Evening darkness, night marches and human chains reflect state of Kolkata’s soul
Times of India | 5 September 2024
12 Kolkata: The light-out protest along with the ‘Reclaim the Night’ movement with the formation of human chains across different parts of Kolkata reflected the state of the city’s soul. The loud and clear voices of innumerable citizens seeking a transparent and speedy investigation showed the unity, spirit and resilience of common citizens to fight for a cause.
Photographer Debalina Bhatta said: “ I switched off all the lights in my house between 9 pm to 10 pm. I went to join a protest gathering in Nager Bazar with my friends and family members. People have been spontaneously coming out on the streets to protest against, which is rare. It will not stop till the accused are arrested and punished.”
Manav Mehra of Siddha Pines added: “We the residents of 10 housing complexes from Rajarhat and New Town walked from Derozio College till Mangaldeep crossing with candles and the mobile torches switched on. We had asked residents of the complex to keep the lights switched off between 9 pm to 10 pm.”
State govt employee Arpita Paul Nandy had participated in the ‘Reclaim the Night’ on Aug 14 and on Wednesday night, she switched off the lights at her home and joined the protests again to seek justice for the raped and murdered RG Kar PGT doctor.
Manoj Gupta, a resident of South City complex, said they kept the lights switched off in certain parts of the complex between 9 pm to 10 pm as a mark of protest. “We held a candle march that was led by doctors of the complex. Other residents joined in,” he added.
PG student Titas Roy Burman felt by reclaiming the streets at night, the protesters wanted to make their voices loud and clear. “We also extend our unwavering solidarity to the protesting junior doctors who are fighting for justice,” Burman said. Another PG student Koninika Sarkar added: “There are attempts to politicize the protests but it is a historical and non-political mass movement. We do not want politics involved. What we are seeking is a transparent investigation that will throw up answers to the multitude of questions. Hence keeping a vigil at night is necessary.”
According to activist Satabdi Das, they were on the streets and forming human chains so that speedy hearing and trial was held and justice was delivered. Tuhin Das from the People’s Forum said: “We held a mass rally from College Street to Shyambazar at 9 pm and a gathering of hundreds of people was organised there to demand justice and resist the rape culture.”