Mumbaikars in Solidarity with JNU students

Agitated Mumbaikars both young and old gathered in large numbers near Gateway of India to protest against JNU attack that took place last Sunday, January 5.

Loud chants of ‘Azadi’, ‘Inquilab Zindabad’, and ‘Hum Sab Ek Hain’, by the protesters echoed around the huge plaza in front of the Gateway and the Taj Mahal Hotel.

Everywhere there were students, painting placards, a large number of them chanting slogans, volunteers constantly supplying water, bread, chips, biscuits etc. to these students. And among them, there were sons and grandsons of politicians, including Rohit Rajendra Pawar, the grandnephew of Maharashtra strongman credited with the huge upset to the BJP in the recent Assembly elections, Sharad Pawar. He was speaking to television channels, but so were many of the youngsters gathered there to protest the violence of masked goondas invading JNU in Delhi the previous night.

A few middle-aged ladies seated in a corner supporting these youngsters were busy discussing the current scenario of the country. One among them strongly voiced her opinion saying, “I am sure, whatever is happening is to divert the citizens from CAA and NRC.”

Meanwhile, the crowd continued in a loud voice, “Sarfaroshi ki tamanna ab hamare dil mein hai, dekhna ki zor kitna baazu-e-qatil mein hai.” (The desire for revolution is in our hearts, we shall see how much strength lies in the arms of the enemy.)

Preetesh Kumar (18) who did not want to reveal the name of his college said pathetically, “We are angry, yet we can peacefully protest. We do not intend bloodshed. All we need is justice.” 

Mumbai Police though attentive and fully prepared for action, found the protesters peaceful and remaining within limits.

Written by Laveena D’Souza and Annet Anandraj