Bengaluru, Feb 20 (TIWN) A group of prominent people, including artists, environmental and social activists on Friday held a virtual press conference, saying climate activist Disha Ravi must be released immediately. They also demanded withdrawal of all charges made against her.

The virtual press conference was jointly organised by National Alliance of People's Movements, Coalition for Environmental Justice in India and People's Union for Civil Liberties here.     

The activists also said warrants against Shantanu Muluk and Nikita Jacob must be dropped.  Magsaysay Award winner and human rights activist Sandeep Pandey described that unable and unwilling to engage with the protesting farmers, the Union Government is busy trying to use the 'Khalistani brush' to tarnish their movement and those who support them.  "This government has gone to the extent that including the current youth environmental activists.

This is shameful over-reach and characteristic of a bully state," he slammed.  He added that the disturbingly frequent use of undemocratic laws like The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) or the ease with which charges of colonial era sedition charges are being levelled, is far higher and more frequently employed than even during colonial times.