How Death of Stan Swamy Made Social Media Infuriated
The news of the passing of 84-year-old tribal activist Stan Swamy earlier this week angered the public largely. Swamy, who had been behind the bars for his alleged connection to the Bhima Koregaon violence in 2017, was booked under India’s stringent anti-terror law, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
His death further brought renewed focus on the UAPA. Some went to the streets to protest against the law. Many women took to their social media accounts to express their voice on this issue. Here are some of the reactions online.
To the poorest people of Jharkand, who have lost their brother and champion today, my deepest condolences. #StanSwamy
— Faye DSouza (@fayedsouza) July 5, 2021
Delhi Police brutally lathicharged us for protesting against the custodial killing of Fr. Stan Swamy at Jantar Mantar today.
Repeal UAPA
Release All Political Prisoners ✊ pic.twitter.com/LPNVsuWoND— Aishe (ঐশী) (@aishe_ghosh) July 6, 2021
84-year old Stan Swamy dies waiting for bail.
NIA arrested him in Oct from his home in a late-night raid, opposed his bail saying no "conclusive proof" of his ailments.
Ashamed & saddened at how justice is on a ventilator in this country.— Mahua Moitra (@MahuaMoitra) July 5, 2021
Rudaalis of Stan Swamy, remember this man? His name is Swami Aseemanand, and he is REAL Swamy, not a fake one like Lordu! He was arrested on fake charges, tortured, kept in custody without even a trial and finally acquitted. Didn’t see anyone cry for HIM! pic.twitter.com/5S8yF6wc2y
— Shefali Vaidya. 🇮🇳 (@ShefVaidya) July 7, 2021
However, Swamy's death was not only the issue discussed last week. People also talked about the recent expansion of the Narendra Modi government which reshuffled its Cabinet- inducting new ministers and asking some old ones to go. This move by the government was both lauded as well as criticized.
Youngest in the history of India having significant representation of women Ministers, PM @narendramodi Ji’s Union Council of Ministers reflects his commitment towards Women-led Development & fulfilling aspirations of a New AatmaNirbhar Bharat. #Govt4Growth.
— Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) July 7, 2021
Narayan Rane was accused of money laundering by none other than the BJP. Yet he has been rewarded by a cabinet post in the #CabinetExpansion. Is this what PM Modi means by Na Khaunga Na Khane Dunga? #modi has renegaded on every promise he made in 2014 !
— Dr. Shama Mohamed (@drshamamohd) July 9, 2021
In other news, Modi was in the list of 37 heads of state or government that the global body Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has identified as ‘predators of press freedom’. Here is how journalist Rana Ayyub reacted to this.
Citing my intimidation and that of other journalists in India, @RSF_inter has named Narendra Modi among 37 Predators of Press Freedom around the world. A crying shame for the Worlds largest democracy pic.twitter.com/yzd4rlyAmS
— Rana Ayyub (@RanaAyyub) July 6, 2021
I spoke to @FRANCE24 on the urgent need to speak for press freedom in India, a day after @RSF_inter called Prime Minister Modi a predator of free press. This is a clip from the interview @DelanoDSouza pic.twitter.com/9wv92Y0aqV
— Rana Ayyub (@RanaAyyub) July 7, 2021
In what can be called as a proud moment for India, Sirisha Bandla will be the second Indian-born woman to go to space after Kalpana Chawla as she fly from New Mexico to space on July 11 with the six crew members of VSS Unity, a Virgin Galactic ballistic rocket propellant.
I am so incredibly honored to be a part of the amazing crew of #Unity22, and to be a part of a company whose mission is to make space available to all. https://t.co/sPrYy1styc
— Sirisha Bandla (@SirishaBandla) July 2, 2021
Kalpana Chawla, Sunita Williams and now Sirisha Bandla - We are proud of Women of Indian Origin conquering the Space. Yet another milestone is being reached by #SirishaBandla on 11 July 2021. Awaiting the Proud Moment… pic.twitter.com/EC7942g7TL
— Wg Cdr Anuma Acharya (Retd) (@AnumaVidisha) July 9, 2021
