Thrissur to Host 'Freedom Flag' Rally Against Voter Roll Revision on Oct 30

Cultural activists, human rights groups, and political and social organisations in Thrissur are organising a solidarity gathering on October 30 titled 'Raise the Flag of Freedom.' The event aims to protest alleged voter disenfranchisement tied to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

A secular democratic collective is organising the programme to back protests already underway in Delhi and other parts of the country led by students, youth groups, and opposition parties. The organisers allege these protests are responding to attempts to deny voting rights and citizenship to certain groups.

According to the organisers, the Union government has undermined democratic institutions, constitutional values, and the country's pluralistic character. They also expressed solidarity with demonstrators at Jantar Mantar, Connaught Place, and other sites who they say faced human rights violations during protests.

The Thrissur event will begin with a rally from the CMS School premises at 4 p.m., concluding near the Kerala Sahitya Akademi. Cultural and artistic programmes will follow at the Akademi's Basheer venue until 10 p.m.

Several writers, including K. Satchidanandan, Sarah Joseph, and K.G. Sankara Pillai, are expected to attend, along with film personalities such as director Kamal and actor Rima Kallingal. Musicians, artists, and poets are also slated to participate, alongside political representatives and activists.

The programme will include hip-hop performances, folk music, and other artistic presentations, organisers said, as part of a call for a unified, peaceful movement to defend democracy and constitutional principles.