Members of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and the Bajrang Dal have approached the Calcutta High Court, seeking permission to hold a procession. The petitions, filed by Chandan Kaity, Amit Pramanik, and Debjit Bhar, emphasize that the procession will not involve any arms or weapons. They stated,
“No arms or weapons will be carried by any of the members of the Vishva Hindu Parishad and the Bajrang Dal. The only objective of the Yatra is to enlighten the people of West Bengal about the sacrifices made by the freedom fighters that paved the way for an ‘independent’ Bharat.”
The petitioners further highlighted the need to rekindle the spirit of nationalism among the citizens. They elaborated,
“It is important to remind people that behind the August 15, 1947 independence, there lies a chaotic history of battles, uprisings, and movements, which should not be forgotten. British Colonialism in the country was a human tragedy with few parallels in the recorded history.”
They went on to describe the detrimental effects of British colonialism, stating it
“not only scarred our people by partitions, atrocities, social subjugation, and economic deprivation but also debilitated and devastated the very idea of Bharat which our brave freedom fighters helped to rebuild.”
The petitioners further emphasized the significance of the Yatra, noting,
“Hence, this Yatra is very important to remember and honour those freedom fighters, because it is for their sacrifices that we not only attained our independence but reclaimed our prosperity and are gradually becoming the fastest-growing economy in the world.”
The proposed Shourya Jagran Yatra, as detailed in the petitions filed through advocates Anamika Pandey and Phiroze Edulji, is a nationwide rally by the VHP scheduled to traverse West Bengal from October 4 to October 8. The petitioners elaborated on the Yatra’s objectives, stating,
“This Yatra is intended to spread awareness about the various issues relating to ‘Hinduism’. It also intends to honour various freedom fighters, who laid their lives for the country, protecting Hindu religion and Hindu culture. It will pass through various sites which have religious and historical importance.”