Celebrities join hands with Mumbaiites, say ‘Not in my name’ in protest against hate crimes

Mumbai city news: The protest that started at 5pm was attended by saw celebrities such as actors Shabana Azmi, Kalki Koechlin, Ranvir Shorey, Konkana Sen Sharma, Rajat Kapoor, Vikrant Massey and Jim Sarbh.

Over 200 people braved the heavy shower and gathered on Carter Road in Bandra on Wednesday evening to protest recent mob-lynchings and hate crimes in the country.

Mumbai, India - June 28, 2017:Many citizens and celebrities hit the street in support of the campaign 'Not In My Name' against lynching of a Muslim teenager Junaid, at Carter Road, Bandra in Mumbai, India, on Wednesday, June 28, 2017. (Photo by Satish Bate/Hindustan Times) (Satish Bate/HT Photo)

The protestors included activists, actors, writers and filmmakers who carried placards and posters with messages against hate crimes.

The gathering was organised after Delhi-based documentary filmmaker Saba Dewan, Mumbai-based writer Arpita Chatterjee and another filmmaker put up a post on social media.

“I did not expect so many people to join this protest. I thought around 50 people would come in and got permission for a silent march from the police just today,” said Chatterjee.

The protest that started at 5pm was attended by saw celebrities such as actors Shabana Azmi, Kalki Koechlin, Ranvir Shorey, Konkana Sen Sharma, Rajat Kapoor, Vikrant Massey and Jim Sarbh.

“This is not an isolated incident. I expect the government to implement a stringent law to punishe the perpetrators,” said Azmi.

Shorey said, “The law has not been able to reach the people who have suffered these crimes. We are here to stand by them. We cannot have the government let people get away with murder.” He held a placard which read “#NotInMyName’.

Meanwhile, civil rights activist Teesta Setalvad said, “It’s a very dangerous state of affairs and we need to speak out for our constitutional rights.” A member of People’s Union for Civil Liberties and about 20 members of Forum against Oppression of Women were present at the protest.

Assistant Commissioner of Police of Bandra Division Sanjay Kadam had deployed about 20 police officers around the protesting crowd.