The social media protest launched against the RSS’ student affiliate Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarti Parishad by Delhi University student Gurmehar Kaur after the Ramjas College violence snowballed into a political controversy on Monday, with political leaders taking positions for and against her.
On her part, the student, daughter of Kargil braveheart Captain Mandeep Singh, visited the Delhi Commission for Women to complain against abusive ‘rape’ threats on social media from online trolls.
BJP MP from Mysuru Pratap Simha created a controversy by comparing her to Dawood Ibrahim. “At least Dawood did not use the crutches of his father’s name to justify his anti-national stand,” he tweeted. Mr. Simha also posted a photograph showing the underworld don with the message, “I didn’t kill people in 1993. Bombs killed them.”
In a string of tweets, Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju sought to know who had poisoned the girl’s mind. “Who’s polluting this young girl’s mind? A strong Arm Force prevents a war. India never attacked anyone but a weak India was always invaded,” he tweeted. “Freedom of expression is not a licence to shout anti-national slogans in campuses. Criticise the govt but don’t abuse the motherland. Everyone has right of views but she said Pakistan didn’t kill our brave martyr & India should shun war. India never perpetrated violence!” he added.
Earlier, the student had posted photographs of herself on social media holding a placard saying: “I am not afraid of ABVP.” She added that she was not alone and every student of India was with her. Months back she had also posted her photo with the placard, “Pakistan did not kill my dad. War killed him.”
In an apparent dig at her on Monday, cricketer Virender Sehwag tweeted that his bat, and not he, had scored two triple tons with actor Randeep Hooda applauding him and alleging that the girl was being used as a pawn.
Ms. Kaur replying to him said that she could think [for herself] and she was opposing violence against students.
Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi’s office tweeted, “Against the tyranny of fear we stand with our students. For every voice raised in anger, intolerance & ignorance there will be a Gurmehar Kaur.”
The DCW urged the Delhi Police to take swift action against those threatening her. “She [Kaur] has received rape and death threats on twitter. I have personally spoken to Delhi Police Commissioner to take action against these trolls. It is disturbing that online trolling, especially rape threats to women, is rampant. I expect the police will set an example by arresting these trolls,” said Swati Maliwal, DCW chairperson.
Congress leader Manish Tewari came out in support of the girl: “You may not like what the person thinks but trolling, mindless threats... trolling emanating from people whom the Prime Minister follows. This is the worst form of state intimidation and this is not how democracies and democratic countries function.”
CPI (M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury tweeted, “All efforts to bully and threaten students and others not doing the Sangh’s bidding will be resisted and pushed back. Hounding of & threats to @mehartweets by Sanghi trolls tells how effective she is. Like her father, she is a brave person. More power to her.”
