We believe that Dr Sen has done a fabulous job for the poor and backward communities of the country. All we are asking for a free and fair trial,” said Vrishnika Singh, a DU student. “It’s our basic right to protest and we are exercising that right in order to put a stop to any injustice,” she added.
Vrishnika, a student of MA first year was a part of the Delhi University students’ protest march, held in the capital recently. Protesters were demanding the release of activist Dr Binayak Sen, who has been sentenced to life imprisonment for allegedly being a Maoist conduit.
Students holding placards which read, “Don’t take democracy for a ride”, “Free Binayak Sen” and “We Protest”, were raising slogans in favour of the award-winning doctor. Some has their faces painted, other their mouths covered, and they marched in neat rows. The protest, which was entirely student-driven culminated at the Swami Vivekanand Statue, Arts Faculty.
Interestingly, only recently West Bengal Governor M.K. Narayanan, citing instances of protests by sections of civil society following the arrest of Binayak, said that Maoism has become fashionable in universities. How far is it true, we asked protesting students? “I fail to understand how voicing an informed opinion on various injustices and questioning the flaws of democracy can be fashionable?” said Shreya, an MA final year student. “It makes a lot of sense to condemn corruption and talk about the welfare of the downtrodden. That’s perhaps why a lot of students are taking up the issue,” said Rohan, a protester.
Students were also holding pictures of Aung San Suu Kyi, an activist and author Arundhati Roy along with those of Dr Binayak Sen. “Democracy has given us a voice and we are making ourselves heard,” added Shreya.