Bangalore witnesses slew of protests against rape

Bangalore, Dec 22: A number of rallies and demonstrations were held across the city on Friday, condemning the lack of women's security in the wake of the brutal assault and rape of a young medical student in New Delhi on the night of Dec 17.

Both men and women took to the streets demanding a fresh focus on women's safety in public spaces and better policies to curb violence against women. A group of women under social activist Ruth Manorama and NGO Women's Voice submitted a memorandum to Karnataka Governor Hansraj Bhardwaj demanding fast-track courts, change in laws to grant imprisonment for rape and adequate funds for women's empowerment.

The All-India Democratic Women's Association (AIDWA) also protested at Basavanagudi taxi stand where several women, including students, assembled to protest over women's rights and safety in public places.

They said there was a shortage of political will to back the women's cause. The AIDWA members said although the rape in New Delhi triggered the protest, they were protesting the four incidents of rape that rocked Karnataka in the same week. They said the law enforcement and legal system has failed to ensure safety for these women, whether they are at their homes or outside.

Another member of the association said the aim of better safety to the women could be met only if the society is made sensitive towards the issue and a stronger political will is displayed. She said neither the Centre nor the state government was bothered to tackle the serious problem. The AIDWA will hold another protest on Saturday.

Environment Support Group, another city-based NGO, also held a protest at the Town Hall on Saturday.

OneIndia News