This is a statement for IIM L alums who wish to speak up about recent events in UP and the rest of India. This statement is not released by the institute itself, nor does it represent the views of ALL alumni. Like any other petition, it only represents those who voluntarily sign it. 

Where IIMs A, B and C have held events condemning the fascism of the present regime and in support of student protesters all across India, our own alma mater, IIM Lucknow, which is at the epicenter of violence unleashed by Yogi Adityanath, the ABVP, and the police personnel who have followed their orders, has thus far remained silent. 

While the students and management may be afraid of reprisal by Yogi Adityanath, we, the undersigned alumni of IIM Lucknow, refuse any more to stay quiet about the horrifying violence visited upon peaceful protesters and students, both in UP and in the nation at large. We condemn the actions of the Chief Minister, and urge the IIM L management and all our prestigious alums all over the world to bring any and all pressure to bear upon this government and its supporters to ensure fascism is defeated in India, never to rise again.

As students and beneficiaries of a prestigious university, we stand by the idea of India as a democratic country where elected representatives pay attention to the voice of the people instead of unleashing goons to suppress dissent. We stand by the rule of law, and urge this government to heed the warning of experts, including the Nobel laureate Abhijit Banerjee, who have said the CAA and NRC process will prove disastrous.

We also reject bigotry and the use of violence against students and minorities, especially Muslims, and the use of police to destroy their property and arrest them without cause. The videos and evidence circulating of police brutality is unconscionable and cannot be tolerated. All of us who have benefited from the legendary hospitality of Lucknow city and have imbibed the values of IIM Lucknow cannot stay silent as these atrocities are visited upon innocent people, and we unequivocally condemn these actions.