Citizens hold silent protest against lynchings

West Delhi residents register dissent over nation-wide killings in name of religion

NEW DELHI,13/07/2017: Shadipur and Khampur residents participating in a peaceful protest march against violence near Ranjit Nagar Police Station in New Delhi on Thursday.Photo: Shiv Kumar Pushpakar.

Residents of west Delhi’s Shadipur, Ranjit Nagar, Guru Arjun Nagar and Khampur on Thursday held a peaceful protest against the recent incidents of lynching in the name of religion and terror acts.

Over 100 residents from across the area came together to demand peace, holding banners and placards that read, “We need peace, love, not violence”, “Together we stand”, and “No to hate, no to violence”.

Mobilising people

“This is a citizens’ initiative, with no political backing. We just wanted to come together to show that we do not support such blatant cases of violence,” said Raj Chauhan, one of the organisers.

He said they had deliberately avoided any speeches or performances in the march, such that the focus would solely be on the voice of the residents.

Komita Dhandha, another resident, said people were mobilised through SMSes and WhatsApp messages. Members of residents’ welfare associations also went door-to-door to invite people to join the protest.

“The gathering is to protest lynchings in the name of beef and religion, the attack on the Amarnath pilgrims, and the killings of soldiers in the borders,” she said.

Eighty-eight-year-old Tehesh Singh Nagra, who also participated in the march, said people were growing intolerant by the day. Recalling the 1984 violence against Sikhs in the Capital, Mr. Nagra said he had received support from his Hindu and Muslim neighbours at the time.

“Though politicians were busy dividing people then, we had stood for each other in the name of humanity,” he said, adding that the recent cases of lynching had saddened him.

People from other areas had also come to extend their support to the protest. Kumar Mangalam, a resident of Tagore Garden, said he was participating in the march to seek peace.

‘We are humans first’

“The feeling of belonging to a particular religion has intensified these days. We need to remind ourselves that we are humans first. Killing in the name of religion was never all right and it never will be. Such a gathering is a consolation that hope is not dead,” Mr. Mangalam said.