REPORT OF THE SONI SORI MUKTI MORCHA ASSEMBLEGE Date: 25th January, 2013 Venue: College Square, Kolkata

The Soni Sori Mukti Morcha, SSMM held a demonstration in College Square on 25 th January with a central theme to punish Ankit Garg and to seize the Gallantry Award from Ankit Garg. From its beginning Soni Sori Mukti Morcha have been organized various summit, open meetings, assemblage etc in demand of unconditional release of Soni Sori and taking necessary actions for her medical treatment. As on 26th January, 2011 Ankit Garg received the Gallantry Award for his courage and bravery. To show disapproval for this, Soni Sori Mukti Morcha decided to commemorate this day as a Symbolic Black Day protesting the violence perpetrated on Soni Sori. In

response to this Soni Sori Mukti Morcha organized an assemblage on the eve of Republic Day i.e. 25th January, 2012 from 2 pm to 5 pm. The assemblage was inaugurated by the speech of Amlan Hazra, from Presidency College and by Ms. Bharati Dey, the Joint convener of SSMM. A street play on Soni Sori was staged, performed by the cultural wing of DURBAR named Komal Gandhar followed by the speech of Dr. Smarajit Jana and Mrinal Kanti Dutta and others. On

his speech Dr. Jana also shared with the audience that, people in Mumbai; Delhi have organized similar programme on that day. Another assemblage will be held in London on 26th January, 2013 based on the same demand in front of The India High Commission Office. He also invites other people to join Morcha in terms of strengthening its activities. After the street play Rupa Aich from Annya Nari Patrika commented this incident as National shame, what could be the worst kind of violence that was organized in police custody. She also commented that custodial sexual exploitation should be dealt with stringent punitive measure. A representative from Bandi Mukti Committee also delivered their speech. Rights of an accused should not be violated; they also deserve respect and dignity.-he added. On this issue Pijush Guha also shared his experience. He commented that the political situation in Chattisgarh is grave and is not at all favorable to lead a dignified life. He also faced same or similar torture while he was in jail. Mrinal Kanti Dutta from Durbar also protested against human and women rights violation.

Representatives from Sramajibi Swasthya Udyog, APDR, Medical College Students union and Independent Consolidation of

Presidency college also attended the demonstration. SSMM send an

open letter in demand of justice for Soni Sori and seizure of Gallantry Award received by Ankit Garg, to the President of India. The assemblage was attended by 1000 people who raised slogans for unconditional release of treatment. The demonstration got coverage by Ekdin, Pratidin, Ebela, Soni and also for her required

Swabhumi, Kalam, Dainik Biswamitra, Abar Jugantar and other media houses.