Let us sing the song of resistance. Let us uphold the
freedom of speech,” it read.
The magazine stood in solidarity with the movements
against all draconian laws including AFSPA, sedition,
blasphemy etc. It carried the fire of Dhabolkar,
Pansare and Karlburgi. It picturised the caste and
gender atrocities. And of course, all these were
intentional. Not an accident. As a central government
institution funds criticism on its own, the magazine
was newsworthy. We had expected an ABVP march
or burning of the magazine. But surprisingly, the
protest began by the BJP state committee. They
blocked the road and burned the magazine copies.
Later the ABVP unit also began the protest. One of
their sympathizers posted on facebook that as the
cover carried women in the burqa with bombshells,
it is the encroachment of ISIS agenda. Unfortunately,
our comrade Muhammed who designed the cover had
to face personal attack just because of his religion.
No wonder. We all know that is what we resist here.
The ISIS story went viral. They pooh-poohed
for ‘non-progressive’ cover. The RSS faculties
pressurized the admin for action. MHRD and Lt.
Governor Kiran Bedi asked an explanation. Due
to the pressure, the admin decided to lock up the
council room where remaining 4000 copies of the
magazines were kept. Though they told The Hindu
“ It carried the fire of Dhabolkar,
Pansare and Karlburgi.
It picturised the caste and gender atrocities.
And of course, all these were intentional.
Not an accident.
journalist that the magazine is banned, we received no
information. That news but went viral and campuses
across the country extended their solidarity. The next
day, council organized a march to protect the freedom
of expression. While the march was heading toward
the girl’s hostel area, a group of people lead by the
local Congress faction and ABVP blocked the rally
and attacked our comrades including girls. Council
member Tamizhkalaiarasi, SFI Unit Joint Secretary
Sreejith, unit committee member Shimjith were
attacked brutally. But more people joined the rally and
a strong message was given to the goons who always
rule with ‘fear’. Registrar (i/c) came to the spot in the
midnight and assured action against them. He later
handed over the key of the council office and the
remaining copies were distributed smoothly.
ABVP and the right wing forces never tried to have
a healthy discussion on any of the issues raised in
Widerstand. Instead, they spread hatred among the
students and attacked us physically. They are always
afraid of letters. That’s why they burn it. We have to
hit them, with more letters and slogans. We have to
continue our struggle!
Theyyam 12
“