The Kolkata Police have ramped up security for the upcoming ‘Nabanna Abhijan’ (March to Secretariat) set for Tuesday. The march is organized in response to the rape and murder of a junior doctor at Kolkata’s R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital.
Students from across West Bengal have called for the protest via social media. They urge participants to join the march without any political affiliations. The protest aims to demand justice for the victim and the resignation of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose issued a video message urging that peaceful protests should not be disrupted. The protest organizers have asked participants to stick to two slogans: ‘Dofa ek, dabi ek, Mamata Banerjeer podotyag’ (One demand — Mamata Banerjee’s resignation) and ‘Justice for RG Kar.’ They have also requested that the protestors avoid entering the state Secretariat, Nabanna, located in Howrah district.
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The Nabanna Abhijan parallels a previous protest organized by women on Independence Day, which also sought justice for the R.G. Kar victim. Protesters are expected to gather at College Square in central Kolkata and march towards Nabanna.
The state BJP has expressed support for the protest. State BJP President and Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar stated that his party would back the march and any actions seeking justice for the victim. However, student wings of the Left parties will not participate. They suspect that the protest’s organizers have ties to the BJP and RSS.
To manage the expected large crowds, both West Bengal Police and Kolkata Police have implemented extensive security measures. About 2,000 policemen under 97 senior officers will secure the state Secretariat. Additionally, Kolkata Police will deploy 4,000 officers, focusing on key points between Kolkata and Howrah. Plainclothes detectives will also monitor the area.
Barricades will be set up at seven locations throughout the city, and water cannons will be on standby. The police will use drones for surveillance during the rally.
Last Friday, the Calcutta High Court rejected a government plea to ban the Nabanna Abhijan. The Supreme Court also upheld the right to peaceful protests, emphasizing that they cannot be forcibly stopped.