Shillong mourn Delhi gang-rape victim death, condemn such crime as one

SHILLONG, DEC 29: Women, young and old, in Shillong took to the streets to mourn the death of the twenty-three year old Delhi gang-rape victim Damini, and express solidarity with another girl who, too, was a victim of gang-rape nearer home at Williamnagar in the Garo Hills recently.

Women carrying candle lights and placards condemning atrocities against women marched on the streets. “We express our solidarity with all the victims of such crime in our state and across the country,” said Civil Society Women’s Organization (CSWO) president Agnes Kharshiing.

Some of the placards read:  “Castration for rapists”, “Don’t harass women, they are lovely mothers, sisters, daughters”, “We stand in solidarity with the rape victim in Williamnagar and rape victims all over the state”.

The women activists demanded a strong law against rape. “She is a martyr because she bravely withstood the savagery and waged a relentless struggle to live. She raised the consciousness of the nation before passing into eternity,” said an elderly lady who was one among the hundreds of people who had spontaneously gathered at the Don Bosco Square here on Saturday evening.

A college student said: “Her passing away is not an end because her spirit will survive forever. She personified the brutality that a woman has to go through in daily life.” Another young girl said even in a matrilineal society like that exists in Meghalaya women are subjugated by men.

Chief minister Mukul Sangma also expressed deep grief at the passing away of ‘the Delhi rape victim. “I am very grieved and condole the death of the young braveheart who despite being brutally assaulted and raped fought on for over two weeks. Such incidents of heinous crimes against women are increasing with each passing day not only in the national capital but all over the country,” regretted Sangma.

The chief minister suggested a thorough review of the prevailing system to ensure such incidents are never ever repeated. “This problem is serious and we will all need to concertedly strive towards a permanent solution,” he said.

Similar protest was also held in Byrnihat in Ri-Bhoi district. A young girl had been raped and an escaped being killed only recently.  The Joint Action Committee (JAC) compromising women’s organizations, NGOs and Synjuk ki Rangbah Shnong took out rally, denouncing crime against women. The rally started from Amjok village and culminated into a public meeting at Moonlight School.

Speakers at the meeting while condemning the growing incidents of rape, demanded stringent punishment against the perpetrators of such crime. A prayer for the eternal rest of the Delhi victim was also said. (By Our Reporter)