KOCHI: The Committee for the Release of Political Prisoners (CRPP), a Delhi-based organisation, has sought the release of Maoist ideologue Muraleedharan Kannampilly and his associate C.P. Ismail, arrested by a team of anti-terrorist squad from the outskirts of Pune a few days ago.
“It is a matter of grave concern that Mr. Murali (known as Ajit), who is a heart patient and had undergone a heart surgery earlier, is not being allowed to be treated,” the statement issued by CRPP president SAR Geelani and general secretary Amit Bhattacharyya said.
“It is clear that Murali, a senior citizen, 62, was arrested while he was undergoing treatment,” the statement said. The CRPP urged that the two arrested should be allowed to exercise their “right to have a lawyer of their choice” and that “their fundamental right to safeguard them from being tortured be ensured.”
Mr M.N. Ravunni, chairperson of Porattom, a pro-Maoist activist group, has also expressed concern over the health of Mr Murali, who was convalescing after a heart surgery.
“Murali does not have even a petty case against him in any part of the country. It is totally unjustified and illegal to keep such a person in the custody of the anti-terrorism squad of the police force in a state known for fake encounter killings,” Mr Ravunni said.
The state council of Porattom has decided to launch a statewide campaign against political oppression from May 25, he said. A meeting would be held in Kochi on May 15 to finalise the schedule of the campaign, he added.
