Parliament Protest: Haryana Mahapanchayat Demands Accused Neelam's Release, Warns Centre Of 'Big Move'

A Mahapanchayat was organised in Haryana's Jind demanding the release of one of the accused, Neelam, in the Parliament security breach case.

Visual from the site showing people raising their hands in support of Neelam's release

Source : X/@PTI

Following the arrest of five out of six accused in the Parliament security breach case, a Mahapanchayat was organised in Haryana's Jind on Thursday to demand the release of Neelam, one of the accused. People could be seen sitting on the road and raising their hands to show support for Neelam's release. They also demanded that the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act levelled against her be dropped, failing which they would do something "big".

A person present at the Mahapanchayat said, "We want Neelam's release, and these serious UAPA charges against her to be dropped. If the Government fails to fulfill our demands then after consulting with the farmers' organisations and social service groups across Haryana, we will take a big decision."

News agency PTI shared the visuals from the site.

VIDEO | A mahapanchayat was organised in Haryana's Jind today, demanding the release of Neelam, one of the four accused in the Parliament security breach case.

Neelam, a resident of Jind, was staying in Hisar where she was preparing for civil services entrance exams. pic.twitter.com/blJG2tViJT

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 14, 2023

Who Is Neelam & What Did She Do?

Neelam, who is in her late 30s, is a resident of Haryana's Jind. She was staying in Hisar where she was preparing for civil services entrance exams. She has done MA, B.Ed, M.Ed, CTET, M.Phil and also cleared NET, PTI reported, citing a police officer. 

Neelam, along with five others, breached the security of Parliament on Wednesday, December 13, which happened to be the 22nd anniversary of the 2001 Parliament Attack. Two of the accused entered the Lok Sabha chamber carrying gas canisters. The other two accused, including Neelam, stood outside Parliament and ignited a coloured smoke candle as a sign of protest. Soon after, she was nabbed by the security forces present there.

While being taken away, she could be heard saying: "The Indian government is subjecting us to oppression. When we raise our voices for our rights, we are beaten and thrown in jail. We are subjected to undue force. We do not belong to any organisation. We are students and we are unemployed. Our parents work as labourers, and farmers and some are small shopkeepers. An attempt is being made to suppress our voices. Dictatorship will not work." 

After the arrest of the accused, the Delhi Police filed a case against them under the anti-terror law, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) at the Parliament Street police station. According to news agency ANI, the police have also invoked Sections 120-B (criminal conspiracy), 452 (trespassing), Section 153 (provocating with an intent to cause riot), 186 (obstructing public servant in discharge of public functions), 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servants from the discharge of their duty) of IPC, besides Sections 16 &18 of UAPA.