Anti-Slavery received reports that three landlords attempted to murder Indian human rights activist Jai Singh, Chairman of the People's Vigilance Committee on Bonded Child and Migrant Labour on 3 December 2000.

Jai Singh had recently returned from Chandigarh where, together with hundreds of bonded labourers, he marked India's newly declared annual No Forced Labour Day on 2 December, which shares the date with the United Nation's annual International Day for the Abolition of Slavery.

Jai Singh was accompanied by Amar Singh (no relation), who also seeks to release bonded labourers from his district. According to the reports, the landlords went to Amar Singh's house, beat him severely and threatened to kill him if he did not give them Jai Singh's home address. However, Amar Singh managed to escape and warned Jai Singh of the landlords' plan. Jai Singh then called the Phillaur police who caught and arrested the landlords, two of whom were armed with guns.

This is the fourth attack against Jai Singh. His work to free and rehabilitate bonded labourers has antagonised landlords in the area. In February this year, landlords attempted to abduct bonded labourers seeking refuge in the Punjab-based human rights organisation, Volunteers for Social Justice, headed by Jai Singh.

For information on how you can help to end bonded labour in India see our Action Briefing on India in 'Campaigns'.