A July 14 rally in Kolkata against repression in Kashmir.
Hundreds of students, trade union activists, women's rights groups, lawyers and queer groups gathered at Jantar Mantar, Delhi, on July 14, wearing black bands to condemn the violence being unleashed on unarmed civilians in Kashmir.
Hundreds of students, trade union activists, women's rights groups, lawyers and queer groups gathered at Jantar Mantar, Delhi, on July 14, wearing black bands to condemn the violence being unleashed on unarmed civilians in Kashmir.
They marched silently with placards saying “36 civilians dead in 4 days – Stop the killings NOW”, “Pellets cost Kashmiri protesters their eyes, stop using pellets and bullets to control civilian protests”, “Kashmir is a political issue – can't be resolved at gunpoint”, “Government must initiate dialogue for a peaceful political solution in Kashmir” and “Repeal the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Acts”.
They also held placards with the names of each of those killed on Kashmiri streets in the past few days – including 36 Kashmiri civilians and one police officer – with the slogan “Will not be forgotten”.
The silent march and a public meeting took place peacefully despite provocations from several right-wing men who raised threatening slogans but dispersed, heavily outnumbered. Addressing the protest, civil society activist Shabnam Hashmi said that the Indian government needs to take a humane approach to Kashmir.
Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Student Union Vice-President Shehla Rashid said that unless the government works for a long term political solution that is in keeping with the wishes of the Kashmiri people, such events will keep happening.
All-India Progressive Women's Association secretary Kavita Krishnan appealed to all Indian citizens to step away from the shrill media propaganda over Kashmir and open their hearts and minds to the voices of the Kashmiri people. Many others added that mourning cannot be criminalised.
The gathering was addressed by Kumar Sundaram of the CNDP, Gautam Mody of NTUI, Ish Mishra of Janhastakshep, Salman Nizami and many others. Several filmmakers, writers, artists, journalists, activists and a large number of students from Delhi University and JNU participated in the protest.
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