Arrest of Tibetans during BRICS summit shame on democracy: BJP

NEW DELHI: The preventive arrest of around 300 Tibetans during the BRICS summit here had its echo in Rajya Sabha today with BJP terming it "shame for democracy" and violation of fundamental rights of people.

Raising the issue during Zero Hour, Balbir Punj (BJP) said it was with a "heavy heart" that he had to say that Delhi Police has trampled upon the people's right to move in the name of summit.

"What is happening in these areas is a shame for democracy. Three hundred innocent people were taken to jail under preventive custody. Two persons were picked up from Press Club," Punj said adding these occurred in the country "while we shout for the rights of Palestinians and Sri Lankan Tamils."

He said that three colonies particularly of "refugees" -- Majnu Ka Tila, Buddha Vihar and Tibetan Refugee Camp -- have been turned into police camps.

"When this type of conference is being hosted, it should not become a source of punishment for citizens of Delhi. Do they have to pay penalty...peoples' fundamental right to move out has been trampled by Delhi Police...just because the head of a country is coming...just to placate him," Punj said without naming the Chinese President Hu Jintao.

Joining the issue, Birendra Prasad Baishya (AGP) raised the issue of discrimination faced by the people hailing from the North Eastern region particularly from Manipur in Delhi.