The Campaign Against State Repression (CASR), an organization working for the rights of political prisoners, has expressed deep concern over the rapidly deteriorating health of E. Abubacker, former chairman of the Popular Front of India (PFI). The group has demanded his immediate release on humanitarian and medical grounds.

According to a press statement issued by CASR, the 72-year-old retired teacher, journalist and social activist has been lodged in jail as an undertrial prisoner for the past three years and six months under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). During this period, his health has continued to deteriorate, and in recent days his condition has reportedly become extremely critical.

The statement said that Abubacker is currently suffering from a severe chest infection accompanied by persistent coughing. In addition, his blood pressure and blood sugar levels have been fluctuating dangerously. Reports also indicate that the oxygen level in his blood has dropped, further heightening concerns about his condition.

Due to these medical complications, prison authorities have admitted him for treatment at Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital in Delhi. However, the organization said that keeping an elderly prisoner behind bars even in such a critical condition reflects serious disregard for humanitarian values and the rights of political prisoners.

The statement further noted that Abubacker has long been battling several serious illnesses, including Parkinson’s disease, Diabetes, Hypertension, and severe vision impairment. In 2020, he was also diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer known as Gastroesophageal Junction Adenocarcinoma, for which he underwent chemotherapy and surgery. His current condition, the statement said, requires constant medical supervision even for routine daily activities.

CASR said Abubacker’s case reminds many of political prisoners who died in custody due to lack of adequate medical care. The statement cited the cases of Stan Swamy, Pandu Narote, G. N. Saibaba, and Kanchan Nanaware, noting that their deaths had raised serious questions about medical neglect in custody.

The organization has appealed to civil rights groups, democratic organizations, human rights activists, lawyers, intellectuals and concerned citizens across the country to unite and raise their voices for Abubacker’s release and proper medical care so that “history does not repeat itself.”

In its demands, CASR called for:

1.Immediate release of E. Abubacker on humanitarian and medical grounds.

2.Provision of proper and timely medical treatment without delay.

3.Ensuring protection of the right to life and dignity of all political prisoners.

Member organizations participating in the campaign include AIRSO, APCR, ASA, BASF, BSM, Bhim Army, BSCEM, CEM, Collective, CRPP, CSM, CTF, DISSC, DSU, DTF, Forum Against Repression Telangana, Fraternity, IAPL, Innocence Network, Karnataka Janashakti, LAA, Mazdoor Adhikar Sangathan, Mazdoor Patrika, NAPM, Nazariya, Nishant Natya Manch, Nauroz, NTUI, People’s Watch, Rihai Manch, Samajwadi Jan Parishad, Samajwadi Lok Manch, Bahujan Samajwadi Manch, United Peace Alliance, WSS and Y-for-S, among several others.

CASR warned that if timely humanitarian intervention is not made, the case could once again spark a serious national debate on custodial deaths and the rights of political prisoners in India.