Violence over ‘indigenous’ graffiti: Citizens’ Committee slams Students for Sovereignty for ‘clear role in attack’

The National Citizens' Committee has bashed the Students for Sovereignty for its "clear role" in the violence during the gatherings of two groups protesting in favour and against, respectively, the removal of a graffiti with the word "indigenous" in textbooks in front of the NCTB building today (15 January).

In a press statement, signed by spokesperson Samanta Sharmin, the Citiezns' Committee expressed deep concern over the "violent attacks that took place in front of the National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) office at Motijheel in the capital today during two protest programmes over whether or not to keep graffiti containing the word "indigenous' in textbooks.

Citing media reports, the platform said, "At least 12 people, including at least one woman and a journalist, were injured in the violence. It is particularly noteworthy that Rupaiya Shrestha Tanchangya, a member of the Executive Committee of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, was seriously injured."

"This attack on her [Rupaiya] is a blow to a brave voice in the anti-fascist struggle. We strongly condemn this attack and wish Rupaiya Shrestha a speedy recovery."

Slamming the Students for Sovereignty, the Citizens' Committee said it feels that the "Students for Sovereignty has not acted responsibly in today's violence by announcing a protest program at the same venue where a rally was already pre-announced under the banner of Aggrieved Indigenous Students".

The committee alleged that the Students for Sovereignty's decision "created deliberate tension".

"It is clear from the on-the-spot reports that the attack was planned and the Students for Sovereignty played a clear role behind this. Their behaviour is not only an attempt to suppress dissent through violence, but it is a direct attack on the rights and dignity of the country's minorities."