“Ram was an astute human rights activist, research and writer campaigning for democracy and human rights against state brutality on the innocent citizens since 1975. He was imprisoned for 19 months for his vocal opposition to Indira Gandhi‘s emergency regime,” NPMHR stated in a message today. The NPMHR said Ram’s work, being an author, for justice and accountability in Punjab is widely recognized.
“Ram is best known to Nagas for his work with Laxmi Murthy, ‘Four Years of the Ceasefire Agreement between the Government of India and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim: Promises and Pitfalls, (New Delhi: Other Media Communications, 2002)’ which was an outcome of civil society engagement in peoples to peoples dialogues between the Nagas and people of India,” the NPMHR mentioned.
NPMHR’s last contact was during his visit to Nagaland in line with research work on the issue of impunity and the Armed Forces Special Powers Act.
“We pay our sincere respect to a great soul who has linked our struggles together with his and the rest of world oppressed, in our common search for dignity, justice and peace. NPMHR on behalf of the Naga people and rest of the struggling communities in this part of the world salutes Ram, our comrade, who indeed was a partner to our struggles, a profoundly compassionate human sharing our common thread of humanity and a gifted channel of communication for the voiceless people’s call for peace and justice,” NPMHR said.
The organization shares in the grief of all of Ram have bereaved family, friends and colleagues at this time of loss. “We pray for his soul for to receive abundant peace and join all human rights defenders across the world during this period of mourning,” the message read.