News for 'Committee for Release of Political Prisoners'

Centre forms review panel to examine 'Satluj' OTT removal

Centre forms review panel to examine 'Satluj' OTT removal

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has formed a three-member review committee to investigate the removal of the film "Satluj" from the ZEE5 OTT platform. The film, which depicts the life of activist Jaswant Singh Khalra during Punjab's turbulent 1990s, was briefly available before being taken down, sparking criticism from political parties and Sikh bodies.

Punjab Minister: 'Very Wrong To Ban Satluj'

Punjab Minister: 'Very Wrong To Ban Satluj'

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

'Propaganda films that the BJP makes, whether it's The Kerala Story or others, are shown wherever elections occur as part of their propaganda. But real-time human rights violations... If such things don't come on a public platform, how will correction occur?'

Sonam Wangchuk released after govt revokes detention

Sonam Wangchuk released after govt revokes detention

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

The Indian government has revoked the detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who was held under the National Security Act following protests in Ladakh.

Centre to resume talks with Ladakh groups on May 22 amid statehood demand

Centre to resume talks with Ladakh groups on May 22 amid statehood demand

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has decided to convene a meeting of the sub-committee for political dialogue with representatives of agitating Ladakh groups on May 22, according to Lt Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena.

Iran execution shocks ex-athlete, sparks outrage

Iran execution shocks ex-athlete, sparks outrage

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

Former Iranian water polo player Reza Soleimani expresses devastation over the execution of wrestler Saleh Mohammadi and voices support for Iranian athletes protesting against the government.

Jadavpur University row: Students rename Kolkata after Maoist leader

Jadavpur University row: Students rename Kolkata after Maoist leader

Rediff.com1 Dec 2025

An ultra-Left students' outfit, RSF, has triggered a row by symbolically naming the venue of its state conference after Maoist leaders killed by security forces. The conference was held at Jadavpur University.

Akalis cite Rajiv convicts' release, demand freeing of Sikh prisoners

Akalis cite Rajiv convicts' release, demand freeing of Sikh prisoners

Rediff.com14 Nov 2022

'Prime Minister Narendra Modi had given a commitment to the Sikh community on the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev in 2019 that the sentence of all Sikh detainees serving life sentences would be commuted and that the death sentence of Bhai Rajoana would be commuted to life.'

Oli's exit plunges Nepal back into political uncertainty

Oli's exit plunges Nepal back into political uncertainty

Rediff.com9 Sep 2025

A profile of veteran Nepali politician K P Sharma Oli, detailing his rise to power, his various stints as prime minister, and his impact on Nepal's political landscape.

India slams UN report linking Pahalgam attack to Myanmar refugees

India slams UN report linking Pahalgam attack to Myanmar refugees

Rediff.com30 Oct 2025

India has strongly rejected a UN expert's report claiming that Myanmar refugees in India faced pressure after the Pahalgam terror attack, calling the analysis biased and unfounded.

Pak's 27th Amendment seeks to clip SC powers, triggers protest calls

Pak's 27th Amendment seeks to clip SC powers, triggers protest calls

Rediff.com9 Nov 2025

It also aims to reduce the powers of the Supreme Court, with some authorities shifted to the proposed Constitutional Court, and immunity to the president from criminal proceedings for life.

SC rejects SGPC plea on Ram Rahim's temporary release

SC rejects SGPC plea on Ram Rahim's temporary release

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

The Supreme Court has refused to hear a plea by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) challenging the temporary release of Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh. The court noted that Singh's counsel objected to the maintainability of the PIL before the high court, which was disposed of on the ground that it was filed against a single person, Singh. The bench said it was not inclined to consider the present petition. Singh is serving a 20-year jail term for raping two of his disciples.

'Never Imagined Meeting Hardened Criminals'

'Never Imagined Meeting Hardened Criminals'

Rediff.com6 Feb 2025

'We have been fighting to treat political prisoners differently.' 'Except for Hyderabad and Kolkata, the concept of keeping political prisoners separate doesn't exist in India.'

The Train Action That Inspired Bhagat Singh

The Train Action That Inspired Bhagat Singh

Rediff.com11 Aug 2025

One hundred years ago, a group of 10 revolutionaries carried out an operation that shook the British Empire. Utkarsh Mishra revisits the 'Kakori Conspiracy Case', a turning point in the armed struggle for independence.

Azizul Haque, towering leader of Naxalbari uprising, dies at 83

Azizul Haque, towering leader of Naxalbari uprising, dies at 83

Rediff.com21 Jul 2025

Azizul Haque, a prominent figure in India's Naxalite movement, has died at the age of 83. His passing marks the end of an era in Bengal's radical Left history.

Trump-Netanyahu announce Gaza peace plan, await Hamas nod

Trump-Netanyahu announce Gaza peace plan, await Hamas nod

Rediff.com30 Sep 2025

The peace plan included that Gaza will be a deradicalised, terror-free zone that does not pose a threat to its neighbours and will be redeveloped for the benefit of the people of Gaza. The peace plan stated that if both sides agree to this proposal, the war will immediately end. Israeli forces will withdraw to the agreed upon line to prepare for hostage release.

'After Quit India, There Could Be No Retreat'

'After Quit India, There Could Be No Retreat'

Rediff.com9 Aug 2025

On the 83rd anniversary of the Quit India movement, Utkarsh Mishra recalls the conditions under which the Congress, led by Mahatma Gandhi, launched the final struggle for independence.

Convict in Anna university sexual assault case gets 30-year jail term

Convict in Anna university sexual assault case gets 30-year jail term

Rediff.com2 Jun 2025

Mahila court judge M Rajalakshmi, who convicted Gnanasekaran on May 28, awarded sentences in respect of each 11 charges proved by the prosecution against him. The sentences run concurrently, the judge added.

The Lady Doctor Taking On The Pakistan State

The Lady Doctor Taking On The Pakistan State

Rediff.com28 Mar 2025

'The Pakistani government's growing fear of Dr Mahrang's rising popularity is evident.' 'Her defiance is inspiring.'

Life term for 10 in Periya twin murder case; CPM ex-MLA gets 5-year jail

Life term for 10 in Periya twin murder case; CPM ex-MLA gets 5-year jail

Rediff.com4 Jan 2025

A CBI court in Kerala sentenced 10 individuals to life imprisonment for the murder of two Youth Congress workers in 2019. Four others, including a former CPI(M) MLA, received five years in prison. The court found the accused guilty of murder and criminal conspiracy, citing political rivalry as the motive. The case involved the deaths of Kripesh and Sarath Lal P K, who were allegedly killed by CPI(M) workers in Kasaragod district. The verdict sparked reactions from both the Congress and CPI(M), with the Congress calling it a blow to the CPI(M)'s violent political culture and the CPI(M) challenging the verdict and claiming political motives in the CBI investigation.

Delhi LG okays Arundhati's Roy's prosecution in 'provocative speech' case

Delhi LG okays Arundhati's Roy's prosecution in 'provocative speech' case

Rediff.com10 Oct 2023

Delhi Lt Governor V K Saxena has accorded sanction for the prosecution of author Arundhati Roy and a former Kashmiri professor in a 2010 case related to alleged provocative speeches, Raj Niwas officials said on Tuesday.

Maoist conspiracy case: NIA raids 62 places in Andhra, Telangana

Maoist conspiracy case: NIA raids 62 places in Andhra, Telangana

Rediff.com2 Oct 2023

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Monday arrested a top Maoist leader as it carried out raids at 62 locations across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana in the Communist Party of India-Maoist conspiracy case, an official said.

'No political pressure': TN Congress disagrees with Stalin on freeing Rajiv case convicts

'No political pressure': TN Congress disagrees with Stalin on freeing Rajiv case convicts

Rediff.com21 May 2021

The Tamil Nadu Congress Committee on Friday said it does not agree with Chief Minister MK Stalin demanding the Centre to set free the seven Rajiv Gandhi assassination case life convicts and denounced what it called 'political pressure.'

Prominent separatist leader dies of Covid in Jammu jail

Prominent separatist leader dies of Covid in Jammu jail

Rediff.com6 May 2021

The body of Sehrai, 77, was handed over to his family on Wednesday evening and taken in a police escort to Kupwara in north Kashmir, at least 350 km from Jammu, where he would be buried at his ancestral graveyard in accordance with the COVID-19 guidelines.

Peace Nobel for jailed women's rights activist of Iran

Peace Nobel for jailed women's rights activist of Iran

Rediff.com6 Oct 2023

Jailed Iranian activist Narges Mohammadi has been awarded the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize for her fight against the oppression of women in Iran and her fight to promote human rights and freedom for all.

TN police release Raj Bhavan petrol bomb attack video, say no security lapse

TN police release Raj Bhavan petrol bomb attack video, say no security lapse

Rediff.com27 Oct 2023

Rathore, pointing to visuals said the accused was alone and he did not attempt to enter the Raj Bhavan's main gate; he continued to be on the opposite side of the road which had a median.

Perarivalan plays 'Parai' on his release, meets Stalin

Perarivalan plays 'Parai' on his release, meets Stalin

Rediff.com18 May 2022

Rajiv Gandhi assassination case convict A G Perarivalan on Wednesday celebrated the Supreme Court verdict directing his release by playing the Tamil percussion instrument 'Parai' and now wants to breathe the air of freedom before thinking about his future, as the apex court ruling put an end to his three-decade prison term.

Oppn targets Govt over reports to release 800 more separatists

Oppn targets Govt over reports to release 800 more separatists

Rediff.com10 Mar 2015

Oppn parties took on the government over reports that the J&K government was planning to release 800 more separatists.

Assam: Tibetan refugees take out candle light protest march

Assam: Tibetan refugees take out candle light protest march

Rediff.com10 Dec 2012

On the occasion of World Human Rights Day, Tibetan refugees in the northeast under the banner of Tibetan Solidarity Committee, North East India today took out a candle light procession and staged protest here calling for sustained help from the global community to end the spree self-immolation protest in Tibet by giving genuine autonomy to Tibetans.

'Will withdraw cases against Singur protestors'

'Will withdraw cases against Singur protestors'

Rediff.com21 Jul 2011

After deciding to release 52 political prisoners, the West Bengal government will now withdraw cases filed by the Left Front regime against those who took part in Singur and Nandigram movements, and at Netai, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced on Thursday.

SAR Geelani's CRPP a Maoist front: Government

SAR Geelani's CRPP a Maoist front: Government

Rediff.com7 Dec 2011

The reference to CRPP as a Maoist front organisation came in a written reply in Rajya Sabha by Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for Home Affairs.

'The 36 days in jail made Varavara Rao a star'

'The 36 days in jail made Varavara Rao a star'

Rediff.com1 Nov 2023

'I asked him why were he and other writers being targeted.' 'I saw his point of view, that he and others being writers, their work was popular and well-appreciated by people, especially the youth.' 'This made the State fear them.'

Exclusive! How China released Indian troops after the 1962 War

Exclusive! How China released Indian troops after the 1962 War

Rediff.com6 Dec 2019

'All PoWs recounted that one of the worst aspects of their captivity in Tibet was the constant attempt at brainwashing by Chinese Communist propaganda,' reveals Claude Arpi.

'I was repeatedly told we would lose the battle'

'I was repeatedly told we would lose the battle'

Rediff.com11 Jan 2024

'The state of Gujarat was to my mind 'partisan and over enthusiastic' in the way it dealt with remission applications.'

In The Times Of Usha Mehta And Savarkar

In The Times Of Usha Mehta And Savarkar

Rediff.com22 Mar 2024

As Ae Watan Mere Watan and Swatantra Veer Savarkar release this week, Utkarsh Mishra takes us down history and reminds us about India's freedom struggle.

In search for revival in Punjab, Akali Dal rediscovers its Sikh roots

In search for revival in Punjab, Akali Dal rediscovers its Sikh roots

Rediff.com16 May 2022

There are clear signs that the party is re-starting its journey to relevance by going back to its core Panthic agenda, on the basis of which it was founded over a century ago, reports Sai Manish.

Action-packed 2021 for Indian politics

Action-packed 2021 for Indian politics

Rediff.com4 Jan 2021

It will be the year of preparation for the electoral test in Uttar Pradesh, due in 2022. But before that, the West Bengal Assembly election will set the mood for the rest of 2021.

TN politics turns Stalin-centric in election year

TN politics turns Stalin-centric in election year

Rediff.com6 Jan 2021

From Chief Minister EK Palaniswami to Seeman to TTV Dhinakaran to elder brother M K Azhagiri, everyone's favourite target these days seems to the DMK chief Stalin, which is good news in an election year, but that doesn't mean he is going to sweep the polls, says N Sathiya Moorthy.

Why BJP And SAD Need Each Other For 2024

Why BJP And SAD Need Each Other For 2024

Rediff.com18 Jul 2023

For Sikhs, they say, honour is the bottom line; and whatever the state of the SAD's political fortunes today, arrogance will not be helpful in the negotiation.

Imran Khan's party says they've been denied access to him

Imran Khan's party says they've been denied access to him

Rediff.com6 Aug 2023

Khan, 70, was arrested from his home in Lahore on Saturday shortly after an Islamabad trial court found him guilty of 'corrupt practices' in the Toshakhana corruption case and sentenced him to three-year imprisonment.