COMMUNIST Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) official Prakash Karat called today for the immediate release of a 21-year-old climate activist who was arrested on charges of sedition and criminal conspiracy on Saturday. 

Disha Ravi was detained by the Delhi cyber unit for sharing a “protest toolkit” initially posted by Greta Thunberg as advice for those supporting the national farmers’ protests.

Mr Karat took issue with the arrest of Ms Ravi, branding it “an atrocious act” by the Delhi Police.

“She is a young environmental activist and what she has done is to extend support to the farmers. The toolkit which is supposed to be forwarded on the internet is nothing but a guideline on how to mobilise support for the farmers," he said. 

"The Modi government has become paranoid. It is not willing to tolerate any activism or dissent.

“So we demand that Disha Ravi be forthwith released and the charges against her withdrawn. The Delhi Police is acting under the directions of the union home minister. Such prosecution of a young activist must immediately stop.”

Narendra Modi’s government has been rocked by months of protest against three agricultural laws that farmers insist will destroy the industry and push people into food poverty due to rising prices.