On 14th May 2006, Mother India died again. The brutal and merciless assault by the Mumbai police on her dearest and most gifted children broke her heart. What had they done wrong? It was just a peaceful protest. Afterall the Hon. Governor is the chancellor of the medical university and hence like a father to us. If some kids wanted to express their grievances to the Governor where was the need for this battering?
Even as the gruesome visuals were broadcasted on the various news channels, the entire medical fraternity seethed with anger and discontent. Not only we doctors but even the common man wept for those innocent and spirited guys and girls who stood their ground. The boys were stripped and dragged and beaten with bamboos.Though there were no female constables, the girls were manhandled and ill-treated. What else can be expected from this Mumbai police. After all they have the legacy of the marine-drive rape to live up to. I was shocked to hear that one of the girls has a fractured jaw. And one boy Dr. Dube from KEM was beaten so badly that he has two fingers and ankle FRACTURE and hematomas on both knees. This is disgusting.
Our commisioner Mr. Roy claims that there was no lathi charge. Inspector Patnaik had the audacity to put the blame on the students saying they were blocking traffic and were going to break into Raj Bhavan. What a load of unreasoable arguments! Tell us Mr. Patnaik, What action have you taken against Mr. Pravin Mahajan, except for giving him five star treatment in the jail? What have you done about the international terrorist Abu Salem who thinks Indian Jail is a health spa and is pumping iron? No one fears the Mumbai police but innocent, poor and defenceless people.
If this does not open the eyes of our friends from the reserved category, what will? An old British strategy of 'divide and rule' is at play here. Please do not be misled. The demand is not to abolish reservations but to review them and allot them to the needy. The government want to use you as a vote bank to maintain their chairs and in the process cippling your talents and abilities. I appeal to all the students of the reserved category that we want you to succeed and become prosperous in life but not at the cost of your self-respect. We want that this tag of 'backward class' be removed forever and together we join hands to move 'forward'. Please open your eyes and support this movement. This battle is not about reservations - it is about equality.
If we lose now, the dream of Dr.Babasahed Ambedkar of a classless progressive society will be lost forever...
|
