Activists, students condemn Centre’s silence over rape cases

Condemning the Centre’s silence on the Kathua and Unnao rape cases, and alleged inaction against the accused, several students’ unions and women’s organisations staged protests in the Capital on Thursday.

Terming the “communalisation” of the incidents as “problematic”, activists participating in the protest said the current scenario warrants each citizen to step forth and resist the trend and demanded a “free and fair trial”.

“We are angry at the manner in which there are political and communal attempts to protect the accused. While the father of the victim was killed in custody, the accused MLA has still not been arrested. Despite the Jammu incident having clear political motives, ministers and the Bar Association have been trying to shield the accused,” said Kavita Krishnan, secretary of the All India Progressive Women’s Association (AIPWA).

“If Nirbhaya was the country’s daughter, where are these two victims from? Are they not from the same country? Why is there no action being taken against the accused? The Prime Minister should break his silence and so should all the women BJP leaders,” added Ms. Krishnan.

‘False slogan’

Demanding immediate resignation of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and accusing the RSS and BJP of “implementing feudal manusmriti ideology”, Mariam Dhawale of the All India Democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA) said, “The present situation is a struggle for all citizens while the ruling party is perpetuating false slogans of ‘Beti Bachao’. The question that is to be asked now is, do we want to inherit a country ruled by goons? All citizens should step up and say no to this. Victims and their families should be protected and the police officers who have failed their duties should also be penalised.”

Anti-women mentality

Annie Raja of the National Federation of Indian Women said, “All pillars of the Indian democracy are showing anti-women mentality. Unfortunately, the government in the Centre is in the lead in violating the constitutional rights of women and encouraging violation against women. All those who believe in human rights should come together to save the country from such lawlessness.”

Highlighting the increasing violence against women, social activist Shabnam Hashmi said, “The way violence is being normalised is a troubling fact. It’s not as if violence against women did not exist earlier. However, now the length and breadth of it has worsened and there is a feeling of helplessness among all. The insensitive goons that are present in the government, makes one wonder whether we are in a civilised situation or not.”