Socialist Students’ Union of Manipur (SSUM) Strongly condemns the State Sponsored heinous attack on Comrade Umar Khalid of JNU

SSUM-PR-92/18
14-Aug-18

This is another assassination attempt to kill Democratic voice who are strongly criticizing Hindutva hatred politics and Hindutva Ruling Government. Let us stand not only with Com. Umar but also against such coward attempts to attack the people who stand for Justice and truth.

Comrade Umar Khalid Bhagat Singh Ambedkar Students’ Organisation (BASO) was attending a meeting at Constitution Club, against Lynchings that are happening after BJP came into power. While he was having tea outside the Constitution Club gate, suddenly someone from behind held Umar and tried to aim the gun at him. He tried to push away.

Meanwhile, other comrades Khalid Saifi, Shariq Hussain and Banojyotsana Lahiri tried to overpower him, he escaped and Shariq chased him. While running away, the gunman turned around and fired but fortunately Shariq was not hurt. The gunman left the gun on the road and escaped.

Only a few months back, Ravi Pujari, the infamous ‘underworld gangster’ had also issued death threats to Com. Umar and when the Govt. was approached and demanded police protection, the police and the government have purposely put the matter on backburner and gave encouragement to the terrorists who are after Comrade Umar Khalid’s life.

This incident of attempting assassination by a gunman reminded the assassination of Gauri Lankesh by Brahminical Hindutva Fasicists for standing for Justice, criticality and rationality. Along with Gauri Lankesh, Narendra Dhabolkar, Govind Pansare and MM Kalburgi were also made silence for speaking truth to power. As Umar said after the attack “There is an atmosphere of fear in the country, and anybody who speaks against the government is threatened.” Umar and his friends appealed to Delhi Police for his protection but police did not provide security to him.

Truth and reason cannot be killed by with bullets but the struggle for Justice would increase. And if the foot soldiers of Hindutva fascism think that they can silence and marginalize the voices of resistance against oppression, then they are mistaken. So, on this terror attack on Com. Umar Khalid by Hindutva Fascists, SSUM strongly oppose and stand to help radical student movements.

Again, Hindutva brigade burnt Constitution in daylight, now they attacked Umar at Constitution Club. Entire Country is going to celebrate it’s Independence Day tomorrow, where people and Constitution isn’t safe in it’s own Capital City.

_ (Bhushan Longjam)
Gen. Secretary, SSUM.