Action sought on Naliya gang-rape as Modi addresses women sarpanches -Governance Now

Action sought on Naliya gang-rape as Modi addresses women sarpanches

Activists appeal to the women sarpanches attending the event to voice their demand for a fair probe in the Naliya sex racket case

GN Bureau | March 8, 2017

#Narendra Modi #Gujarat #BJP #sex racket #gang-rape #Naliya #International Women's Day

Activists protest for justice for the victims

A 19-year-old woman was allegedly gang-raped and forced into a sex racket by ruling-BJP members in Kutch district of Gujarat. The victim – being called the ‘Nirbhaya of Naliya’ –alleged that 35 women had been blackmailed into prostitution. This incident had led to protests last month by women organisations and political parties like Aam Aadmi Party and Congress against the BJP. Though the accused have been taken into custody and suspended from the party, activists feel that justice has not been given to the victims.

READ: Nirbhaya of Naliya and a Beti Bachao campaign in Gujarat

Today, on International Women's Day, PM Narendra Modi will address around 6,000 sarpanches from across the country at Mahatma Mandir, Gandhingar with the theme ‘Role of Women Champions in Swachh Bharat’. There will be an award ceremony to felicitate work done at grassroots level.

In an open letter addressing the women sarpanches attending the event, Meenakshi Joshi as part of the 'Forum of Concerned Citizens on Naliya Incident', appeals to demand a fair probe in the Naliya case:

Dear Friends,

On 8th March - International Women's Day, we welcome you at the National Convention of Women Sarpanchs at Gujarat.

On behalf of the 'Forum of Concerned Citizens for Naliya Incident', we were keen to personally share with you all the details of the heinous cases of social exploitation of 35 women with regard to the Naliya incident, in Kutch district, Gujarat.

In our State, National Conventions are held extensively. However due to the implementation of Section 144 in Ahmedabad, we were unable to present ourselves before you either as a collective procession or as a representative forum through a rally or demonstration.

Therefore, at this stage we are articulating our heartfelt appeal to you that... all you respected Women Sarpanchs voice the anguish of Naliya's victims and join us in our vociferous demands for the justice of these women victims by punishing the culprits.

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