Members of Pakistan’s civil society held an hour-long candlelight vigil here on Monday for the Delhi gang rape victim in solidarity with the protests in India against the culture of violence against women.
Braving the evening cold of Islamabad, a small clutch of men, women and children gathered outside a shopping arcade as the sun went down for the last time this year. Holding placards — some of which said “sisterhood goes beyond boundaries” — they urged shoppers to join in the vigil for an issue that affects all of womankind.
Some of the slogans raised at the vigil were “stop violence against Pakistani/Indian/Palestinian/Kashmiri women”, “jahan kahin bhi zulm hoga, hum awaaz uthayaenge [We will raise our voices wherever there is an atrocity]” , “jab take aurat zulm sahegi, hum awaaz uthayaenge [we will raise our voices as long as crime is committed against women].”
The protests in India against the gang rape in New Delhi of the 23-year-old student who died last weekend is being closely followed in Pakistan; not just on the social media but also in the news media.
Besides routine reportage, several newspapers have carried editorials and used the case to draw attention to violence against women in Pakistan.
Keywords: Delhi gang-rape, crime against women
On the surface this seems like some innocent protest march espress solidarity - but are things really so simple? If this was a genuine & simple expression of solidarity with Indian victim, the need to me mention Palistine and Kashmir (seperate from India) is simply not there. The slogan to invoke Kashmir seperately and link with Palastine seems to indicate a disguised political statement / agenda!
Subramanian;
"Why else would the slogan mention Kashmir when it also mentions India?"
Even if you believe Kashmir is an integral part of India there is still no reason to criticize someone decrying rape in Kashmir. It will take take quite a dogmatist to deny that rape is a 1000 times more rampant in Kashmir than in Delhi.
Rape is a form of life in India. 2 German volunteers to a NGO got raped
near Electronic City in Anekal while they were returning home a year
ago. The women feel so ashamed they don't follow it up in a legal system
which only adds salt to the wounds.
It is a very good sign. Pakistan is usually perceived as an enemy by a
significant number of our compatriots. The point to be underlined here
is that Pakistani people are as compassionate as we are. They are our
brothers and sisters.
We shouldn't antagonize the entire Nation just because of terrorist groups based there. We should keep in mind that we have right wing extremism prevalent in our country, where our own countrymen caused terror!
It's high time efforts to improve bilateral relations are taken more seriously by our policy makers. Humanity progresses only due to mutual co-operation and not otherwise. Atmosphere of peace and harmony need to prevail.
Divided by the west, the british. still the people are united by fundamental feelings. today i change my attitude towards common civilians of pakistan. we indians did not show solidarity for the teen age girl child was attacked, when she raised her voice for women education. hats off to the people of pakistan.
yet parents of girl children have to have an extra antenna when it comes to upbringing and lifestyle. why depend on gov, police, etc, etc. let us become our own gaurds.
Who says Pakistanis are insensitive towards Indian society?
So one of the slogans was "stop violence against
Pakistani/Indian/Palestinian/Kashmiri women".
Yet again the mischievous politics of Kashmir, and the refusal to accept
that Kashmir is an integral part of India, is being expressed, albeit
disguised as an honest protest against the ill-treatment of women. Why
else would the slogan mention Kashmir when it also mentions India?
A Good indicator, indeed. This shows that friendship does exist between common people of both countries.
I congratulate Pakistani civil society for condemning the Delhi gang rape.God the creator never made boundaries,we the most idiots created boundaries for which we are repenting.
That is the infectious spirit of a Human Rights Martyr! Her life is
being relived! Let it rekindle the flame of peace with justice in all in
the New Year and years to come! Kudos to the sisters and brothers in
Pakistan and all over the world who continue to express the solidarity
and join hands marching forward!
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