The city added its voice to the wave of protests against rape that are being held all over the country, triggered by the gang-rape of a 23-year-old student in Delhi.
A group of youngsters took part in a rally and candlelight vigil titled ‘Respect Her’ at Marine Drive here on Sunday evening. About 40 students took part in the rally from High Court Junction to Menaka and back. The crowd, however, grew in number when the protesters gathered at the Marine Drive ground. Sunday shoppers were drawn to the gathering and stayed back to take part in the candlelight vigil.
Anjali V. was one such protester. This school teacher took part in the protest with her husband and 10-year-old daughter. “I’m afraid to let my child go anywhere alone. Students should be counselled from Class V onwards so they become more aware of these issues,” she said.
Deputy Mayor B. Bhadra and Corporation Welfare Standing Committee chairperson Essy Joseph flagged off the rally. “This anger should not die down and steps against rape should not be stopped,” said Ms. Bhadra.
The protesters also took a pledge to respect women. The pledge was administered by Sr. Theresa, principal of St. Teresa’s College.
The protest was organised by Bullet Buddhas, a mostly male group of Royal Enfield Bullet bike owners. Members of the club got together with their friends and spread the word through Facebook to put together the protest.
