July 11, 2024
2 mins read

US lawmakers push India for probe into Stan Swamy’s death

According to the resolution, Father Stan played a key role in the Pathalgadi movement, a significant Adivasi movement in contemporary India….reports Asian Lite News

Three American lawmakers have introduced a resolution in the US House of Representatives, urging India to conduct an independent investigation into the arrest, incarceration, and death of human rights activist Father Stan Swamy, who died in custody on July 5, 2021.

The resolution, introduced by Congressman Juan Vargas along with lawmakers Jim McGovern and Andre Carson, expresses concern over the alleged misuse of anti-terror laws to target human rights defenders and political opponents.

The resolution also commends a recent ruling by the Supreme Court of India to suspend a controversial colonial-era sedition law and urges India’s Parliament to make this suspension permanent.

It emphasizes that freedom of expression is a fundamental human right as enshrined in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948.

“Father Stan dedicated his life to giving a voice to the voiceless. He was a tireless advocate for the rights of the indigenous Adivasi people, trained young community leaders, and worked for justice for many communities in India,” said Vargas.

“As a former Jesuit, I am horrified that Father Stan faced relentless abuse and was denied medical care while in custody. I introduced this resolution to ensure that Father Stan and his lifelong commitment to the greater good are never forgotten.”

Father Stanislaus Lourduswamy, known as Father Stan, was born on April 26, 1937, in Viragalur, a village in the Tiruchirappalli district of Tamil Nadu, India. Inspired by Jesuit priests from an early age, he began studying theology in 1957.

According to the resolution, Father Stan played a key role in the Pathalgadi movement, a significant Adivasi movement in contemporary India. This movement used Adivasi stone carving traditions to spread information among Adivasi communities about their constitutional rights.

“During his decades in Jharkhand, Father Stan advocated for and raised awareness about the implementation of provisions of the Indian Constitution, such as the Panchayat (Extension to Scheduled Areas) or PESA Act, which instituted self-governance for people living in Adivasi lands,” the resolution stated.

ALSO READ: PM Modi Seeks Austrian Investments

Previous Story

Seven states see varied turnout in 13 assembly bypolls

Next Story

Envoys of Quad nations hold meeting in Beijing

Latest from -Top News

Kerala CM Vijayan Begins Gulf Tour

Vijayan’s Middle East tour underwent a revision after the Ministry of External Affairs declined permission for his planned visit to Saudi Arabia….reports Asian Lite News Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan arrived in

UK and Uganda Sow Seeds of New Agro Alliance

UK and Uganda strengthen agricultural ties through new agro-industrialisation drive…reports Asian Lite News The first UK-Uganda Agro-Industrialisation Forum was held on 27 August 2025, bringing together representatives from both governments, farmers, businesses

UK: Nod for clean energy to power 7.5 mn homes

Seventeenth major clean energy project since July 2024 approved, set to power hundreds of thousands of homes and support more than a thousand jobs as UK pushes toward energy independence…reports Asian Lite
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Modi, Macron Launch India-France AI Roadmap   

The two leaders stressed the urgent need for reforming UNSC

US military says Gaza Strip pier project is completed

Military leaders have said the deliveries of aid will begin