The All India Sapera Mahasabha (All India Snake Charmer Association) staged a unique protest in front of King George’s Medical University (KGMU) on Thursday, alleging that Bangladeshi and Rohingya infiltrators were usurping jobs in various low-wage positions at the institution.
The protesters attempted to awaken the administration through flute playing, stating that their symbolic message was to “drive out the snakes hidden inside KGMU.”
The protest, which took place at 4 pm in front of KGMU, included members of the Indian snake charmer community.
Shripati Nath, a young activist from the community, stated that the snake charmer community, which has lived in the Sarojininagar area of Lucknow for centuries, is still struggling for a livelihood. While local youth are unable to find employment, Bangladeshi and Rohingya infiltrators are being appointed to contractual Group D positions.
The All India Sapera Mahasabha alleged that irregularities were being committed in contractual recruitments to provide employment to people who have no local connection. The Mahasabha stated that this act is an injustice not only to the snake charmer community but also to all poor and unemployed sections of society who are eligible for and aspire to these jobs.
A heavy police force was deployed at the protest site to maintain security. The police controlled the protesters and moved them away from the gate. However, the protesters peacefully registered their protest by playing flutes in front of KGMU. The organization demanded that the government conduct a high-level inquiry into the contractual appointments at KGMU and take strict action against those responsible.
Regarding the entire protest, the university’s media in-charge, Professor K.K. Singh, stated that the people who came to protest today did not even have a memorandum. They did not know what they were protesting about. Therefore, the protest was unjustified. He said that they had called the police for security, but did not receive the expected cooperation.
An FIR will be registered against the protesters for tarnishing the image of KGMU.