We want to tell the killers that killing of one Gauri is not going to silence us: Kamla Bhasin

Ghazanfar Abbas, IndiaTomorrow.net,

New Delhi, Oct 5: Exactly one month ago, Karnataka's veteran journalist Gauri Lankesh was murdered outside her home in the state's capital. Hundreds of social and human rights activists, journalists and students held a protest demonstration in the national capital today to reiterate their demand for arrest of the assailants and to reclaim their right to dissent.

"We have gathered here to speak against violence, for love and harmony. We are here to tell the killers that killing of one Gauri is not going to silence us," eminent author and social scientist Kamla Bhasin said while talking to IndiaTomorrow.net during the demonstration.

"Raund Sakte Ho Tum Phool Sarey Chaman Key, Par Baharon Ka Aana Nahi Rok Saktey (You can destroy all the flowers there, but you cannot stop the spring from coming). Look, all these people protesting here will become Gauri Lankesh. We are against violence committed by any side," she said.

Several eminent activists including Teesta Setelvad, Anni Raja, Prof Apoorvanand, Nandita Narayan, Harsh Mander, Prashant Bhushan and Prabhat Patnayak were among several hundred protesters.

"The Karnataka government must ensure that the investigation happens independently and without delay. Right-wing groups who are openly promoting a culture of hatred and violence are exposed for their role," said Teesta Setelvad.

People took part in protet demonstration against the killing of journalist Gauri Lankesh

"Why we are protesting in Delhi is because it has become a national issue. Fear and hatred have become legitimized all over the country. There are incidents of lynching and there are incidents of such assassinations. So, we are demanding and requesting the Home Minister that a clear cut message should come from the Home Minister at the national level that politics of hatred and fear being generated on the streets will not be tolerated and the Constitution and rule of law will prevail. If such message comes from the Home Ministry, we believe that the impunity enjoyed by the mob on the street will be curtailed," she demanded.

The protest was called by various organizations including Swaraj Abhiyan, Central Indian Trade Union, Pragatishrel Mahila Sangarhan, Jan Sangharsh Manch Haryana, SIO, AIDWA, KYS, DYFI (Democratic Youth Federation of India), PDSU (Progressive Democratic Students Union), Forum Against Assassination of Gauri Lankesh, AISA, AIUF, AIMSS, JNUSU, India Writers Forum, IFTU, AIMSS and various other groups.