‘ Freedom Parade’ to reclaim the Republic
Stir at Jantar Mantar for gender equality
Scores of protesters staged a “Freedom Parade” at Jantar Mantar demanding gender equality and speedy implementation of recommendations of Justice Verma Committee set up after the Delhi gangrape incident.
The protesters, mostly students and women, carried placards and shouted slogans demanding “Bekhauf Azadi ( Fearless Freedom)” and justice.
The protesters then conferred “Mardangi Maryada Medal” to politicians and godmen for making “derogatory comments” against women.
Several student and women organisations, including All India Progressive Women’s Association ( AIPWA) and All India Student’s Association ( AISA), supported the march. Students from educational institutions such as Delhi University, IGNOU, JNU and Jamia Milia Islamia also gathered for the protest.
The protesters had come on a platform through a Facebook group called “Freedom Without Fear — Bekhauf Azadi” to stage the protest in the capital on Republic Day in order to “reclaim the Republic,” as the placards read.
The Justice J. S. Verma panel, set up by the government in December to review laws to provide for speedier justice and enhanced punishment in cases of aggravated sexual assault, submitted its report to the government on Wednesday.
The panel was set up in the wake of outrage over the gruesome gang- rape of a 23- year- old trainee physiotherapist December 16. She late died in a Singapore hospital.
Kavita Krishnan, secre- tary, All India Progressive Women’s Association, demanded strict laws to deal with crime against women and implementation of Justice Verma Committee recommendations.
Archana Sengupta, a senior citizen who was also part of the march, said that she was hopeful protests like these will help bring about a positive change.