Date:05/03/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/03/05/stories/2006030517181000.htm

National

Delhi demands justice for Jessica Lal

Staff Reporter

"What has happened to Jessica can happen to anyone, till public decides that enough is enough people will keep getting killed... ."

— Photo: R. V. Moorthy

SEEKING JUSTICE: Nafisa Ali along with other protesters holding candles to demand justice for Jessica Lal at the India Gate in New Delhi on Saturday.

NEW DELHI: Demanding justice for Jessica Lal, human rights activists, people from the Capital's fashion fraternity, artists, students and concerned citizens got together on Saturday evening for a candlelight vigil and protest demonstration here at India Gate. Among those participating in the vigil were Jessica's sister Sabrina, social activist Swami Agnivesh, Neelam Krishnamurthy of the Association of Victims of Uphaar Tragedy, young murder victim Nitish Katara's mother Neelam Katara, fashion designer Ravi Bajaj, model Joey Mathew and a large number of students and teachers from Delhi University and Jawaharlal Nehru University.

Overwhelming response

Speaking out at the first public demonstration demanding justice for Jessica, Sabrina said: "It is overwhelming to see that so many people care enough to have taken time out to come here and be a part of this demonstration. For me the battle is personal, but I feel stronger today when I see that the battle now is not just mine. I want justice for my sister. I had given up hope but now I feel that something will come out of fighting this battle together. The Government, the police and the judiciary cannot ignore a voice that is so loud and clear."

While the gathering engaged in slogan shouting, lighting candles and singing extempore songs, family members, friends and concerned citizens seemed eager to ensure that their voices were heard.

"We are standing here for justice and we have understood that we need to be together to make things happen in our country. What has happened to Jessica can happen to anyone, and sadly till the public decides that enough is enough innocent people will keep getting killed and we are going to suffer. We want to tell the Government that delay is not acceptable and that we want a time-bound system where justices is done," said Ms. Krishnamurthy. Underlining the need for a fast and transparent judicial system, a Delhi University student said, "This here now is a protest not just for Jessica; it is also for the common man who is vulnerable in a corrupt system. We don't blame Shayan Munshi for not standing up for Jessica as an eyewitness in the case, we need a better witness protection system where the common man doesn't feel threatened to speak the truth."