Verghese V Joseph –
Bengaluru: Nearly 1000 people gathered at St. Francis Xavier’s Cathedral today wearing all black in protest of the atrocities committed against women in Manipur. The Women’s Commission of the Archdiocese of Bangalore organized the demonstration under the auspices of the Conference of the Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI).
There were also well-known female speakers, activists, and leaders at the occasion. A few of the speakers included:
Human rights campaigner and founder of Global Concern of India, Brinda Adige. The Archdiocesan Women’s Commission’s joint secretary expressed the opinion that “the Women’s Commission demands Peace, Relief, and Restorative Justice for Women of Manipur, now.”
“For their ulterior motives they are dividing people and using excuses to carry out atrocities,” said Sheema Mohsin, a women’s Islamic voice activist affiliated with Vimochana and the first woman to serve on the Karnataka State Board of Wakf. She is currently serving as chair of the Muslim Orphanage and the National General Secretary of a value-based political party. “Why are the offenders not apprehended at the borders, while the people of Manipur are suffering as a result?” she wondered.
Recipient of the Right Livelihood Award said Ruth Manorama, a Dalit social activist from Bangalore who advocates for Dalit women’s rights, the rights of domestic workers and those in the unorganized labor sector as well as those of urban slum dwellers. “Constitution says there is no discrimination in caste, religion, or gender, but here it is seen,” Minorities are being attacked on a socioreligious level. This is a systematic and organized campaign against minorities. In light of this serious issue, PM did not have time to visit. Break the silence-based culture,” she said.
“Women’s issues are the society’s top priority and most pressing worries,” according to Priya Francis, President of the Catholic Women’s Collective, Secretary of the Women’s Commission of the Archdiocese of Bangalore, and author of “Pearls of Progress.” “We come together as a strong force to preserve women’s rights and dignity, opposing inhuman crimes and demanding justice for the women of Manipur and our country, notwithstanding our differences in gender, religion, language, caste, or creed,” she felt.
Dr. Paul Newman, Principal of St. Joseph evening college and a well-known writer who has contributed articles in several national and international journals and news webs, said, “Well planned genocide and highest level of crime in Manipur. PM wants to stop war in Ukraine but cannot stop the war in Manipur. The government has failed the Manipur people and it is high time we knock on international doors like the UN and European Union. Manipur is a fertile place, if people are evicted the place will be going to multinational ventures. The constitution has failed the rights of the people. There is a lot of indifference in color, caste and creed. “
Kamilah Urooj, a 12th standard student at Sophia high school and an active participant in MUNS (Model United Nations) debates believed that “We cannot remain silent in such acts of violence against women and unspeakable atrocities. Misogyny still exists.”
Prof. Harjinder Singh Bhatia, former Stage Secretary Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Bangalore and an active participant of the inter-religious dialogue representing the Sikh community at Ashirwad, said, “We should all unite and fight against the Manipur atrocities.
Sushma Veer, hailing from the legendary family of Late Dr.Gubbi Veeranna and a social activist, felt that “The whole battle is based on politics and we are going to pay a political price. This is a well-planned political mob. We are with you Manipur people.” She is also an actor, director, producer, theaterist, singer, dancer and painter.
Colin Calmiano, Founder-Director of spread your wings, a ministry dedicated to developing, training and empowering catholic leaders said, “We are called to live in peace and harmony.
A memorandum was read by Fr. Susairaj, the clerical adviser to the Commission of Women in the Archdiocese of Bangalore.
The closing prayer was recited by Sr. Shashintha Monteiro, sisters of St. Joseph’s of Tarbes and president of Conference of Religious India. Bangalore unit.
To be appreciated the way forward.