hang out with various groups, gently nudging them on fine-tuning their efforts in engaging with social reform. . Stan’s precision as a trainer and researcher on advancing social transformation was in step with his compassionate determination for securing fundamental freedoms of the most vulnerable. For securing which he stridently argued implementing Constitutionally guaranteed fundamental rights is a minimum. He gravitated to struggles of the Adivasis in central India, Jharkand in particular, and helped organize them to fight for their rights over their land, over their forests, over their rivers, over their bodies, to protect their cultures and their memories of the place.
Stan fought for rights of undertrials. In the end he died an undertrial. This blot on our nation’s consciousness can never be erased. Stan Swamy led a saintly life, peaceful to the core, without any animosity.
MKSS Statement on Fr. Stan’s death
Date: 7 July, 2021
The Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS) is deeply distressed by the death of Fr. Stan Swamy, who spent his entire life in the service of Jharkhand’s adivasis and other marginalized communities in India. What adds to the tragedy is the irony that a person like Fr. Stan Swamy who strived to improve the plight of under-trials died as one. The state has failed Fr. Stan Swamy in the worst possible way.
It seems clear that Fr Stan Swamy was targeted and booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) to harass and persecute him. This was to make sure that it served as an example to all Human Rights workers and defenders, so that they could be booked under terrorism charges, with impunity. It makes it even more outrageous that an octogenarian suffering from Parkinson's disease should be treated in this manner and subjected to inhuman conditions. This impacts not only the specific case of Fr Stan, but democracy itself.
It is pertinent to remember the observation of the Delhi High Court while granting bail recently to 3 CAA protestors booked under the UAPA: “We are constrained to express that it seems, that in its anxiety to suppress dissent, in the mind of the State, the line between the constitutionally guaranteed right to protest and terrorist activity seems to be getting somewhat blurred. If this mindset gains traction, it would be a sad day for democracy”.
The Authorities lost all human decency in denying Fr Stan access to basic medical necessities including sippers to drink liquids. Having arrested Fr. Stan Swamy on October 8th, 2020, the NIA did not even ask for custody for interrogation even once, let alone charge him. He was in judicial custody the entire time, without the trial even beginning. He therefore got no opportunity to prove his innocence. Being booked under UAPA he could not be given bail and as a result, for someone as ill as Fr. Stan Swamy, this process was practically a death sentence, without trial.
As an organisation that has worked to improve accountability of the state, the MKSS demands that these draconian laws be reviewed. Fr. Stan Swamy’s case needs many kinds of critical examination to bring closure to the life and work of a person who strived for the poor and marginalised all his life. In a real democracy there has to be constant vigilance to hold state excesses and the criminal justice system, including intelligence agencies, accountable. Unjust laws need to repealed to protect the rule of law itself. The best possible way to remember Fr. Stan Swamy, who sought criminal justice reform, is to make his dream a reality
From the former principal of St Stephen's College :
I AM HAPPY FOR FR. STAN SWAMY... Also for the present dispensation, for I am a patriot.
Fr. Stan Swamy is no more. I feel awkward about mourning his death. Instead, I feel a strange sort of happiness. An eerie sort of relief, if you don't mind.
Who are we to mourn his death? We, who dare not utter a word, fearing for our skin?
Who are we to feel sorry for the loss of this noble soul, when our concerns rarely go beyond the stomach?
Surely, Fr. Stan must have been somebody!
At 84, and unsteady on his feet with Parkinson's, he was such a threat to national security that he had to be shut up in a prison.
What was the threat he posed?
Well, very grave indeed, if you think of it. He sympathised with those who were struggling for their basic rights and dignity. Can there be anything more subversive?
I feel sorry for those of us who are left behind. We may not be shut up in prisons. There is no need to. We are our own prisons.
So, we survive like scarecrows. But prisons too have their days; and then they will be no more.
A new sun will arise, and mock its debris.
There is only one practical problem left now.
How will they dispose of the body of Fr. Stan?
He is still an accused under the UAPA. He is not entitled to bail. Unless the court grants bail to his dead body, how will he be buried or cremated? Only one thing is lawful; his body has to be despatched to the prison, under armed escort.
Let a speedy trial begin over the dead body, for God's sake. Let the truth about Fr. Stan be brought to light. Let the whole world know what the crime was for which Stan was shut up.
There is a compelling reason for saying so. Under the UAPA, the accused is GUILTY UNTIL PROVEN INNOCENT. So, Fr. Stan has died guilty. That is to say, he died condemned without a trial: an injustice not done to any accused, under any law anywhere in the world, or in any period of the human history of rule of law.
The State has a duty, besides, to prove the merit of its stand. Though, it is in the nature of the idea of the State itself that it is not accountable to anyone. All the more so, when it is patronised by a committed judiciary. That notion is of the very essence of the UAPA Act and all other draconian laws.
If UAPA is to make chilling sense, it should also be prescribed under its rubrics that an accused under its provisions should not be granted burial or cremation, unless his innocence is established. The bodies of the accused, when dead, should be preserved in a UAPA mausoleum under heavy guard. Just in case, the corpses escape and express solidarity with the poor and the powerless!
Well, there is this other humanitarian thing, you know? The hospital, treating Fr. Stan was ordered to 'do all it can' to save Fr. Stan, when he was critically ill. The thought of his soul flying away from the prison was unbearable, perhaps?
But there is a humiliating truth in this. The State may have a seeming authority over the life of its citizens. But it has no authority over death. But, then, what has no authority over death, cannot have any authority over life too; for life is primary, and death is merely complimentary.
The truth is that the State has absolutely no authority over life and death. It merely pretends to have, till truth comes with its bodkin and pricks the bubbles of mundane pretensions.
Sleep well, Fr. Stan. Your struggle is over. Ours remains; except that we are unequal to it. Our struggle now is only with ourselves; or, what is left of us.
________
Valson Thampu
Trivandrum, Kerala
Special prayers conducted at native village Virugallur for Stan Swamyhttps://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2021/jul/07/special-prayers-conducted-at-native-village-virugallur-for-stan-swamy-2326575.html 
A day after the death of Father Stan Swamy, his family members, friends and well-wishers conducted a special prayer at his native village of Virugallur on Tuesd
S Martin, a social activist and admirer of Stan Swamy, said, " I have been inspired by his dedication to tribals and how he fought for their cause. The crimes Stan committed were just that he fought against displacement of tribal people, demanded the implementation of land rights for people living in forest and dedicated his life for their welfare. ”
Who is guilty — Stan Swamy or those who kept him behind bars? https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/stan-swamy-custodial-death-elgaar-parishad-7392261/ Alok Rai writes: The impunity of the state and its agents in destroying lives at will must be reined in. It cannot be legitimised by any electoral ‘mandate’.
Father Stan Swamy made Jharkhand home, fought for voiceless: Hemant Soren https://indianexpress.com/article/india/father-stan-swamy-made-jharkhand-home-fought-for-voiceless-hemant-soren-7390827/
Apart from rights groups, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren also expressed shock over his death. “He dedicated his life working for tribal rights,” Soren said as he targeted the Centre.
फादर स्टेन स्वामी के खून से रंगे हैं अदालत और एनआईए के हाथ https://www.viplavikisansandesh.page/2021/07/blog-post.html
जुलाई 06, 2021 • Delhi
Rahul Gandhi says Stan Swamy deserved justice and humaneness, Soren holds Union govt responsible https://indianexpress.com/article/india/stan-swamy-death-reactions-7389985/
‘Innocent man’s blood on institutions’: Citizens gather in Bandra to bid farewell to Stan Swamy
Father Stan Swamy devoted his life to standing up for people. And so, on Tuesday, people stood for him.
ByTanishka Sodhi07 Jul, 2021 
‘Fr Stan may be gone, but fight will go on’ 07 July,2021 https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/fr-stan-may-be-gone-but-fight-will-go-on-23181665 Gaurav Sarkar |
A song composed and Sung for Fr. Stan : download video: https://1drv.ms/v/s!AiXYIRE1zsiajlSIYAXqjFy6dQGv?e=JoRwPX
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxC0KjkoFIg
UN Human Rights body expresses anguish over death of Father Stan Swamy | Jul 7, 2021 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CtTzbKbhErs The United Nations body on human rights has expressed anguish over the death of Jesuit priest Stan Swamy. The death of 84-year old tribal rights activist as a pre-trial prisoner in the Bhima Koregaon case has led to widespread expressions.
Joe Xavier: https://youtube.com/embed/WE5Q8Ixym28?start=219&end=280 (~ 1 min)You have had to pay the price, and be crucified by the powers that be. But fear not, your work has not been in vain. Many will follow your way
Fr. Jerry Coutinha Provincial of Jamshedpur Jesuit https://youtube.com/embed/WE5Q8Ixym28?start=387&end=728 (~4 mins)
Fr Stan Dsouza: https://youtube.com/embed/WE5Q8Ixym28?start=1548&end=2043 ( ~6 mins ) The good shepherd
Fr. Frazer: https://youtube.com/embed/WE5Q8Ixym28?start=3104&end=3837 (~11 mins) Comrades all in Communion, All those working for humanity, marginalised, Adivasis.. Ad for the three week course at ISI, Bangalore. Stan fought for Good Provisions in the Constitution and Law for Adivasis, which are not being implemented. He had filed a petition for the 3000 undertrial Adivasis who were incarcerated
Lindsey, granddaughter of Stan..https://youtube.com/embed/WE5Q8Ixym28?start=3840&end=4019 (~3 mins) thanks to all . A Caged bird can still sing!
Joe Xavier: https://youtube.com/embed/WE5Q8Ixym28?start=4030&end=4746 (~11 mins) Mystery. Bring Eucharist to the Life of the people.. Lawyers support, . sippers issue. cell mates support - Tributes to Arun, Anand and Vernon! Lawyers Mihir (2) , Nitya, Susan, Kritika, Medical Staff including Ian of Holy Family. Media Fraternity. Celebrating what we Believe in. we believe this world must be build up on Constitutional values, and the gospel values.- simple love your neighbour. Show mercy, compassion, solidarity and work for justice and rights and reconciliation..
For other articles see: http://emeets.lnwr.in/index.php/stan-swamy-amar-rahe
https://theshillongtimes.com/2021/07/06/a-prophet-is-a-threat-to-the-powerful/ Walter Fernandes Shillong Times
During the four decades I have worked with him I have seen him sticking his neck out on behalf of people in the periphery. He was in the middle of the struggle of bonded agricultural labourers in Bangalore in the mid-1970s. In 1978 and many times after it we saw him joining the Dalits at Villupuram and Tanjore and elsewhere demanding their right to be human. In many of these cases the fight was within the church and many of its leaders thought that he was a divisive influence in the Church. But Stan’s struggle was for justice to the poor and for an inclusive India in which all people are equal. So he was often disliked even in the Church. But many others supported the causes he took up even when they disagreed with him on details. In all these instances Stan insisted on non-violence when many victims of injustice were demanding a violent reaction. Such a person is accused of being a Naxalite.
During most of these four decades his priority was the rights of the tribal communities of Jharkhand and its neighbouring States. The corporate sector wanted their land and the tribals as cheap bonded labour.
He went to the high court seeking the freedom of more than 3,000 tribal young persons of Jharkhand who are jailed because they demanded the rights that are theirs under various laws such as the Prevention of Tribal Land Alienation Act, and the Panchayat Extension to the Scheduled Areas Act. These laws are made and not implemented and Stan demanded that the young persons who demand their implementation be freed and that their voice be heard.
He was arrested a few days before this case came up for hearing in the high court.
Stan Swamy has laid down his life for the cause of the tribal communities struggling for their rights. Let this sacrifice of Stan and others paying the price in jail not go in vain.
The Whole Story: Father Stan Swamy- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yva7GxYLVx0 - 06 July, 2021
esuit priest and tribal rights activist Stan Swamy passed away on Monday afternoon, two days after he was placed on ventilator support in Mumbai’s Holy Family Hospital.
Incidentally, the Bombay High Court was urgently hearing his bail petition due to his deteriorating health when it was announced that he passed away at 1:30pm.
In Oct 2020, Stan Swamy was accused and arrested in the Elgar Parishad case by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) from his residence in Ranchi. Other accused include Varavara Rao and Sudha Bharadwaj