Groups plan protests without getting in the way of festival
Times of India | 6 October 2024
Kolkata: Several groups plan cultural protests against the R G Kar crime during Durga Puja but without “getting in the festival’s way” either physically or in spirit.
Transgender activist Anurag Maitreyi, along with Aditi Sen Chattopadhyay and Rohini Dharmapal, have given a ‘Reclaim the Night’ call from 11.30 pm on Tuesday to 5 am on Wednesday at Jadavpur 8B bus stand.“...
it’s a fight against multifarious discrimination. We will not create any obstacle for puja but non-partisan protests must go on even during the festival,” said Maitreyi.
Rimjhim Sinha, who had first called for ‘Reclaim the Night’, said, “Discussions are on for protests during puja but nothing is finalized.”
Banglar Abhaya will protest at Ruby crossing on Panchami and will stage a 48-hour sit-in from Oct 11. Some members will also be with junior doctors to show solidarity
According to Paushali Bhattacharjee of No More Silence—Baguiati Pratibadi Mancha, they will stage a demonstration from 6 pm to 8 pm on Saptami with street plays, songs and sloganeering. “The aim is to ensure people don’t forget the heinous crime at R G Kar amid the festivity. We will neither create any problem for pandal-hoppers nor spoil the pujo spirit,” she said.
Jadavpur Puratani O Sanghati members said they would visit the junior doctors’ dais to show solidarity. Tuhin Das of The People’s Forum said they were still in the planning stage for a protest on one puja day. Aritra De of Manab Jamin said, “We will hold a street corner at Naktala on Ashtami. But we will ensure the puja spirit is not disturbed.” Tilottomar Pashe Maidan is also planning protests, preferably on Saptami.