On 10th
January, Sunday, some concerned citizens gathered at Dharna Chowk, Indira Park
to protest against the rape of the 50 year old Anganwadi worker in Badaun,
Uttar Pradesh. They also demanded that the government should come up with an
action plan that is foolproof, one that prevents atrocities against women so
that Never gain can any atrocity take place against any girl or woman.
On January 3rd
the rape incident of the Anganwadi worker, a mother of 5 children was raped
when she had gone to the temple in Badaun city of Uttar Pradesh, by the temple
priest and 2 of his aides. She was brutally assaulted which reminded the nation
of the same tortuous rape and death of Nirbhaya.
What outraged
the members protesting the rape were the statements issued by the member of the
National commission for Women (NCW).
“Every time a Nirbhaya or a
Disha happens; authorities come up with blame on women or with technological
solutions such as cc TV camera or even offer women to carry pepper spray, but
don’t have a 'never again' action plan to prevent assault on women, no action
plan on how to handle the male gaze, male morals, male conduct, male thought!”
said Dr Lubna Sarwath, one of the protestors.
The protest was a
unique one as it was not called by any one organization or individuals – it was
a call few individuals took and decided a mutual date to gather and protest.
Organsiations like United Citizens Forum (UCF) joined the protest adding
momentum to the protest.
The National
president of UCF said, “Serious heinous crimes of Rapes, Gang Rapes and Murders
in the country are going on. Kathua, Unnao, Hathras, Veterinary Doctor in
Hyderabad and now the 50 years old woman from Badaun. So we want to register
our protest against the Rapes, Gang Rapes and Murders of women all across our
country which has shamed its citizens. The heinous crime recently happened in
Badaun, UP, adding to the increasing numbers of rapes taking place in just
Uttar Pradesh alone making it the rape capital of India.”
Sharifa
Siddiqui, another protestor said, “It is so appalling that even after 73 years
of Independence, crimes against women have not stopped. The perpetrators get away most of the times
and this culture of impunity encourages them to commit more crimes. Not only
are the culprits allowed to go free but they are also rewarded.”
After some time
of protesting, the police personnel arrived asking the protestors to leave
citing that permission needs to be taken even for a few minutes of protest (this
protest was just for an hour) even if it is without any mike or tent.
But one lone
protestor, Dr Lubna held her ground, while the others folded their banners.
Said Lubna, when the police insisted that she pack up too, “Can’t one person
stand quietly and silently protest? I am very sad and pained at the state of
affairs and want to protest on my own even if the others leave.”
The question the
protestors asked was, “Rapes can happen anywhere, anytime but people should
take permission to protest against it. Is it right?”
“Police insisted
that we take permission to stage even a silent protest. We objected strongly as
this protest was against the perpetrators who, if left un-arrested and not sent
to jail, this could happen to women in any house” said Maqbool Mateen.
“Another problem
Police created was about placards “ India Shamed” they refused to understand
the meaning of “ India shamed “ and said you guys are saying shame on India and
we are ashamed to be Indians; because only Muslims especially Muslim women have
participated and they thought this slogan was anti national” he added
explaining the attitude of Hyderabad police.
“After hearing about the case of the woman
being raped at 50, we now feel that none of us are safe anymore. We fear going
out even after reaching an advanced age” shared another woman protestor.
The protestors
demanded that an action plan to make laws that ensure that women and girls are
safe all the times at all the places without having to fear of getting raped.
