TanmanjeetSingh Dhesi, British Labour Party MP on Wednesday expressed concern over thearrest of labour rights activist Nodeep Kaur over the farmers' agitation,saying the abuse of peaceful protest activists, especially women, is an affrontto democracy and civilised society.
"Alarmedto learn of sexual assault and torture allegations in police custody of Punjabitrade unionist Nodeep Kaur, who after four weeks hasn't even been grantedbail," Dhesi tweeted.
Headded, "Abuse of peaceful farmers protest activists, especially women, isan affront to democracy and civilised society."
Earlier,Punjab-origin politician Dhesi had sent a letter, signed by over 100 MPs andLords, to UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on the ongoing farmers' protests,asking him to raise this matter with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi whenthey next liaise.
OnMonday, the Punjab State Commission for Scheduled Castes asked the AdditionalChief Secretary (Home) to ensure relief for Nodeep Kaur. TheCommission also sought a report by February 23. It said it has taken suo motunotice of the issue since the woman is a resident of the state.
Background
NodeepKaur, 23, was arrested on January 12 during the farmers' protest at Kundli inHaryana. Nodeep's case came to the fore as US Vice President Kamala Harris'niece Meena Harris claimed in a tweet that she was "tortured and sexuallyassaulted" in police custody. However, the police said she was facingserious criminal cases.