CIVIL SOCIETY SIT-IN CONTINURED FOR FOURTH DAY

CIVIL SOCIETY SIT-IN CONTINURED FOR FOURTH DAY

24-JULY-ENG 14

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA---------------------------The indefinite sit-in protest organized under the aegis of Civil Society, Ara—held in opposition to undemocratic police actions and the alleged insensitivity of the system—continued for the fourth consecutive day on Thursday. A large number of social activists, teachers, intellectuals, students, youth, and concerned citizens participated in the protest held at the open-air stage (Muktakash Manch) near the Jayaprakash Memorial. During the demonstration, speakers expressed serious concern regarding the protection of democratic values, civil rights, and freedom of expression.

The protest began with a condemnation of the alleged brutal police assault on students in recent days. Expressing outrage over the incident, the attendees criticized the government's style of functioning, describing it as contrary to democratic values. Speakers emphasized that in a democracy, solutions should be sought through dialogue and sensitivity rather than by forcibly suppressing voices of dissent. A special discussion on the topic "The Role of Intellectuals in Current Circumstances" was also organized during the sit-in. Participants remarked that when society is grappling with democratic, educational, and social challenges, the responsibility of intellectuals cannot be limited merely to expressing opinions. They asserted that in such times, writers, teachers, artists, journalists, and thinkers must fearlessly raise their voices in the public interest, thereby fulfilling their moral obligation toward society.