AIDWA DEMANDS JUSTICE FOR THE VICTIMS OF VIOLENCE IN JHARKHAND
The All India Democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA) condemns the recent gruesome and horrific incidents of violence against women in Jharkhand. These incidents are a result of the expanding influence of the patriarchal and conservative mindset that has been actively supported by forces of the Sangh Parivar and has long been resisted by AIDWA.
The first incident of attack on a 19 year old 12th class student in Dumka took place when she refused the overtures of her stalker. The accused was arrested and sent to jail. The Jharkhand government also announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs. 10 lakhs to the girl’s family. The AIDWA demands speedy justice and protection for the family. It also demands actions against the BJP politicians who are trying to use the incident to fan communal tensions and destabilize the Jharkhand government. The VHP has also been fanning communal tensions because the accused is a Muslim.
The second incident took place in Chatra when a 10th class student was attacked by her fellow colleague at a private tuition centre. She received severe burns and eye injury. After being admitted in the Ranchi AIIMS, she was finally airlifted to Delhi for surgery. The Jharkhand government has announced one lakh rupees for her family and financial support for her medical treatment. The AIDWA demands that the accused be immediately arrested, and full efforts be made for the rehabilitation of the girl, once she recovers. The Delhi AIDWA has been in touch with her family and tried to provide them some support.
The third horrific incident is that of a BJP MLA, Seema Patra’s torture of her adivasi domestic help. The MLA made her clean the toilet by licking urine with her tongue for the last eight years. She has also been physically tortured and is in hospital with broken teeth and burnt face. She was arrested after a tip off by her son. In a face saving attempt, the NCW has ordered action within seven days in this case, though it has largely ignored all other incidents of violence against women. The AIDWA demands that the accused be prosecuted under the most stringent laws. The AIDWA demands that all expense of the medical treatment of the girl be met by the government. The girl has also expressed a desire to study and should be provided all support to pursue studies at the expense of the state.
The AIDWA asks all its units to hold protests against these horrific incidents and expose the BJP’s attempt to communalize them.
Malini Bhattacharya (President)
Mariam Dhawale (General Secretary)
