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The Chairmen and members of the Boards of Jananeethi and Jananeethi Institute together with the entire Jananeethi Family condemn the virulent and violent attack on Democracy and democratic institutions in Pakistan. Pakistan has been in the news a great deal during the past several months, and not without reason. Events in contemporary Pakistan deserve our full attention and highest concern. What happens in Pakistan directly affects those who believe in democracy all over the world, more especially people in India. Pakistan is a nation with 160 million people, the vast majority of whom are Muslim. A nuclear-armed country with a historical rivalry and record of armed conflict with India, Pakistan sits on the crossroads between South and Central Asia. It is a country founded with a democratic mandate and has made fitful progress toward the ideal of democratic civilian rule. Until recently, Pakistan seemed to be on a path toward civilian democratic rule. However, on November 3 the government of Pakistan implemented a state of emergency that impedes Pakistan's democratic development and transition to civilian rule and compromises its tradition of an independent judiciary. We strongly condemn the grossly deplorable political chaos and state of anarchy and human rights violations in Pakistan sponsored by its current political regime. In the name of humanity and the silent and suffering mass of Pakistan, we demand restoration of democracy and rule of law in the country with immediate effect and that all people detained illegally for political reasons are released forthwith.
Issued on this day, the 9th
day of November 2007, at Thrissur, Kerala, India.
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November 09, 2007 |