Amit Cowper
GANDHINAGAR—Endorsed and supported by firebrand Dalit legislator from Vadgam and Gujarat Congress working president, Jignesh Mevani, a group of social activists and women organizations will be carrying out a 180 km stretch ‘Padyatra’ (foot march) from Randhikpur in Dahod district of Gujarat to Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad, to protest the release of 11 convicts in the Bilkis Bano gangrape and multiple murder case.
A group of social activists in Gujarat, as well as from outside, have planned to take out a ‘Padyatra’ in a show of solidarity towards Bilkis Bano, a victim of the infamous gangrape and murder case that happened during the Godhra riots, which shook the world in 2002.
The 11 accused persons, from right-wing fanatics and the frenzied mob, were convicted and imprisoned in the Godhra jail. However, they were released on August 15 this year after they were granted remission by the Gujarat government. This surprising gesture was authenticated as part of a move initiated to celebrate 75 years of India’s freedom, ‘Azadi ka Amrit’ Mahotsav.
“The ‘Hindu Muslim Ekta Samiti’, under which the group has been formed, will cover the 180-kilometre distance from September 26 to October 4, with social activist Sandeep Pandey and MLA Jignesh Mevani set to participate along with 25 others,” said Kalim Siddiqui, a member of the organizing committee.
“This act of releasing the gangrape and multiple murder convicts by the Gujarat government is a matter of shame for the state and the entire nation. It has denigrated Gujarat in front of the world. When the Supreme Court of India said that these perpetrators should be in jail, the BJP people said no, these people are very cultured, so they should be released. So not only did they release them, but they welcomed them with sweets and garlands and celebrated the event. This example reflects the mindset of the BJP,” said Mevani at a press briefing.
“I appeal to the people of the country to support this padyatra and show solidarity towards Bilkis Bano, who went through so much. I also appeal to the BJP women’s cell to support our cause. Everyone should come out in support of such victims of heinous crimes, whether it be Bilkis or Babita or Bobby,” added Mevani.
“There was a need to speak out so that humanity survives; so that moral values and ethical standards are respected; so that innocent people feel safe and criminals are discouraged”, said Sandeep Pandey.
“This march is to tell Bilkis Bano that “we (the people, the state) are sorry” and to hope that such a fate does not befall anyone else,” said Amita Buch, a member of the group.
