Gurmehar Kaur pulls out of protest march in Delhi University campus, says it is to save the movement

In a series of tweets on Tuesday, the 20-year-old said her intention is to protect the movement as she appealed to others to join the "Save DU" march at the Delhi University campus by students and teachers.

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"I'm withdrawing from the campaign. Congratulations everyone. I request to be left alone. I said what I had to say," she wrote.

"To anyone questioning my courage and bravery. I've shown more than enough," Kaur, whose social media campaign against Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, the student wing of the BJP, earned her accolades and criticism, tweeted.ty

The daughter of a Kargil war martyr, Captain Mandeep Singh, Gurmehar had also evoked diverse reactions when she made a video post, saying "Pakistan did not kill my father, war killed him."

Gurmehar on Monday complained with the Delhi Women's Commission that she was threatened with rape on social media for her campaign.

She was given  police protection yesterday after she was trolled with tweets.

Kaur initiated the campaign after her friends were verbally and physically abused at Ramjas College in North Campus, allegedly by ABVP students.

As her campaign went viral, political bigwigs of opposing parties were in the scene trading charges against one another.

The controversy did not even spare former test cricketer Virendra Shehwag, who tweeted mockingly at Gurmehar.

Kaur's Twitter page picture shows her holding a placard which reads: "I am a student from Delhi University. I am not afraid of ABVP. I am not alone. Every student of India is with me. #StudentsAgainstABVP."

In response to Kaur's online protest campaign, Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju asked, "Who's polluting this young girl's mind?"

"Who's polluting this young girl's mind? A strong Arm Force prevents a war. India never attacked anyone but a weak India was always invaded," Rijiju tweeted.

His  comment drew flak from the opposition, with Congress dubbing the remark as "patriarchal".

Protesting Kaur's posts, the ABVP held a 'Tiranga Rally' in the Delhi University's North Campus. They also demonstrated against the All India Students Association (AISA) "for shouting anti-India slogans".

Defending Kaur, Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi on said, ” against tyranny of fear we stand with our students. For every voice raised in anger, intolerance and ignorance there’ll be a Gurmehar.”

Congress leader Manish Tewari said the assault of students and teachers allegedly by ABVP activists at Ramjas College last week  was part of a concerted effort by right-wing forces.

Defending the  ABVP,  Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu said that the student body, is a nationalist organisation, while “others have different views”.

“ABVP is a nationalist Org. Other Orgs have different views let them express it. Why should outsiders go and disturb peace of campuses,” Naidu said.

He also said that while dissent is allowed, there should be no space for disintegration.

Meanwhile, in an emotional appeal a day before he retires, Ramjas College Principal Rajendra Prasad said, "I wish for nothing except that Ramjas remains peaceful, and committed to the glorious future it is destined to set for itself."

He expressed his pain over last week's college violence and urged students to stay calm.

Making the matter worse, BJP MP Pratap Simha posted a tweet comparing Kaur with Dawood Ibrahim.

"At least Dawood did not use the crutches of his father's name to justify his anti-national stand," Simha, who represents Karnataka's Mysore constituency  in the Lok Sabha, said.