Bengaluru stands with Bilkis Bano; thousands throng Freedom Park

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru

Bengalureans showed up in large numbers to register their solidarity with Bilkis Bano at the Freedom Park in the city on Saturday.

 As India celebrated the 75th anniversary of Independence this year, 11 men sentenced to life imprisonment 15 years ago for the gang rape of Bilkis Yakub Rasool and the murder of seven of her family members during the 2002 Gujarat riots, were released from jail in Godhra.

What was even more shocking was that when the 11 convicts walked out of prison, they were welcomed with sweets and garlands. The issue had angered and outraged many. Several prominent figures attended the Freedom Park protest. “As the flag of India was flying up in the air during Independence day, our Prime Minister made a promise to respect and protect the dignity of every woman residing in the country. He must be bowing his head in shame as his very own government was responsible when the 2002 riots took place and it is still the same government that has been governing the state,” said Nirmala, an activist from the state.

“By asking justice for Bilkis Bano, we are protecting the ideals ingrained within our constitution,” she added. Kotiganahalli Ramaiah, a Dalit poet and cultural activist from the state, said that the mobilisation put forth by Bengaluru as a city must be commended and seen as an achievement by other states.

 “The doors of law are not yet entirely shut. The proof of this can be seen by the people gathered here to seek justice. The judiciary must take a deep dive and scrutinise the decision that has been taken with the Banos case,” he said. “We should remember that protests work. CAA has not been implemented nor can you witness NRC as people like you have stood up,” said Aakar Patel, former head of Amnesty International in India and a rights activist.

“When we mobilise so many people it is a good opportunity to address all our issues and spread the word of revolution,” he said.

Mamta Sagar, a Kannada poet and activist, said that women have been used as a tool for socio-economic benefits of the system for ages and it is high time before the public stood in solidarity against the cause.

 Maitri Krishnan, lawyer and activist, pointed towards the flaws in the committee that was set up to release the convicts and spoke about BJP’s involvement in the action. Many other speakers pointed out to the celebrations that took place after the convicts were released and questioned if the convicts would ever be able to reveal their truth among their loved ones.

They also discussed the encounters that have taken place with other accused rapists who were still innocent before the eyes of law. Police were present in large numbers to make sure the event took place with ease.

 There was also a water jet vehicle present in the vicinity. Throngs of gathered crowds in hundreds voiced their agitations by screaming slogans.

Poetry and song performances were also held. A signature campaign also took place on the premises.