Battle for change continues

Human chains, peace marches, candle light vigils and power packed speeches. They now want to move forward, reports Alifiya Khan.

Human chains, peace marches, candle light vigils and power packed speeches. They now want to move forward.

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Nearly a month after the terror attacks, over 700 people gathered at the meeting hall at Bandra’s St Joseph School. The meeting, organised by a group of young people, aimed at training citizens to work within the existing laws and government agencies to demand for rights, besides forming a group that will pursue citizen’s governance in the coming weeks.

“There have been lots of citizen protests, but we want a long-term change and to start small. That’s why our most important agenda is to revive the area locality management groups and start grass-root level work,” said Juju Basu, advertising professional.

The group has also organised workshops in the coming weeks. “People have been asked to choose a public activity they’re interested in. They will be trained by professionals. Broadly the areas of work would be ALMs, voter project, civil defence and citizens accountability,” said Ashish Gupta (23), a software professional.

The event saw participation from housewives, businessmen, students, politicians and a couple of foreign nationals.