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More than 100 bonded labourers and activists marching to New Delhi
were arrested on 7 April. They are demanding the Government act
against bonded labour in Punjab.
Patiala police at Shambu Barrier, on the Punjab State border, arrested
the demonstrators. After they were released police forced them to
return to Phillaur where the march began.
Led by Dalit Dasta Virodhi Andolan (Dalit Movement Against Slavery
- DDVA) chairman Jai Singh, the march is protesting the administration's
failure to implement the law against bonded labour. Bonded labour
has been illegal since 1976 under the Bonded Labour System (Abolition)
Act. They threatened if the Government did not respond, they
would burn themselves in front of the presidential palace on 13
April.
The incident, which provoked the rally, took place on 28 March.
Landlords forced their way into the DDVA's shelter for escaped bonded
labourers where Kala Singh was seeking sanctuary. They tried to
remove him by force but were stopped by other bonded labourers and
members of staff. The police were notified, but rather than charging
the landlords with trespassing and attempted kidnap, they arrested
Kala Singh and those who were helping him. On 4 April, they were
let out on bail, but will be tried on 11 April.
The demonstrators are demanding these charges be dropped and that
those who attacked Kala Singh are arrested. On the wider issue of
ending bonded labour, they are also demanding a date be set to hear
the numerous cases of bonded labour which have been registered by
DDVA with the court.
Authorities in Punjab have repeatedly failed to release and rehabilitate
bonded labourers officially identified by DDVA. Anti-Slavery urges
the Indian Government to implement the law and protect those working
against bonded labour.
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