Silent protest organised in city against recent incidents of atrocities on women

Kolkata: People from all walks of life took part in a silent protest on Wednesday, against atrocities on women which are on the rise nationwide.

The protest was held at five important intersections in Kolkata: Esplanade, Shyambazar Five Point crossing, Hazra More, 8B bus stand, Jadavpur and Karunamoyee in Salt Lake. It was organised by Maitree, an NGO working for women's issues. The protesters tied pieces of black cloth on their faces as a mark of protest. Leaflets were distributed. They held placards and posters, urging people to end atrocities on women. They said that from January, the incidents of violence against women have gone up in number alarmingly in the country. The rape and murder of Asifa in Kathua has drawn the attention of United Nations and India has been severely criticised by the western people and media. "Law is not enough to put an end to such crimes…what is required is awareness among the people," said a spokesperson of Maitree. The participants lit up candles to express solidarity.

Maitree has written a letter to the State Election Commission, demanding security of women candidates, who were prevented from filing nomination for the Panchayat election.

"The way the women candidates were stopped and beaten up by criminals is alarming and a proper environment is required to conduct the three-tier Panchayat elections," a spokesperson said.