The entire nation and especially the national capital New Delhi saw an extremely rough December 2019 with protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), that eventually turned violent after Delhi cops attacked the protesters. What followed was a riot-like situation in parts of the country, stone pelting, imposition of section 144 (in districts of various states), Internet shutdowns and whatnot. As 2020 came by, more than anything else, we wished for peace and non-violence. But, the videos and pictures that emerged on social media last evening after 7 pm shook all of us yet again.
Bloodshed, injuries, fear–the videos depict all. Violence broke out at the Jawaharlal Nehru University campus. A masked mob, constituting 50-60 men and women entered the campus of JNU in Delhi– not only did they vandalise the institute property, but also brutally assaulted faculty members and students. Paranoid JNU students started phoning the police for help, audios were circulated, panic and anguish took over everyone–from JNU pass-outs to Delhi University students, and everyone else across the country who could relate at a humanitarian level.
Take a look at just one of the many videos to get a brief account of what actually happened at the campus.
Silent No More
While politics has, of course, escalated on the topic across party-lines, Bollywood celebrities, who were just recently invited by the govt for a discourse on CAA, have come out and strongly condemned the attack.
Here’s a list of some of the names that have spoken up!
Twinkle Khanna
Actress and also Akshay Kumar’s wife, Twinkle said, “you can’t oppress people with violence”.
India,where cows seem to receive more protection than students, is also a country that now refuses to be cowed down. You can’t oppress people with violence-there will be more protests,more strikes,more people on the street. This headline says it all. pic.twitter.com/yIiTYUjxKR
— Twinkle Khanna (@mrsfunnybones) January 6, 2020
Sonam K Ahuja
The actress termed the incident as “Shocking, disgusting and cowardly”.
Shocking disgusting and cowardly. Have the balls to at least show your face when you want to attack innocents. https://t.co/laFmsF8DTK
— Sonam K Ahuja (@sonamakapoor) January 5, 2020
Riteish Deshmukh
Bollywood couple Riteish and Genelia Deshmukh couldn’t stay mum either.
Why do you need to cover your face? Because you know you are doing something wrong, illegal & punishable. There is no honour in this-Its horrific to see the visuals of students & teachers brutally attacked by masked goons inside JNU-Such violence cannot & should not be tolerated
— Riteish Deshmukh (@Riteishd) January 5, 2020
Absolutely disturbed to see the visuals of masked goons enter JNU and attack students & teachers – sheer brutality!! Humble appeal to the police to identify the perpetrators and bring them to justice
— Genelia Deshmukh (@geneliad) January 5, 2020
Taapsee Pannu
Taapsee, who was born and brought up in Delhi, said that the future is getting scarred forever.
such is the condition inside what we consider to be a place where our future is shaped. It’s getting scarred for ever. Irreversible damage. What kind of shaping up is happening here, it’s there for us to see…. saddening https://t.co/Qt2q7HRhLG
— taapsee pannu (@taapsee) January 5, 2020
Richa Chadha
The actress compared the incident to that of the attack that took place at Chauri Chaura on February 5, 1922, during the struggle for independence.
Delhi Police, please note. Read up on Chauri Chaura, 1922. There’s no Mahatma alive today to call off a movement if it becomes violent. You are being used as dispensable pawns. The people will remain, you can’t possibly outnumber people. pic.twitter.com/wMEZr64cNo
— TheRichaChadha (@RichaChadha) January 5, 2020
Konkona Sen Sharma
Konkana also questioned the inefficiency and laid back attitude of Delhi police.
Who are these masked cowards attacking students? Why are the police not protecting them??
Unbelievable.— Konkona Sensharma (@konkonas) January 5, 2020
Swara Bhaskar
Swara questioned Delhi Police’s inaction.
JNUSU president Aishe Ghosh attacked by alleged ABVP Goons.. This attack is ONGOING @DelhiPolice Vasant Kunj thana is less than 1km away!!!!!!!! Why are you letting this happen??? pic.twitter.com/4z5QqA6kya
— Swara Bhasker (@ReallySwara) January 5, 2020
Shabana Azmi
Veteran actress Shabani Azmi shared the video posted by Swara Bhaskar and said, “condemnation is not enough”.
This is beyond shocking ! Condemnation is not enough. Immediate action needs to be taken against the perpetrators . https://t.co/P5Arv9aNhj
— Azmi Shabana (@AzmiShabana) January 5, 2020
Dia Mirza
‘Enough is enough’, said Dia.
How long will this be allowed to continue? How long will you turn a blind eye? How long will the defenceless be attacked in the name of politics or religion? Enough is enough. @DelhiPolice
— Dia Mirza (@deespeak) January 5, 2020
While many celebrities have voiced their concern, no reaction has been recorded from various big names of tinsel town. Will they break their silence anytime soon? I guess we’ll have to wait and watch.
Featured Image: Twitter
We’re closing the decade with #POPxoLucky2020, a whole season of exciting surprises every day! Also, don’t miss the new POPxo Zodiac Collection with notebooks, phone covers and magic mugs that are fun, fab and 100% you! Psst… there’s an additional 20% off too, so head to POPxo.com/shopzodiac and take it up a POP!
