By TCN Staff Reporter,
New Delhi: The Delhi Police have beefed up security in Jamia Nagar area by deploying several companies of paramilitary forces on the eve of the fourth anniversary of Batla House encounter. Meanwhile, India Awakening Forum today took out a peace march in the area demanding judicial probe into the controversial shootout which claimed the lives of two Azamgarh youths and a Delhi police officer here on 19th September 2008.
India Awakening Forum, a solidarity forum of individuals that include people from all walks of life, from all religion and profession on one stage to raise voice against injustice, took out the protest march which was participated by many senior activists including a well known leader of communal harmony Jugal Kishore Shastri who came from Ayodhya. He said we must have to make ourselves accountable for our society regardless of our religion and caste. There is a strong need to come together to fight for right.
Another activist Shekh Ghulam Rabbani said Muslims in today’s world are feeling insecure and thus it becomes our duty to make efforts for their safety and development in all aspects. In fact, we all favor truth and nonviolence but it is not possible without justice.
India Awakening Forum has also organized a signature campaign at Batla House for the same demand on 16 and 17 September and more than one thousand people supported this drive through signature. Member of the forum Shah Alam said this signature drive ensured the participation of general public and towards democratization of the demand.
Pankaj Pathak emphasized for more awareness and support base programs and told that only peaceful and democratic protests can bring us the justice. He told that we must live the truth within us and we all have to work continuously towards justice.
The organizers had initially planned to hold the march from Batla House to the official residence of Home Minister but they claimed the police did not give them permission to take march beyond the locality. Heavy police force was deployed at location to stop the protest. Members of the forum walked peacefully on road with their placards of peace and justice. At the gate of Jamia Millia University, police stopped the protestors to go ahead.
However, a five member delegation went with police to submit memorandum to Home Minister Office for their demand. This memorandum also included the signatures of people to show that it is a public demand to initiate judicial inquiry of the case.
The banner displayed sketch of two persons Atif and Sajid who were killed during the encounter in 2008.