Release Labour Activists Nodeep Kaur and Shiv Kumar
On 15 February, the All India Students' Association and All India Progressive Women's Association held protest demonstration at Haryana Bhavan in Delhi, demanding immediate release of labour activists Nodeep Kaur and Shiv Kumar. It has been about a month since Nodeep and Shiv were arrested by Haryana Police on fabricated charges for mobilizing workers in Kundli Industrial Area and standing with farmer movement. Nodeep's friends and family have informed of violence and sexual harassment in custody.
The protest took place near Haryana Bhavan despite heavy barricading by Delhi Police. Students and citizens of Delhi raised slogans in solidarity with the farmers’ movement and against incarceration of activists like Nodeep and Shiv Kumar. A public meeting was held at the barricades by the protesters.
Neha, student of AUD and AISA activist iterated the brutal repression campaign launched by BJP on people's movements. Dolan, AISA activist from JNU raised solidarity to Nodeep and Shiv, saying, "we shall continue to struggle for the release of all our friends and comrades incarcerated by the fascist regime of BJP-RSS!" Mala from AIPWA stated the patriarchal and brahminical violence unleashed on Nodeep in custody, stating, "women activists are subjected to sexual harassment in prisons, Haryana Police must ensure enquiry and action in the matter immediately!".
Protesters submitted a memorandum to the Haryana government raising the demand for release of Nodeep Kaur and Shiv Kumar along with immediate enquiry into allegations of sexual violence and action under SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act!
