Hundreds of Mumbaikars gathered at Aarey forest on Sunday, 10th July to oppose the decision of the Eknath Shinde-led Maharashtra government to build a Metro car shed in the forest. There were children, senior citizens, youth, tribals, and students. People from all walks of life came and marked their protest with slogans, placards, and songs.

Much hype was made on social media labelling the protestors of the Save Aarey movement as bling-bling, fancy activities who travel by expensive cars and do not know the sufferings of people travelling by local trains. Ground recce of the Aarey protest will give an accurate picture of the ‘real protestors’. They were common Mumbaikars who travel daily by local transportation like trains and buses. They are the direct beneficiaries of public transport. They want an efficient mass transit system for Mumbai but not at the cost of losing their green lungs especially when other eco-friendly and cost-friendly options are available.

Shiv Sena leader Aditya Thackeray also participated in the protest on Sunday, saying metro cars go for maintenance every three-four months and not every night, the government can afford to build sheds in Kanjurmarg. "If sheds are built in Kanjurmarg, forest life will be preserved, along with tribal life and money," he said.

A complaint with the National Commission for Child Rights was lodged against Aditya Thackeray for using children in Sunday’s agitation. The complaint alleged that the children cannot be involved in political agitation in this manner and that forcing them to participate in the agitation is a violation of their human rights.

Children, like adults, have the right to freedom of movement, association and peaceful assembly – rights that underpin the right to (peaceful) protest. These rights are protected by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the ensuing framework of human rights treaties, including the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. https://www.ohchr.org/en/instruments-mechanisms/instruments/convention-rights-child

Children have participated in protests across the world against nuclear weapons, wars, child poverty, and climate change. ‘Save Aarey Forest’ is a protest to stop trees from being felled. Children associate themselves with trees, birds, butterflies, and animals and do not wish to harm them. They are raising their voices to save Mother Nature from being destroyed. This is not a political issue where there are chances of children being manipulated by their parents to uphold a particular ideology or a cult. Environmental Science is a part of their syllabus. Children know the importance of forests in maintaining the ecology of the planet. They know there will be an oxygen crisis, an increase in pollution, and the loss of wildlife habitat if forests are cut. Raising a voice in a peaceful way for universal subjects like environment, peace, equality, and freedom is not a crime or violation of any child’s rights. Children have a right to make their opinions heard.

I strongly condemn the use of children in violent demonstrations and political insurgencies. I oppose poisoning the innocent minds of children with complex ideologies which require maturity, time, knowledge, and contemplation.

The peaceful participation of children under parental guidance in the Sunday protest at Aarey to save the forest was innocent and harmless to the sovereignty of the society. There was no foul language, no ostentatious behaviour, and no indiscipline. Children were not at all forced but rather looked happy to be a part of the movement. One child was dressed as Lord Vithal. One girl held a plant of Tulsi in her hand. Children had posters of Saving Trees (These things they do regularly at schools). On one hand, we teach children valour stories of Bhagat Singh, Shivaji Maharaj, and Maharana Pratap and on the other, we curb their courage when they raise their voices. This will only breed hypocrisy and indolence within children. As per directive policy under article 48A of the Constitution, every Indian including children has the fundamental duty to save the environment.

I urge the authority to use their discretion in discriminating between children’s participation and children’s exploitation during the protests.