Guwahati: Fr. Stan Swamy, SJ known for his relentless activism for the dalits, tribals and other ethnic groups in India, particularly the adivasi people in Jharkhand, over the past three decades died as an under-trial prisoner. The death of this priest continues to grip the individual and collective sense of conscience, rule of law and democratic ethos of India.
The North-East India Regional Bishops Council (NEIRBC) organised a memorial service at Guwahati on 6th July. A press statement released by Fr. G.P.Amalraj, the deputy secretary of NEIRBC, during the programme stated, “It is with immense pain that we learned the death of Fr. Stan while he was still under detention. We fail to understand why an 84-year-old old social worker greatly weakened by aliments could not get bail for a case in which he claimed absolute innocence. Aside from the pain, it has caused to the poor tribal people on whose behalf he laboured, it has shaken the confidence of society in our justice administrative system and tarnished the image of the country at the international level.”
Dwelling further, the statement continued, “We pray for Fr. Stan Swamy and his close relatives. May his innocence be established, may more and more youth and people come forward to dedicate their lives for the poor and the marginalised.”
A memorial service was organised and attended by several Church and community leaders from the region representing NEIRBC, Asom Nagarik Samaj (ANS) and Assam Christian Forum (ACF). While offering floral tributes and prayers for Fr. Stan, the leaders from various walks of life expressed hope that the death of Stan will give impetus to the issues of the poor and the marginalised.
Fr. Stan has been empowering the tribal people by creating awareness about their rights over their land and resources and advocating for their welfare and development, such causes are to be upheld.
Archbishop John Moolachira, Archbishop Thomas Menamparambil, Paresh Malakar, Amrit Kumar Goldsmith, Fr. Vijay D’Souza SJ, Fr. Owen SJ, Milton Quea, Rev.Abhishek P John, Allen Brooks, Fr. Joby, Fr. Joseph Teron SDB and several others spoke about the rich legacy and exemplary life of Fr.Stan.
It is unheard that despite the relentless legal battle, despite thousands of appeals and protests by many civil society organisations, prominent leaders of the nation demanding justice and release of Fr. Stan Swamy and other human rights defenders went unanswered, certainly a scar on our country.
