UK-based feminists write to PM Modi over violence against women, 'mysogynist' RSS

London, Oct 18: Several prominent women's organisations and women academics in the UK have written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is due to visit the country next month, expressing concern over his "silence" in the wake of rising gender violence in India.

Citing what they called detailed evidence, the signatories to the letter wrote that they are particularly concerned about the Prime Minister's relationship with the RSS which they described as a "paramilitary organisation modelled on the Italian Fascist and German Nazi parties known for its violent misogyny openly displayed in the pronouncements of its leaders."

The letter also states that the overseas wing of the RSS is currently being investigated by the British Charity Commission for hate speech against Christians and Muslims.

In the letter, the signatories have asked the Prime Minister whether he approves of hate crimes, patriarchal violence and misogyny allegedly perpetrated by the RSS and its affiliates and if not "we urge you to openly condemn these organisations."

Referring to right-wing organisations, the letter states, "Surely these are not organisations by which a Prime Minister of democratic and secular India should be guided, or held accountable."

"These organisations are also responsible for vicious 'moral policing' which has led to murderous attacks on couples who cross religious and caste boundaries. Your silence sends them a message of approval," it said.

The letter cites many instances of violence against women, including during the 2002 Gujarat riots, in which justice is still awaited.

The letter has been signed by Zlakha Ahmed, Director, Apna Haq, Rotherham; Ila Patel, Director, Asha Projects, London; Shaminder Ubhi, Director, Ashiana Network, London; Sarbjit Ganger, Director, Asian Women's Resource Centre, London; Mwenya Chimba, Director, Black Association of Women Step Out, Cardiff and Anjona Roy, Director, Dostiyo, Northampton among other representatives of Black, South Asian and Minority Women's organisations and many academics.

Modi is scheduled to visit the UK in the second week of November.

PTI