On the occasion of International Women’s Day, the Campaign Against State Repression (CASR) expressed deep concern over the situation of women political prisoners in India who have been held for extended periods under stringent laws such as the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

The organization demanded the immediate release of these women, ensuring their access to healthcare and an end to unlawful arrests and political repression. CASR warned that many of these women have been imprisoned for years without trial, violating the fundamental principle of justice that “a person is innocent until proven guilty.”

Health Crisis in Prison

Kashmiri women activists Syeda Asiya Andrabi, Sofi Fahmida, and Nahida Nasreen have been in custody since 2018. According to their families, they have not been provided with essential medicines, putting their health at serious risk.

Syeda Asiya Andrabi suffers from diabetes, asthma, and arthritis, while Sofi Fahmida and Nahida Nasreen are also dealing with multiple health complications. CASR stated that this is a clear indication that UAPA is being misused to suppress political dissent and human rights activism.

List of Prisoners and Duration of Detention

CASR shared the names of women who have been in jail for extended periods:

Syeda Asiya Andrabi – 8 years

Sofi Fahmida – 8 years

Nahida Nasreen – 8 years

Advocate Bellala Padma – 2 years 9 months (under trial)

Binda Sona – 2 years (under trial)

Prabha – 2 years 6 months (under trial)

Sunita Potam – 1 year 9 months (under trial)

And several other women prisoners

CASR noted that these women mostly come from tribal and rural backgrounds and have been actively working for women’s rights, land rights, and social justice.

CASR’s Four Key Demands

1.Immediate release of all women political prisoners detained under UAPA and other stringent laws.

2.Adequate and prompt medical care for all prisoners.

3.An end to the legal suppression of dissent and democratic activities.

4.Fast, fair, and transparent judicial processes in all cases.

CASR appealed to democratic institutions, women’s organizations, and citizens to raise their voices in defense of these women’s rights and dignity.

The organization said, “The message on International Women’s Day should be clear: all women political prisoners must be released immediately, the misuse of UAPA must stop, and democratic rights must be protected.”