Amnesty International India reacts to the charges against them. Amnesty says they had taken all requisite permission to hold the event. "organising the event to defend Constitutional values is being branded anti- national and anti-India. The FIR against Amnesty does not name anyone in particular, but it is difficult to speak freely due to fear of Hindutva groups. We had taken all the requisite permission to hold the event," Amnesty Executive Director said.

The Bengaluru police registered a first information report against Amnesty International India on Monday under various Indian Penal Code sections, including sedition, in connection with alleged raising of independence slogans by pro-freedom Kashmiris who entered into heated arguments with a Kashmiri Pandit leader for hailing the Indian Army.

The FIR has been registered under IPC Sections 142 (being member of an unlawful assembly), 143 (whoever is a member of an unlawful assembly), 147 (rioting), 124A (sedition), 153A (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc., and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony), the police said.

A panel discussion on Saturday had turned chaotic as some pro-freedom Kashmiris, most of whom were youngsters and students, entered into heated arguments with a Kashmiri Pandit leader for hailing the Indian Army.

The event was organised by Amnesty International India at United Theological College in Bengaluru.

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara had on Sunday said the intention and background of those involved will be investigated.


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