#AsmaJehangir - Continuing the legacy of an indomitable rights crusader

Shinjini Ghosh

“Asma’s death is not only a loss to Pakistan but to all those who love democracy, who love peace, human rights and inclusion,” said feminist activist Kamla Bhasin at a gathering organised by several organisations and individuals in memory of Pakistani lawyer, feminist and human rights activist Asma Jehangir.

At the memorial service organised at the India Habitat Centre on Thursday, Ms. Jehangir’s friends and colleagues came together and spoke about the “vocal critic” who consistently raised her voice against the “ruling elite”.

Dare establishments

“We are here not just to pay our condolences but to carry forward her legacy. She taught us the meaning of bonding between different nations despite the differences. She has often said that no dictator can survive for long. I think there is a lot to learn from that statement of hers. If we have to carry forward her legacy we have to challenge our own ruling establishments in India” said human rights lawyer Indira Jaising.

Ms. Jehangir, who passed away on February 11 after suffering a cardiac arrest, had been co-founders of multiple South Asia-level people’s platforms and was formerly the UN Special Rapporteur on extra judicial killings and freedom of religion.

Tapan Bose, co-chairperson of Pakistan India People’s Forum for Peace and Democracy, said, “She was a tremendous vocal critic and always stood in the front row to protest against the oppression of the military and the ruling elite. Two days before her death, on a chilly wintry night in Islamabad, she stood with the Pashtun agitators and said I know how the military has been usurping your rights. We must continue the legacy of this courageous indomitable crusader of human rights.”

Fought patriarchy Speaking about the funeral service at Lahore’s Gaddafi stadium, lawyer Mariam Farooqui said that Ms. Jehangir fought patriarchy even through her death as the funeral service saw a large number of men, women and children coming together to offer their prayers.

Amid couplet recitals by Urdu poet Gauhar Raza and others, the packed amphitheatre also resolved, in unison, to carry forward Ms. Jehangir’s legacy by continuing the struggle for human rights across borders and the battle against the divisive patriarchal communal forces.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/continuing-the-legacy-of-an-indomitable-rights-crusader/article22769709.ece