‘No curfews, fix the streets instead’: Delhi students spotlight safety outside campus
Women across Delhi’s colleges describe changing routes, travelling in groups, avoiding certain roads after dark, or leaving college early. Their concerns extend beyond the campus perimeter to the roads, parks, metro stations, and neighbourhoods that make up their daily commute.
On September 28, 2026, rain fell over Delhi and students from Lady Shri Ram College for Women (LSR) organized a solidarity march to highlight safety concerns outside their campus. This was the third march by the students. The banners displayed the word "Azaadi," meaning freedom, but this time, the demand was for safety from the fears that have become part of navigating the capital city of India, Delhi.
Hundreds of students gathered outside the Arts faculty of the University of Delhi, demanding better security around the campus following a gang rape case near Aastha Kunj Park. The incident directly affected the college, causing classes to move online temporarily. The students' concerns, however, extend beyond the campus to the roads, parks, metro stations, and neighborhoods they commute through daily.
They face issues such as catcalling, comments from men, stalking, and indecent exposure. Some students have changed their routes to avoid dangerous areas, which alters their daily commute and adds time and money to their travel. The Students' Union addressed various issues at a general body meeting, but students questioned why increased security measures only appeared after a major crime rather than as a routine preventive policy.
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
