Washington, DC - Kailash Satyarthi, RUGMARK founder and long time anti-child labor advocate, was attacked last night during a raid of The Great Roman Circus in Colonelganj, District Gonda India. Kailash, along with his son, a female photojournalist, and several other participants were beaten with iron rods, knives, and guns by the circus owner and his gang after they were tipped off by the local magistrate. Kailash and his team were acting on information that hundreds of children were being exploited by the circus. The injured parties were immediately transferred to the capitol, Lucknow, for medical treatment and are in stable condition.

In this critical hour we urge friends to take action, by demanding that the Government of India punish the culprits and provide security to Mr. Satyarth. Please contact the following officials, including the Prime Minister, and emphasize the seriousness of the matter and the need to provide Mr. Satyarthi with 24-hour security at least until he is discharged from the hospital. The threat against him is grave. Several of the children who were to be rescued are still held in captivity at the circus and authorities must work for their release.

Please also ask the Indian government and the provincial government of Uttar Pradesh to take strict action against the local district authorities for their apathetic conduct and their collaboration with the circus owner. Contacts follow:

1. Dr. A.P.J.Abdul Kalam
Hon'ble President of India
Rashtrapati Bhawan
New Delhi
Fax. 91-11-23017290 & 23017824

2. Dr. Manmohan Singh
Hon'ble Prime Minister
Government of India
South Block
New Delhi-110001
Ph: 91 11 23012312, 23018939
Fax: 91 11 23016857

3. Mr. Shivraj Patil
Hon'ble Home Minister
Government of India
North Block
New Delhi-110001
Fax 91 11 23794843

4. Chief Secretary, Government of Uttar Pradesh Fax. 91-522-22239283

5. Principal Secretary, Home, Government of Uttar Pradesh Fax. 91-522-2239279

6. Chief Minister, Government of Uttar Pradesh Fax. 91-522-2239234, 2230002

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