PANJIM: A woman from South Goa on Friday got her head shaved at Azad Maidan, Panjim, in protest against Manipur’s violence, specifically against the two women being paraded naked.
The woman who had participated in the protest said, “I am doing this out of my will and no one forced me to do this. The situation in Manipur is terrible. I pray that it improves soon.”
Civic society members joined the protest organised by the Goa Pradesh Youth Congress (GPYC) to condemn the violence in Manipur and seek justice for its people.
GPYC president Joel Andrade said that the people of Manipur have been suffering for the last more than 70 days. Criminals have burnt churches with the support of the BJP government, mobs have tortured women, and so much more. He said that they stand united with the people of Manipur and prayed for peace.
Condemning the violence in Manipur, former GPYC president Varad Mardolkar said, “The BJP government is insensitive. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has time to tour other countries but has no time to speak on the Manipur issue. BJP has failed in ‘Bethi Padhao, Beti Bachao’. Democracy has collapsed. BJP is trying to divide the nation over caste and religion.”
Social activist Cecille Rodrigues said that the video which was circulated showing two women paraded naked was alarming and disappointing for all the women born and raised in the country.
“Today it has happened in Manipur; tomorrow it can happen in Goa. Are you people going to stand and watch? It is such a sad state of affairs,” she said.
Vijay Bhike tore his shirt in protest while addressing the media. He said, “If you remove a man’s clothes, one will feel shy; how much more shame will a woman feel when stripped naked? Those who are mum on this incident must be ashamed. The political party is sleeping like a social club and only does big events. We must wake up,” he said.
