Documentary exposes govt crackdown on student protests

Sumit Bhattacharya | NT

Bengaluru: In the year leading up to the outbreak of COVID-19, peace seemed elusive.

On December 15, 2019, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) found itself ensnared in state oppression due to its involvement in the anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) movement, drawing the critical gaze of India's central government.

In response to a complaint from the ABVP, the government invoked sedition charges against AMU students.

Fast forward to August 26, 2023, when a documentary titled "In a Dissent Manner" was screened at the Bangalore International Centre.

The documentary, skillfully directed by Ehraz Asmaduz Zaman, delves into the issues surrounding dissent. Following the screening, co-producer S Farwah Rizvi, a student of Azim Premji University, engaged with the audience, shedding light on the documentary's themes and media-related concerns.

When asked by this correspondent why the documentary remains relevant, the co-producer responded candidly, "Because those in power are attempting to curtail our freedoms and our right to protest."

Their stance reflects an anti-establishment ideology; they contend that laws like the CAA or UAPA, imposed without rationality and public consent, ought to be revoked.

In a conversation with a former student of Jamia Millia Islamia, who expressed his dismay over the events of December 15, 2019, voiced his frustration, emphasizing that history has witnessed student protests, but it was unprecedented for a government to suppress students for exercising their fundamental rights.

Atif lauded the documentary's creators for their bravery in unveiling the truth.