Mumbai: Concerned about the recent spate of violent attacks targeting Muslims, a group of Mumbai citizens have organised a protest march in the city on Wednesday evening.
The protest originates in the #NotInMyName campaign that started off in Delhi. In the latest such tragic incident of religion-related violence, a Muslim teenager, Hafiz Junaid, was stabbed to death in a Delhi-Mathura train as he headed home to Ballabhgarh for Eid. Filmmaker Saba Dewan wrote a social media post raging against the mob attacks and lynchings, and calling for a protest at the capital’s Jantar Mantar.
Ms. Dewan’s post has since gone viral, and has spawned similar protests in seven other Indian cities — Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Lucknow, Thiruvananthapuram and Patna — as well as two abroad, in London and Toronto. There are further protests planned in Chennai and Mumbai.
In Mumbai on Wednesday, writer Arpita Chatterjee and friends have organised their march along the Carter Road Promenade in Bandra at 5 p.m. While the march is not affiliated with the ones in other cities, the organisers call it a citizens march open to all willing and trying to address the issue.
“Online campaigns and protests have been taking over and spreading awareness in other metro cities,” Ms. Chatterjee said. “Mumbai should support and contribute as much as it can to such a cause. Such unfortunate events lead to the citizens’ losing their constitutional rights. The citizens are struck with anger and grief at the same time. This shall not be tolerated. We are normal citizens, fighting against mob lynches and regaining our rights. This event marks Mumbai trying to voice its solidarity with the nationwide protest.”
Actor Danish Hussain, a supporter of the protest, described the violence as a bigotry in the name of religion. “None of us want to live in a country where our rights are being compromised on account of mob religion,” he said. “Such are the fateful events that shape the fate of the country. We as proud citizens, should chip in as much as we can to the campaign. These events ignite spirit in citizens and spark the feeling of oneness among the nation.” Actor Ranvir Shorey said, “I stand in solidarity with everyone, supporting #NotInMyName. We, as citizens, have to stand unanimously and demand that the people in power draw light towards the problem. Sitting in peace is no solution.”
Ms. Chatterjee expects a supportive turnout for the march. “All of us shall gather to reclaim our rights and shout out against such unjust activities. Such events cannot be tolerated in the name of religion. Anyone and everyone supporting the rally is welcome. Hundreds will be on streets with posters and slogans supporting an unjust mishap. Hundreds will be on streets with posters and slogans protesting.”
