In a significant demonstration of dissent, AIPWA organised a protest in Lucknow against the increasing incidents of violence against women in Uttar Pradesh under Yogi Adityanath's regime. The protest took place at Parivartan Chowk, with participants voicing their grievances and demanding justice. The march towards the assembly was halted by a heavy police presence near KD Singh Babu Stadium. Despite the obstacles, the protestors handed a memorandum addressed to the Chief Minister to the Police Commissioner amidst slogans and struggles.
Earlier, AIPWA state president Comrade Krishna Adhikari addressed the gathering condemning the Modi-Yogi government for its anti-women and anti-Dalit policies. She criticised the government for its hypocrisy, noting that while it promotes "Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao," it simultaneously protects rapists and criminals. Adhikari highlighted numerous incidents across the country, including Manipur and Kashmir, and criticised Prime Minister Modi for his silence. She cited horrific cases like Hathras and Unnao in UP, where the police sided with criminals, and brought attention to a recent incident in Churuwa village, Raebareli, where the police colluded with the accused in a gang rape and murder case, destroyed evidence, and burned the victim's body.
AIPWA state secretary, Meena, accused the RSS and BJP of supporting patriarchy and being anti-Dalit, anti-women, and anti-minorities. She condemned the Yogi administration for openly defending criminals in cases of women's oppression and promoting hatred by ordering shopkeepers to display their names and castes. She also criticised the bulldozer policy for targeting the poor, noting that it is primarily the underprivileged who suffer the most from these actions.
Kamla Gautam, a state executive member of AIPWA, echoed these sentiments, stating that Yogi's bulldozer is stripping the poor of their dignity and livelihood. She pointed out that the majority of victims of these bulldozer actions in Lucknow were poor people and that most incidents of violence against women occur among Dalits and the poor.
Other speakers included AICCTU state president Vijay Vidrohi, Lucknow party in-charge Ramesh Singh Sengar, AISA leader Yasmeen, AIPWA state councillor Mala Singh, and RYA state vice-president Rajeev Gupta. Women from Lucknow, Raebareli, Chandauli and Lakhimpur Kheri participated in the protest, adding to the chorus of voices demanding justice.
The protest and memorandum articulated several urgent demands:
A high-level judicial inquiry into the gang rape and murder of a married woman from Uttarakhand in Churuwa village, Raebareli, on 11/7/2024, and the subsequent forced burning of her body by the police.
A judicial inquiry into the gang rape and murder of a minor girl in Amava village, Raebareli, on 5/5/2024, whose body was disposed of without registering an FIR.
Proper investigation and FIR registration for the gang rape of a minor girl in Alamnagar, Chandauli, on 10/07/2024, and action against the accused who threatened the victim and her family.
Investigation and action in the gang rape and murder case of Kulapati Kol in Patehara Kala, Mirzapur, on 10/04/2024, and the murder of Shyam Kol in Raira village, Mirzapur, on 19 May 2024.
Arrest and punishment of the criminals involved in the gang rape of two orchestra dancers in Gorakhpur on 16 July 2024.
Proper investigation and action in the case where two women were killed by a vehicle after resisting molestation on 29/06/2024 in Mau.
Recovery of a minor girl, Khushi Pal, abducted from Shivpur, Varanasi. Arrest of the accused in the murder of Priyanka (25 years) in Beerkala village, Ghazipur, on 10/11 June 2024.
This protest underscored the urgent need for systemic change and accountability within the administration. The voices of the women at Parivartan Chowk echoed a broader call for justice, equality and respect for the rights of all citizens, particularly the most vulnerable. As the protest highlighted, the fight for justice is far from over, and the resolve to challenge oppression remains steadfast.
