Demand for justice to Manipur women at massive protest in B’luru

Somwya Raju | NT

Bengaluru: Over 1,000 people attended a protest held on Sunday, at St Francis Xavier's Cathedral in Bengaluru. The protest was attended by women's leaders, activists, and speakers from various religious and social backgrounds to demand peace, relief, and restorative justice for the women of Manipur.

The protest was organised by the Women's Commission, Archdiocese of Bangalore under the umbrella of the Conference of the Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) Commission for Women.

Brinda Adige, Founder of Global Concern of India and Human Rights activist: "The Women's Commission demands Peace, Relief, Restorative justice for women of Manipur, now."

Sheema Mohsin, A Women's Islamic Voice Activist: "For their ulterior motives they are dividing people and using excuses to carry on atrocities. Why are the culprits not stopped at the borders and because of this the people of Manipur are paying the price."

Ruth Manorama, a Dalit social activist stated, "The Constitution says there is no discrimination in caste, religion and gender, but here it is seen. This is a socio-religious attack on minorities. This is an organised and structural plan against minorities. The PM did not have the time to visit during this grave situation. Break the culture of silence."

Priya Francis, President of the Catholic Women's Collective and Secretary of the Women's Commission of the Archdiocese of Bangalore: “Women’s issues are the society’s highest priority and deepest concerns.”

So, no matter our differences such as gender, religion, language, caste or creed, we come together as a powerful force to uphold women's rights and dignity, condemning inhuman acts and demanding justice for the women of Manipur and the women of our country!"

Dr Paul Newman, Principal of St. Joseph evening college: "Well-planned genocide and the highest level of crime in Manipur. The PM wants to stop the war in Ukraine but cannot stop the war in Manipur. The government has failed the Manipur people and it's high time we knock on international doors like the UN and European Union. Manipur is a fertile place, if people are evicted the place will be going to multinational ventures. The constitution has failed the rights of the people. There is a lot of indifference in colour, caste and creed."

Kamilah Urooj, studying in Class 12 at Sophia high school added, "We cannot remain silent in such acts of violence against women and unspeakable atrocities."

The protest concluded with the signing of a memorandum by over 1,000 people. The memorandum called for an end to the violence against women in Manipur and for the government to take immediate action to protect the rights of women.

The protest was a powerful show of solidarity for the women of Manipur. The speakers condemned the atrocities against women and called for an end to the violence.

The memorandum signed by over 1,000 people is a powerful statement that the people of India will not tolerate violence against women.