Shaheen Bagh Mediation Day 2: No Consensus On Venue Change Even As Interlocutors Meet Protesters Again

While addressing a thunderous crowd, Ramachandran assured that Shaheen Bagh protest will stay and said that she wishes to find a solution to the problems of common man while letting the protest continue.

SC appointed interlocutors - advocates Sanjay Hedge and Sadhana Ramachandran - during their visit to Shaheen Bagh to initiate talks with the protesters On Thursday. (Image: PTI)

New Delhi: The Supreme Court-appointed mediators - advocates Sanjay Hedge and Sadhana Ramachandran - reached Shaheen Bagh on Thursday in order to initiate their second round of discussions with the protesters agitating against the contentious Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the proposed National Register of Citizens (NRC) over the past two months now. Before starting their negotiation talks, the interlocutors made it amply clear that they would not start the conversation in the presence of media. According to reports, the protesters tried to convince both the mediators that they want to represent their issues before the media, but the journalists were later asked to leave. Ramachandran began addressing the protesters saying, "Aapne bulaya hum chale aaye (You called us and we are here)". "We have to think over it and talk in detail. We are thankful that yesterday we received blessings from all dadis (the elderly ladies protesting at the site)," she said. The first round of talks between the protesters and interlocutors, which took place on Wednesday, ended without any conclusion as the agitators demanded for repealing of the controversial Citizenship Act. WATCH REPORT | Shaheen Bagh: Over An Hour Long Discussion Between SC Mediators & Protesters Both the senior lawyers yet again tried to make a headway on Thursday afternoon and suggested contours of possibilities to end the 68-day long impasse. Protesters, however, remained adamant on their demands as the talks continued for over an hour. While addressing a thunderous crowd, Ramachandran assured that Shaheen Bagh protest will stay and said that she wishes to find a solution to the problems of common man while letting the protest continue. "It will be great, if a solution can be found at the earliest possible," she said. The senior advocate also told protesters that negotiation is the best possible way to reach an outcome as its failure will result in matter being heard in the court of law. "We have come hear on Supreme Court's order to negotiate on the blockade of this road. The top court has sent us to convince you all to remove the blockade. We are not asking you to end your protest, but it will be good for everyone if Shaheen Bagh (protest) can be shifted somewhere else," Ramchandran said. She also said that protesters can continue with their agitation, but end the blockade of roads. To this, the crowd waved saying 'no'. On Monday, the Supreme Court observed that the blockade of the road at Shaheen Bagh was "troubling" and suggested the protesters go to another site where no public place would be blocked. It, however, upheld their right to protest. The apex court also asked Hegde to "play a constructive role as an interlocutor" to persuade the protesters to move to an alternative site. It said the interlocutors could seek former bureaucrat Wajahat Habibullah's assistance. "When Shaheen Bagh has become become an example of protests in India, let us set an example of a protest that does not disturb anybody. You all must be rest assured that we are here to fight for you. Don't think if you change your spot, your fight will die down," Hegde told the protesters. ALSO WATCH | 'Shaheen Bagh Barkaraar Rahega', Says SC Mediator Sadhna Ramchandran  The senior lawyer said, "We have seen many prime ministers come and go. Whoever comes in power and runs the country, sometimes some could be right and some could be wrong. Whatever you are saying the whole country is listening and also the PM." Ramchandran said she was "really waiting" for that day when the "country's atmosphere will change". An elderly man also expressed his fear about his children's security. "I am very scared... I am very scared for my children. Madam save me," he said. When Ramchandran asked him more about his fear, the man replied, "I am a single father. I will die and go but my children should get to live here with authority. My girls go to school where they are being told that you will go out of the country." Ramchandran told protesters not to cry and speak openly. Discussions are still underway and reportedly Ramchandran even took stock of barricades near Shaheen Bagh protest zone to understand the road blockade issue. She went on tour with two women protesters of Shaheen Bagh. (With additional inputs from agencies)