#NotInMyName protests fast catching up pace in Mumbai, seek end to discrimination
Though many critics have slammed the #NotInMyName protests, Mumbai is catching up with the demonstration. According to the protesters, it was not for, by or of the media, as slammed by politicians and political advisors.
On Monday, citizens, activists, volunteers and social workers protested at Dadar (West) over the constant acts of lynching and caste discrimination against a particular minority. The protesters stated that serious action should be taken against those who encourage such activities and the guilty should be punished.
Banners, placards and slogans like ‘Nafrat ke khilaf Insaniyat ke Aawaaz,’ ‘Discriminate not, dominate not’ and ‘Lynching is not Patriotic’ are displayed and shouted during the protest rally. The rally started from Kotwal Garden and culminated at Chaityabhoomi in Dadar. It witnessed participation of people from different walks of life like members of Left parties, Bollywood actors, officials of NGOs, cultural groups and students of various colleges.
The aim of the protest was to inform the government and the authorities to stop such criminal acts of lynching and discrimination targeting the minority.
Prabha Pandey, a protester said, “There are rising incidents where the minority community is targeted unnecessarily. Enough is enough and we have to stop to this kind of discrimination.”
Clarissa Quadros, a student said, “The minority community is marginalised in various aspects of life. There should be no discrimination on the basis of race, religion, caste or any other aspect in a secular country.”
The citizens also blamed the Modi government and the concept of cow vigilantes. Salim Alware, a protester said, “The concept of cow vigilantes should be abolished as it is being used for criminal activities. We need the support of more people so that our voice is heard and the government takes it seriously.”
This protest initiative #NotInMyName was triggered after 16-year-old Junaid Khan was stabbed to death recently by a mob in Delhi. Similar protests are being initiated in different parts of India.