The Queer Azaadi Mumbai (QAM) has issued a statement distancing themselves from the slogans which were raised in favour of Jawaharlal Nehru (JNU) student and activist Sharjeel Imam.
QAM organised the 'Mumbai Pride Solidarity Gathering 2020' on February 1 at Azad Maidan. In the parade, the supporters of activist Sharjeel Imam raised slogans in his support: "Sharjeel tere sapno ko mazil tak pahuchayengey (Sharjeel, we will actualise your dreams)".
In its statement, QAM mentioned that they were not communicated and informed about the nature of the sloganeering. None of the individuals raising these slogans was part of the organising process.
"Neither QAM nor the individuals who have signed the permissions were communicated with or kept informed of the intent and content of this sloganeering," said QAM in a statement.
Condemning the slogans for being "against the integrity of India". the LGBTQ organisation further stated that the people who raised slogans in support of Sharjeel Imam during the parade were not known to them personally.
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"As soon as the organizers realized that some sloganeering was inaudible on the stage, the organizers proactively used their microphones to stop all activities and clearly advised all the attendees that any sort of speech, slogan or communication within the gathering must happen from the stage and with official consent of the organizing members."
"We feel that irresponsible sloganeering under the garb of dissent not just affects the safety of individuals who signed the permission but QAM as an entity," the statement read.
In the wake of anti-CAA protests, Mumbai Police had denied the permission to QAM to hold the pride parade. However, the permission was granted on condition that the issue of CAA and NRC will not be raised.
Sharjeel Imam gave a controversial speech at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) before the crowd protesting against Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the proposed National Register of Citizens (NRC), advocating for a 'chakka jam' and separating North Eastern states from rest of India.
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As the speech created a huge ruckus, Sharjeel Imam was booked under sedition charges and was arrested in Bihar by Delhi Police.
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