Lynching of the minorities in the name of religion took centre stage again after reports of 16-year-old Junaid’s cold blood murder hit the headlines later last week.
The teenager, who lost his life in an alleged hate crime, has unfortunately joined the list of many who were, in the recent past mercilessly killed by the mob.
(Also Read : All You Need To Know About The Scuffle For Train Seat That Claimed A Teenager’s Life)
To protest against this target killing, filmmaker Saba Dewan initiated an online campaign “Not in my name” on June 24 that urged people of five states, namely, Delhi, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Thiruvananthapuram and Bangalore to come together for a peaceful protest on 28th June.
She informed PTI that the protest which will reflect the “anger and grief” of the people intends to “reclaim the Constitution” and “resist the onslaught” on the right to life and equality.
Started on June 24, the Facebook event has since gone viral with over 2000 protesters expected to join the demonstration on Wednesday at Jantar Mantar around 6 PM. Family of 16-year old Junaid has also been invited.
“I never realised the response would be so overwhelming. Despite the debilitating violence, these protests will make us feel we are alive and spark hope,” Dewan told PTI.
The event, however urges people to stay away from any political or organisational affiliation and instead collaborate as citizens.
“This is a citizens protest open to all. Everyone is welcome but without party or organisational banners,” the event page reads.
(With inputs from PTI)
(Feature image source: Facebook)