People's Democracy

Deflecting Attention

AIDWA expressed its concern about deep rooted conservatism that is emerging at different levels. In a recent order in a Delhi Session Court a Judge observed that girls should be virgins before marriage and that those who indulge in pre marital sex make false allegations of rape. In a statement issued on October 20, AIDWA said that such observation deflects attention from the real issue of growing crime against women.

AIDWA is shocked by the news report in a national daily where it has been reported that some self-proclaimed leaders of Khap Panchayats in Haryana appointed men to watch and report on the “activities” of college and school girls who “violate dress code” imposed by them .

AIDWA warned that formation of such squads is not just against the right to freedom and choice of these young women, but also creates a possibility of blackmail and harassment of these girls. Such actions which go against the spirit of the constitution should not be allowed at any condition.

It called upon the Haryana administration to take strict action against anyone who is making such unconstitutional statements and see to it that no such elements are allowed to impose their diktats over women in the state. It also called upon women and all citizens to express their opposition to such conservative views.