Over 500 organizations to commemorate Gauri Lankesh on Sept 5, mark third anniversary of her murder
'If We Do Not Rise' campaign to protest against injustice, attacks on Constitutional rights
Bengaluru: Over 500 organizations that include women’s groups, civil rights organizations, and others from across the country will come together and launch a national campaign to commemorate slain journalist Gauri Lankesh on September 5, which marks the third anniversary of her murder.
The campaign will be launched against injustice and targeted attacks on people’s constitutional rights. The campaign has been named ‘Hum Agar Uthe Nahin Toh (If We Do Not Rise). The launch of the campaign was announced in a press conference on August 27, where activists and representatives of several organizations added that it would include both ground and online protests.
“The growth of fascist and neo-liberal forces in the country, and the resulting rise in violence in society, has deeply impacted the lives of women and members of the LGBTQIA communities. Attacks on religious minorities have created an atmosphere of fear and insecurity” the organizers of the campaign stated in a press release.
In the press release, the organizers also added that in the wake of anti-CAA protests and subsequent riots in Delhi, instead of arresting leaders who made hate speeches inciting violence, women, and people who worked for the unity and peace were being arrested and incarcerated.
“These are urgent times so we have to come together and protect India’s Constitution and democracy,” said Kavita Krishnan, secretary of the All India Progressive Women’s Association and CPI-ML senior leader.
“The government is moving fast to change the India we know. If we look at the National Education Policy, it is bringing graded inequality,” Krishnan added.
“There have been moves to dilute laws to protect women in the name of mitigating COVID-19 revealing the anti-women attitude of the regime,” the organizers stated.
Speakers observed that women and queers had been at the forefront of the movement to protect the Constitution of India. This campaign too was an initiative to safeguard constitutional principles and values.
The program will circulate videos on various issues and conduct live sessions on social media, exhibit artwork online, and also submit citizens’ memoranda to local authorities on the issues faced by the people of the country.
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Violence during Ram Navami rally in Murshidabad; Muslim shops vandalised, several injured
Murshidabad: Violence broke out during a Ram Navami procession in Raghunathganj area of Jangipur subdivision, where around 40 shops were reportedly vandalised and several set on fire, raising concerns over law and order ahead of the Assembly elections.
The incident took place in Fultala locality, a predominantly Muslim residential area near the Jangipur subdivisional hospital. According to sources, tension began when a Ram Navami procession passed near a mosque while Friday prayers were underway.
Objections raised by those offering prayers reportedly led to a verbal altercation. The situation escalated as the procession moved towards Fultala crossing.
Eyewitnesses alleged that members of the mob climbed onto rooftops of nearby houses, hoisted saffron flags, damaged shops and assaulted residents. Several commercial establishments, including small shops and food outlets, were reportedly targeted.
The site of the incident is located close to the Raghunathganj police station. Residents claimed that the violence continued for some time despite the presence of police and central forces, alleging delayed intervention. Police later resorted to a lathicharge to disperse the crowd.
Among those injured was Abul Sheikh, a 30-year-old employee of Jangipur municipality, who sustained head injuries. He alleged that he was attacked while passing through the area on his motorcycle, which was also damaged and set on fire.
BJP Jangipur president Subal Chandra Ghosh said the situation arose after the procession was allegedly obstructed. He stated that participants reacted by pelting stones, leading to clashes in which people from both sides were injured.
Superintendent of Police of Jangipur police district, Surinder Singh, said police reached the spot and brought the situation under control. He said an investigation has been initiated with the involvement of both state police and central forces. No arrests had been made so far, and search operations are underway, he added.
Jangipur MLA Zakir Hossain alleged that the incident was an attempt to create communal tension ahead of elections and demanded immediate action against those responsible.
