WB: Hindu Jagran Manch protests outside SRFTI over alleged insult to Vivekananda
Hindu Jagran Manch members protest outside SRFTI in Kolkata, alleging students insulted Swami Vivekananda and Bharat Mata.
Tensions flared in Kolkata on Sunday as members of the Hindu Jagran Manch staged a massive demonstration outside the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) in Mukundapur. The protest was sparked by allegations that students at the prestigious institute had shown gross disrespect to Swami Vivekananda and the national symbol, Bharat Mata.
Chaos Outside SRFTI Gates
The situation turned volatile as protesters attempted to breach the institute's gates, leading to a heavy deployment of police forces to prevent a major confrontation. Witnesses reported that members of the group tried to break down the entrance to enter the premises. During the demonstration, protesters recited the Hanuman Chalisa to express their grievances.
The core of the anger lies in serious allegations made by the organization regarding the conduct of certain students. According to the Hindu Jagran Manch, students had:
- Torn a photograph of Bharat Mata.
- Kicked and spat upon a photograph of Swami Vivekananda.
- Raised slogans in support of Pakistan.
"They are Anti-National," Says Protester
Anand Sahoo, a member of the Hindu Jagran Manch, expressed outrage over the alleged actions, labeling the involved students as anti-national. "They are dividing the country in the name of secularism. Our demand is that these people should be removed from the country," Sahoo stated, adding that the disrespect extended to the national flag as well.
Another member, Babita Prasad, emphasized the gravity of insulting a figure who elevated India's stature globally. "Today Bharat Mata's photo was kicked, spit was thrown, and Swami Vivekananda... his photo was kicked, and spit was thrown," she said, noting that the protest was meant to make society reflect on the values of the nation.
Sudhanshu Singh, another member, specifically questioned allegations regarding the misuse of religious symbolism, asking how anyone could link the color saffron to terrorism when it is the attire of Swami Vivekananda himself.
Clashes and Allegations of Assault
As the confrontation intensified, reports emerged of stones and bottles being thrown. While some protesters admitted that stones might have been thrown, they maintained that the group remained largely restrained.
A significant development occurred when an individual identifying himself as a Kolkata Police Special Branch personnel claimed he was assaulted during the chaos. The officer alleged that despite identifying himself, he was beaten, resulting in bleeding from his nose and mouth, and that his mobile phone and watch were stolen during the scuffle.
However, representatives of the Hindu Jagran Manch have denied these claims of violence against law enforcement. A protester stated that the demonstration was a "spontaneous, unarmed protest" conducted in accordance with the Constitution and denied that any members had assaulted police personnel.