Protesting against the killing of a migrant labourer from West Bengal in Rajasthan, several organisations like the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union (JNSUSU), All India Students Association (AISA) and the All India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU), came together on Saturday, demanding immediate action against the accused.
Amidst heavy sloganeering against the BJP government and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), outside Bikaner House, protestors demanded the immediate resignation of Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhra Raje.
“Communal killings and vicious attacks on minorities have become a regular phenomenon in Rajasthan and the entire State machinery is time and again used to shamelessly defend the murderers accused in lynching. AISA demands that all the perpetrators be immediately booked,” the AISA said in a statement.
“It is important that we do not forget names like Pehlu Khan, Junaid, Afrazul and so many others. Today, it is important to ask how we can convert these protests into a movement. Everyone just seems to be wanting Muslim votes, but don’t seem ready to raise issues pertaining to them,” said student leader Umar Khalid.
Several protestors also gathered at Connaught Place and formed a human chain to protest against the killings.
Highlighting the importance of safeguarding the constitution and secularism in the country, Ovais Sultan Khan, from ANHAD said, “It is time for all to protest in our individual capacities as well. It is important to understand that invisibilisation of Muslims won’t help at this point of time.”
“The incident that took place in Rajasthan is shameful. Repeatedly we are forced to gather here due to the number of killings that are taking place. We demand proper investigation into all these matters” said Kawalpreet Kaur, president of AISA in Delhi University.
“This hatred has penetrated the roots of the country. Earlier, killers hid their identities but now people like Shambhu Lal are publicly declaring their crimes via such videos. We have to raise our voices against injustice. If we have to exist, we must resist these communal fascist forces,” said Banojyotsna Lahiri from United Against Hate.
