The Hindu Students' Council believes that the circumstances surrounding the arrest of Mr Ishmael are extremely worrying and cannot be supported in any way whatsoever. His call was to shutdown the country as a stand against crime, not to incite crime and he is merely exercising his democratic rights. It seems that the independence of the police service is being compromised.

Also worrying is the fact that the State had moved previously to muzzle Mr Ishmael by cancelling his current affairs talk programme on the Islamic Broadcasting Network.

We condemn these moves, for they seem to erode the basic fundamental rights of our citizens to express themselves on issues that are of concern to them.

As a youth organisation, the Hindu Students' Council shows concern over the present state of the nation and, regardless of religion, class or creed, the members of the HSC share solidarity with the national community over issues which affect it.

Revan Teelucksingh,
HSC Committee Member