Gauri Lankesh inspires even in death, her murder is reigniting fight for justice

Gauri Lakesh was shot dead by assailants on Tuesday night

The brutal murder of Gauri Lankesh, a fierce journalist and free thinker has reignited the fight for justice for all those who were killed in cold-blood like her. Protests across the country are being witnessed over Gauri's assassination but what it has already done, is to jolt the establishment, government and public, from slumber over the killings of rationalists and thinkers across the country.

"If this does not make the government react, I don't know what will. If Gauri's murder does not elicit a response, then we live in a sham that there is a police, a government in power whether it is state or center. Three killing bearing the same signature is too much of a coincidence for any government to ignore. Modus operandi, the attack is like a signature style," said K M Chaitanya, film maker and a close friend of Gauri Lankesh.

Many who knew Gauri reflect Chaitanya's thoughts. Since Tuesday night, multiple protests are being held across Karnataka. On Wednesday, protests and solidarity meets have been called for in various parts of the country. Journalists' associations, political organizations, student forums, activists from across the country have called for protests demanding justice.

In a chorus for justice for Gauri, is also a chorus for justice for Prof M M Kalburgi, Govind Pansare and Narendra Dabholkar. M M Kalburgi's death brought together families of Govind Pansare, Narendra Dabholkar and Kalburgi to launch a united protest for justice. Gauri's brutal killing has done the same, once again.

"The real honour to her memory is to keep her fighting spirit alive. We, first of all, did not need something like this to happen to clarify to everyone around that things are precious and non-negotiable within the realm of political conduct. She was an inspirational person for many youngsters. The CCTV was positioned right where she was attacked and that should have captured it. I don't know what other kinds of proof the police want to nab people," said Chandan Gowda, writer, researcher, faculty member of Azim Premji University but above all Gauri's dear friend.

While Gauri's friends and family hope that the killers are nabbed not just to bring her justice but to protect independent voices and right of dissent, realistic challenges are something they are aware of.

"Public can protest, express, feel shocked and react on social media but who is t take care of unknown cold-blooded supari killers? Only the police can and have the means to it. I do hope her murder keeps the fire burning but in the age of electronic media, public memory is dreadfully short and easily distracted," K M Chaitanya added.

For years now families of Govind Pansare, M M Kalburgi, and Narendra Dabholkar have been fighting for justice. Police of two states and one central agency have not been able to nab the prime accused in the case. There is anger, there is protest but will there be action? Now is the time for action, for assurance that every voice, especially the voice of dissent that keeps democracy alive, will be protected and justice will be served.

OneIndia News