Blackout Day observed to protest Kolkata brutality

Amritsar, August 20

Women organisations today observed a ‘blackout’ in protest against the Kolkata rape-and-murder case and increasing incidents of crime against women. A protest march that was planned earlier was later called off due to security issues, while women members of FICCI FLO, Voice of Amritsar and Phulkari – Women of Amritsar, observing National Women’s Blackout Day, posted pictures of black space, with a ‘diya’ symbolising mourning, on their social media platforms in a silent protest.

The Kolkata incident has created national outrage, with women belonging to all age-groups and social strata once again taking to the streets to demand a basic human right – safety and security. While the brutality of the Kolkata rape-and-murder of a doctor on duty has shaken one and all, the crimes against women continue despite law enforcement, which is a matter of grave concern.

In a message urging people to observe this black day against the rising crime against women, Joyshree Das Verma, national president, FICCI FLO, called for decisive action to address the problem. “We stand by our sisters in demanding the need to create safe spaces for women and children. The heinous act calls for stricter law enforcement and advocacy programme to change the mindset of the country to understand that freedom is a fundamental right,” she said. Dr Simarpreet Sandhu, chairperson of Amritsar chapter of FLO, and Phulkari — Women of Amritsar, also joined the local unit of Indian Medical Association (IMA) in holding protest against the incident.

Indu Aurora, president, Voice of Amritsar, said “Even after Nirbhaya, nothing seems to have changed for women. The homes are not safe, the workplaces are not safe, and the streets are not safe. In this century, women are being forced to live with fear and responsibility of ensuring their own safety. Is this justice,” she asked.