Mangaluru: Candlelight protest seeking justice for rape victims

Mangaluru: Candlelight protest seeking justice for rape victims

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Apr 16, 2018 : A candlelight vigil demanding justice for Asifa, the eight-year-old girl from Kathua, and the teenaged girl from Unnao, saw hundreds of citizens turn up  front of DC Office on April 16, Monday evening.

Large number of students, professionals, social activists and several citizens assembled at State bank circle, in front of DC office to take part in the candlelight protest condemning the rape and attrocities against women, especially the Kathua, Unnao and Surat cases.

Kusumavathi and Chandappa, parents of Sowjanya who was raped and murdered in Dharmastala took part in the candlelight protest. The first candle was lit by Kusumavathi mother of Kumari Soujanya who was abducted in broad daylight and brutally raped and murdered. She is yet to get justice.

The mother was very emotional on the occasion. Sowjanya’s mother said, " My daughter was brutally raped and killed five years ago and I am fighting for justice even today. I will continue until I get justice. I request you all to support me in my fight for justice.me."

The  protest continued for some time before people started raising slogans demanding that action be taken against the perpetrators of rape and those supporting the rapists.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Narendra Nayak, President of Federation of Indian Rationalist Associations said "The rape and murder of an 8-year-old child at Kathua is cruelty and a shameful act. It shows how low and cultureless our countrymen are. How can we be silent on such cruel and inhuman acts taking place regularly in our country” When a girl gets raped, her dress and behavior are questioned, and they say those are invitation to rape. If modern dressing provokes you, what about rapes and murders of women in Burkha and saree?

" It is shameful that our country today is notorious for rapes and murders. The rapists are being shielded people in power said Mohammed Kunhi, a social activist. 

Many have expressed their deep anger at the  Government’s failure to control the crimes, the protestors also alleged the government is shielding the perpetrators and not bringing the accused to justice.Several others condemned the crime and raise their voices against the crimes. We are demanding justice for the girl who was raped and killed in Kathua. The protesters demanded stern punishment to the culprits to the extent that no one dares to do such an act.

Prof Narendra Nayak, Social activist Vidya Dinker, Suhail Kandak and a large number of public irrespective of caste and creed witnessed the protest.