Citizens should raise their voice against repressive policies of govts: Kuldip Nayar

Citizens should be bold in raising their voices against the repressive policies of governments, eminent journalist Kuldip Nayar said today at a discussion on the situation during the Emergency and the prevailing conditions.

The meet organised by the Delhi chapter of People's Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL), B G Rao Foundation and the Citizens For Democracy at Gandhi Peace Foundation here, on the topic 'Declared Emergency then and an undeclared one now', was attended by a large number of activists, journalists, advocates, teachers and students.

"There is an atmosphere of fear and intimidation in the media and the journalists are not performing their duty as expected of them. The citizens should be bold in raising their voices against the repressive policies of governments and only then civil liberties and democratic rights can be saved," Nayar said.

Human rights activist and People's Union For Democratic Rights member Gautam Navalakha spoke about the importance of defending and promoting civil liberty movement in the country.

Accusing the RSS of destroying the concept of rule of law, civil liberties and all modern values, the speakers at the event observed that remembering Emergency and learning right lessons from that has become even more necessary now.

"The Flavours of Nationalism" -- a book written by human rights activist and advocate Nandita Haksar -- was also released at the meet.