ASIA/INDIA - Stop violence against women

Nagpur (Agenzia Fides) - A silent march and a prayer vigil to express solidarity with the Salesian Missionary Sisters of Mary Immaculate (SMMI) and to ask for justice: with this spirit more than 2,000 people gathered near the Cathedral of San Francesco in Nagpur, a city in the Indian state of Maharashtra, yesterday evening, 1 July, 15 days after a nun was attacked. The initiative was also attended by the Archbishop of Nagpur, Abraham Viruthakulangara who strongly condemned the attack on a 43-year old nun which took place on the night between 19 and 20 June, at the maternity hospital in Raipur.
The Archbishop expressed deep regret as "15 days after the attack, the authorities have not yet found the culprits who committed the heinous crime of attacking the integrity of a woman". "The government should ensure the safety and security of all, especially the most vulnerable such as children, women and minorities", he remarked, protesting "the indifferent attitude of the government, the police, bureaucracy". "We demand that justice be done as soon as possible", he said.
The march was attended by young people, women and children of various communities: Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and Christians of various denominations. "We Christians are a peaceful community, we are an integral part of this ancient homeland. It is unacceptable that our peaceful life is disturbed by planned attacks", the Archbishop concluded.
Representatives of the different communities have shared these feelings and called on the government to "do more to protect citizens, especially the most vulnerable". They all highlighted that women in India suffer harassment and discrimination and demanded to stop violence against women. A signature campaign has been launched and candles have been lit to express solidarity with the victims of abuse and violence. (Agenzia Fides 02/07/2015)