Women safety and security is a matter of utmost importance for any nation who wants itself to be labelled a progressive and broad-minded society. Sadly, for India, that day seems nowhere near in the foreseeable future. While incidents like the Bengaluru mass molestation make our heads hang in shame, it is the cold-hearted and insensitive remarks of people sitting in powerful positions against the victim(s) that make the situation even more painful.
Shubh Laxmi, a resident of Jorhat, Assam took to Facebook to post about her horrifying ordeal after she was sexually harassed by a group of motorcyclists. Her post went viral drawing a lot of support for her from people across the nation. Below is a translation of her post.
While people rallied across Assam demanding justice for the victim, the state transport minister, Chandra Mohan Patowary dismissed her accusations while labelling her a ‘left-winger’.
“She is a member of the SFI. She took a wrong step by posting her experience on a social networking site. She should have gone to police first.”
Here is how people reacted to the incident on the social media.
1. An IPS officer penned this strong message
Though not in Assam, I am following the news channels and there is a campaign in favour of Subhalakshmi from Jorhat.. I…
Posted by Sanjukta Parashar on Monday, February 13, 2017
2. People also called out the state government for their inefficiency to stop such incidents
Jumla No…. lost count Ram Rajya under Modi
Then what is this? #VoiceOfSubhalaxmi
Acche Din for Road Romeos
Wah! Modi Wah!— Radha Charan Das (@radhacharandas) February 15, 2017
3. Everyone needs to support the victim
Oppression cannot suppress our voice.Many more Subhalaxmi will be born n will fight like Simon de Beauvoir#VoiceOfSubhalaxmi
— Ananya Saikia (@ananyasaikia4) February 15, 2017
4. Stop blaming the victim
Don't question d victim , make your system full proof , she is brave 2use SM 2raise her voice as she lost trust on GOVT #VoiceOfSubhalaxmi
— SIMA (@seemaadhikari) February 15, 2017
5. Bringing the molesters to justice should be the topmost priority
The failure of law and order situation in Assam can't be covered up by prevaricating the truth. #VoiceOfSubhalaxmi
— Dora (@BibiPakhii) February 15, 2017
In a nation where most of such crimes go unreported, Shubh Laxmi’s brave step to come out and share her pain in an open forum needs to be applauded. We as human beings must support victims like her to make India a better place to live.
You can read Shubh Laxmi’s original post here.