Rebuff the assault on democracy and secularism; Promote peace and harmony
The Federation of Central Universities Teachers’ Associations (FEDCUTA) is deeply disturbed by the violence that parts of Delhi have seen since the beginning of this week, a outcome of the concerted attempts to create a communal polarization around the CAA and to deflect the widespread protests against the legislation on constitutional and democratic principles. What is extremely shocking is the utter failure on the part of the Delhi Police to first prevent this organized violence – which has targeted people, their houses and property, shops and establishments and places of religious worship – from being unleashed and then to put an end to it. That the situation is still not under control and the death toll is mounting is a matter of grave concern. Even a policeman has lost his life. The FEDCUTA expresses its condolences at all the deaths that have occurred.
The FEDCUTA also observes that the police inaction in the face of extreme criminal violence against sections of the population is reflective of a larger pattern where the enforcement of law and order is coloured by extraneous considerations. In Jamia and AMU not too long ago, the Police showed itself capable of becoming an instrument of inflicting targeted violence that went beyond what was permissible under the law. On the other hand, letting a mob go on the rampage and the Police standing by or even colluding was the experience in JNU. What has been seen in Delhi in the last couple of days is the same thing on a larger scale and with more gruesome consequences. This doesn’t augur well for the future of India’s secular constitutional democracy.
The FEDCUTA appeals to all teachers to raise their voice against the threats to the democratic and secular framework of the republic and to contribute to the promotion of peace and harmony and restoration of the conditions for the same.
Rajib Ray D.K. Lobiyal
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