People's Democracy

A DELEGATION of the All India Democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA) met the Director, UNIC, Dr Feodor Stacevik and submitted a memorandum against the shocking Taliban edict to Hindus living in Afghanistan to wear identity badges. They urged U N to take appropriate action and measures to see that the edict is withdrawn and that no harm comes to communities because of their religious beliefs.

Expressing outrage at the Taliban edict, the memorandum stated that it is a reminder of the Hitlerrite rules identifying and targetting minority communities in fascist Germany. It also expressed concern at the specific threat held out to Hindu women to wear veils or face arrest saying it will lead to a campaign of terror against them.

AIDWA further said that the Taliban has already proved to be profoundly anti-human in its declared policies for the women of Afghanistan snatching from them the freedom to work, the freedom to study, the freedom to live as equal citizens. This edict adds a new dimension by specifically targetting women of the Hindu minority community.

The director expressed his sympathy with the issue raised and assured that he would urgently send it to the secretary general of the UN.

The delegation consisted of AIDWA leaders - Brinda Karat, Pramila Pandhe, Kalindi Deshpande and Rehana Sayeed.