Organisers of the ‘save democracy-save sovereignty-save Constitution’ rally planned for Thursday in Palamu are wary of violent protest coming reportedly from several rightwing groups present locally, thanks to the presence of Kanhaiya Kumar, former JNU Students’ Union president.
Fearing backlash considering the line of thought Kanhaiya represents and the controversy that surrounded him in the past, the organisers have approached the civil administration seeking foolproof security for the event.
“I have requested the SP in writing to provide adequate security to the event so that it passes off peacefully. Still, we are afraid since some reports about creating disturbances have reached to us from the ABVP and others fringe elements,” said Rajiv Singh of AITUC who is the brain behind organising the rally where besides, Kanhaiya, young dalit leader from Gujarat Jignesh Mewani and Shehla Rashid of AISA would take part.
Inputs reaching to the organisers in this regard have suggested that groups of students and supporters of local leaders from the ruling BJP were planning secretly to vandalise the venue and disturb Kanhaiya in particular.
“We have got information that such a meeting has taken place. This led us to approach the administration. The SP has assured us all the support necessary in organising the rally. As far as our conduct is concerned, we would maintain dignity and remain on defensive. But if dragged into violence we would do whatever we can to defend ourselves,” said the AITUC leader, throwing an open invitation to the dissenters for an issue based debate with Kanhaiya and the rest.
Palamu SP Indrajit Mahatha while admitting about the tension prevailing at local level, assured about peace. “The administration is ready to maintain law and order situation during the rally. The organisers have approached us and looking at the sensitivity of the matter around 100 police personnel and officials have been deputed for Thursday. The visitors coming there would be escorted. We are here to protect the rights given under the Constitution to one and all,” the SP said on Wednesday.
He, at the same, denied having received any petition from any group for not allowing the rally to happen neither any official report fearing about disturbance. Officially the ABVP, student wing of the BJP, has also maintained patience so far. “ABVP has no role to play. We are not going to protest against the rally or Kanhaiya Kumar or anyone else,” said Swetank Kumar of the organisation in Daltonganj.
The programme is taking place a day ahead of one of the greatest revolution in the history of mankind, Bolshevik Revolution, which is completing its centenary on November 17 this year.