Lubna Anjum, I, Mass Communication, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi
The cases of Umar Khalid being shot while attending an event near ICC and that of Abhimanyu M, SFI leader in Maharaja College in Ernakulum, who was stabbed to death, raise the question of freedom of speech. The government should wake up and take care of students’ right to be able to speak and be heard, by making stronger amendments for protection and relief. Moreover, the media should play an active role in creating a peaceful environment, rather than fulfilling propagandist desires.
Rishi Mohan, II, B.A. Hons, Political Science, Lucknow University
The government can legislate over students’ rights, which clearly define rights and restrictions of students across the nation. Universities need to have authority to investigate and check on-campus negative activism. There can be specially-designed grievance cells in the campus for quick help. The negative notion of society towards student political activities must change. Students also need to participate in constructive political debates and provide positive peaceful solutions to problematic political issues of the country, to avoid violence.
Asmita Bhattacharya, I, M.A. English literature, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi
Everybody is entitled to their opinion. However, students also learn to face the consequences of how they choose to word it, on a public forum. We must take responsibility for trying not to disrupt the country’s democratic space. It is easy to blame the government, but, we forget that we make the country what it is. This violence is first our failure in trying to maintain peace as citizens, and next, the failure of the government in trying to maintain law and order.
Isha Gautam, III, BBA Maharaja Agrasen Institute of Management Studies, IP University, Delhi
We do not need protection from violence. Instead, we must be motivated to stand up for our own rights and betterment of society freely without someone’s fear. Article 19(1)(a) gives every citizen the right to express one’s own opinion freely. If a person has a strong ideology and commitment regarding something, there ought not be the need of any protection, in the first place. Nonetheless, we should be proud that we are taking part in politics and having opinions.
