30 Sept, Lucknow: A group of students and activists organized a joint candle light vigil protest at Patel Pratima near Vidhan Sabha, Lucknow condemning the mob lynching of a 50 year old man over rumours that his family had been storing and consuming beef. The protest was called by Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR), Rihai Manch, Youth Awakening Movement and Students Islamic Organization of India (SIO).
“Uttar Pradesh has been deliberately targeted by communal-fascist forces for the political gain and State government failed to contain such elements. From custodial killing of Khalid Mujahid to communal violence of Muzzafarnagar made us believe that state govt. has hidden nexus with right wing forces”, said Anil of Rihai Manch.
“We were assured about “Acche Din” by Mr. Modi and hence we experienced the same in the form of majoritarian jingoism and minority slaughtering. When the mass murderer is ruling the state, such man slaughtering in the name of cow protection is bound to happen”, said Kashif Ahmed Faraz, Asst. National Coordinator of APCR.
“Modi who mocked himself by writing ‘Ahimsa is the greatest Dharma’ on Facebook wall at Silicon Valley, would realize soon that Indian citizen has lost hope in his government”, he added.
Commenting on the incident, Arif, zonal secretary of SIO UP Central said ” These incidents are well-planned and instigated through false propaganda.” He emphasized that we must stand united and combat against every enormity and tyranny and students could play a remarkable role in this struggle.
Referring the cause of communalism Masihuzzama Ansari, Student Activist of Lucknow University opined that Communalisation of education strengthened the prejudices, biasness and hatred against minorities. It is high time to analyse and review the educational policies and the united effort is needed to make affirmative changes in it.
Mr. Rushdan, Student Leader of Lucknow University also addressed the gathering.
Mr.Imran, convenor of Youth Awakening Movement expressed words of gratitude for all speakers and participants for attending the protest on very short notice.
