Mahtab Alam, BeyondHeadlines
New Delhi: Thousands gathered at India Gate in the national capital on the evening of 12 March 2012, seeking justice for the arrested journalist Mohmmed Kazmi. At least two thousand people congregated for the candle light vigil called by the family members of Mr. Kazmi. Protesters holding placards, candle and shouting slogans demanded immediate release of Mr. Kazmi. They also demanded the disbanding of Delhi Police Special Cell, citing violation of fundamental rights and charges of fabricating evidences by its senior officers. A large number of members of journalist fraternity were also present at the vigil in solidarity.
Mr. Kazmi, a noted senior journalist, who worked for Doordarshan and other news agencies including Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), was arrested on 6th of March 2012 by the Special Cell. The Police have alleged Kazmi’s involvement in terms of local support in carrying out the attack on the Israeli Diplomat’s car last month. The very next day, the police produced him before the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Vinod Yadav at the Tis Hazari court. The court sent him to police custody till March 20th. However, till date, the security agencies have not presented any substantial ground on which, Mr. Kazmi has been arrested.
Among the prominent figures who attended the protest march include, journalists like Saeed Naqvi, Aziz Burney, Javed Naqvi, S K Pande, Sandeep Dixit, Dr. Zafarul Islam Khan, Prof P. Koya, Iqbal Ahmad, Harsh Dhobal; activists like Shabnam Hashmi, Himanshu Kumar, Navaid Hamid, Harsh Kapoor; MP Mohd. Adeeb and many others. The protesters announced, if not released soon, the movement for the release Mr. Kazmi will be intensified.
