No solution in ‘site’: Shaheen Bagh protesters refuse to cede even an inch in spite of interlocutors’ request

Bengaluru: In what comes as a massive exhibition of defiance and a fit case of dishonouring the court’s views, protesters at Shaheen Bagh have reportedly not countenanced to the views of Sanjay Hegde and Sadhana Ramachandran to vacate the site, the two interlocutors appointed by the top court to mediate with the persevering protesters. 

The two interlocutors spoke to the protesters from the stage and read out the top court’s observations on the issue. The two also asserted that, just like the Shaheen Bagh protesters, others too have the rights to use the blocked roads. 

But when reports last came in, the protesters expressed views that they would neither budge nor cede an inch, much to the chagrin of the interlocutors. 
Earlier, speaking to the media, Sanjay Hegde, speaking to the media said, “We have come here according to the order of the Supreme Court. We hope to speak to everyone. We hope to resolve the matter with everybody's cooperation.” 

Another interlocutor observed, "The Supreme Court has said that you have the right to protest. The law (CAA) has been challenged in the Supreme Court. But like us, others too have their rights, like the right to use roads, open their shops."

Having said all these things, there seems to be a silver lining. 

Sadhana Ramachandran added, "We met them and listened to them. We asked them if they want us to come back tomorrow as it's not possible to complete the talks in one day. They said they want us to come back tomorrow, so we will."

Earlier, BJP IT-cell head put out a video alleging that activist Teesta Setalvad was tutoring the Shaheen Bagh protesters to counter the interlocutors. 

The CAA which Shaheen Bagh protesters allege is discriminatory, grants citizenship to around 32000 persecuted minorities (non-Muslims) from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh. 

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