NEW DELHI: “Why do we still have to protest for basic safety? We are constantly in a state of fear, and that should not become normal,” said a Lady Shri Ram College student after a police encounter near its back gate Tuesday renewed concerns about the safety of the surrounding stretch.Another student called the area around the back gate “the most unsafe place at all times”. Students questioned the lack of visible police patrolling and said the roads and a park adjoining the college needed better lighting and security.The back gate, usually busy with students going in and out through the day, stood deserted Wednesday as physical classes did not take place, according to students. Police vans were seen patrolling the area frequently on the day. Students said the shootout, involving cops and an accused in the Aastha Kunj Park gang-rape case, had taken place roughly 50 metres from the college.Many said they were informed at noon Tuesday that classes would shift online. On Wednesday, a few classes were held online, while some students said their classes were suspended altogether. Principal Kanika K Ahuja attributed Wednesday’s suspension of classes to a DUTA call and said regular offline classes would resume Thursday.On Wednesday, students held a solidarity march at National Park late afternoon to demand justice for the minor involved in the incident and highlight women’s safety concerns and calls for accountability. “We don’t want to call it a protest. It is a solidarity march for change,” said a student.Anusha Garg, LSR Students’ Union president, said there was understandably a sense of unease. “The response has to be practical and systems-based. Students need safer routes, reliable last-mile connectivity, visible police presence, functioning lighting, and clear reporting and response mechanisms,” she said.Garg added that safety should not depend on how much women restrict their movement. She said, “The system should reduce the amount of risk women have to manage in the first place.”A general body meeting was reportedly held at 9pm Tuesday, where students discussed their concerns and possible measures to improve safety in the area. More meetings are being planned. Students said the recent incidents have affected their sense of safety in public spaces, with some expressing reluctance to travel alone, particularly around the area surrounding the college.Although students stayed away from college Wednesday, those living in the hostel said the unease was palpable on campus. “Many of us are avoiding stepping out today. There is a sense of fear,” a hosteller said.According to students, those who live in PGs have to use the back gate because the PGs are on that side. One of them alleged that there have been instances of harassment and cars speeding past with loud music blaring.A student said the sense of unease extended along the road towards Moolchand. “Even during the day, this entire road doesn’t feel safe for women. I don’t know why a solution has not been found in so many years,” she said.Students also said the lack of timely, formal communication Tuesday had deepened their unease. A student said she learnt of the encounter informally only around 11am Tuesday when she was already in college.Soon after that day, community groups began sharing precautions, including advice to leave the campus only in groups. Uncertainty continued over Wednesday’s classes. A student said that confirmation came only after the students’ union raised the issue, adding that many professors had been supportive of their concerns.Some students, however, said they felt safe inside the college and noted that CCTV cameras were installed even at the back gate. “It is one of the safest campuses in Delhi,” a student said.Joint CP (southern range) Vijay Kumar and DCP (southeast) Vineet Kumar interacted with the students’ union, around 30 students, the principal, vice-principal and other officials of LSR.Ahuja said, “The college is coordinating with Amar Colony Police Station. We are committed to working alongside law enforcement agencies. Our faculty and college counsellor continue to be available to support students.”
