Mangaluru: Hundreds of women on Thursday attacked the state government for taking the cases of atrocities against women ‘too lightly’ and demanded that government should introduce ‘Sheela Bhagya’, which roughly translates to privilege of purity.
“We don’t want Anna Bhagya, Ksheera Bhagya or Dantha Bagya. Instead, let the government introduce ‘Rakshane Bhagya’ (privilege of protection) and ‘Sheela Bhagya to ensure protection of women against atrocities”, one of the protesters said during the protest march, which was organized by BJP Mahila Morcha (women’s wing of BJP) from Taluk Panchayat till A.B. Shetty Circle in the city.
A strong law and instances of immediate conviction of the accused in rape and sexual harassment cases can send a strong message to the law breakers. But, the State Government is indulged in a blame-game and protection of the rapists. Those who are arrested on crimes come out on bail the same day, Sulochana Bhat, vice-president of BJP Mahila Morcha said and added that the police have to work under political pressure.
Bhat also said that the mother is afraid to send her daughter out for fear of her safety. It’s the government’s duty to protect its citizens. Home Minister K.J George must resign, as he has failed to handle his post effectively. The State is in need of a strong leader”, she added. The time has come where we have to go around with sickles for our own safety, she rued.
She asked the government to rehabilitate the rape victims with appropriate compensation. A counseling centre must be set up for both the victims and their parents. In most cases, even the parents of the victim are not ready to accept their daughter who is the victim of such cases, she said.
Later, all of them made a human chain and blocked all the four directions of the road. The police had to arrest them to make way for smooth traffic. They were released immediately without registering any case.
Among hundreds of protestors, women came from faraway places like Madikeri and Sullia. BJP leader Prathap Simha Nayak, former MLC Monappa Bhandary, former MLA Yogish Bhat were among others present.
