By Matters India reporter
Panaji, August 29, 2022: People from different sections of society in Goa August 28 gathered at Azad Maidan to demand the revoking of premature release of the 11 convicts in the Bilkis Bano case in Gujarat.
They protested against the release and demanded justice for Bilkis Bano and victims of assault.
A post card campaign was launched on the occasion to help people state their demands and concerns to the authorities especially, those not having access to online petition. The petition to the Chief Justice of India that was signed by 278 people at Azad Maidan stated that, “We are aghast and angered by the premature release of 11 convicts in the Bilkis bano case, through arbitrary exercise of power by the State Government of Gujarat and undoing the justice fought for 17 years.”
It expressed fear that the social security that the country offers through the Constitution and the legal provisions on heinous crimes such as rape and murder is being eroded with the remission of the sentence. It sends a bad precedent for the future. Further the celebration of the release has sent a spine chilling message that it is heroic to commit crime against minorities, the statement added.
“We call upon the highest court of justice to cancel the remission of the 11 gang rape cum multiple murder convicts in the prevailing circumstances, which has heightened the insecurity of people, particularly women from the minorities.”
“We demand protection of Bilkis Bano, her family, the witnesses and those assisting her.”
The protest also raised the issue of increasing sexual assault cases and botching up of the justice mechanisms. There are innumerable cases and the latest being Sidhi Naik where the case is sought to be closed for lack of proof.
“In Sonali Phogat’s case there was reluctance to file the FIR until the family members came and pursued the matter.
“Goa has become unsafe for women due to promotion of vices and for tourism. The environment due to drug, casino, prostitution, trafficking, alcohol promotion is a serious threat to the safety of women and public at large.”
To protect the image of the state, justice for women is botched up at every level. Since March the chairperson of the Goa State Commission has not been appointed indicating the low priority for redressal mechanisms for women.
The meeting strongly demanded that a safe environment be created for women by all states and the centre and justice mechanism be made sensitive and efficient.
Speaking on the occasion Alberitna Almeida, a lawyer, held the persons responsible for the release of the convicts equally responsible for targeting the minorities and urged the gathering to voice their opposition to such incidents.
“We cannot remain mute to spectators but need to be alert to respond actively to what is happening around and not wait till the situation explodes,” Almeida stated.
Shireen Raees, one of the speakers, urged the gathering to extend their support to give justice to all women, be it Bilkis Bano or Siddhi Naik.
Sabina Martins, of Bailanco Saad, who coordinated the program urged all to come on an united platform to ensure that the convicts are sent back to jail.
The organizers present included Bailancho Saad, Goa Domestic Workers’ Movement, Goa Unit of National Women’s’ Front Justice Coalition of religious of Goa, Canossa Samajik Kendra, Presentation Society, The Goa Muslim Women’s Organization, Council for Social Justice and Peace, Popular Front of India, and Swadesh.