KOCHI: The past few days saw the media in Kerala busy with the Assembly elections, exit polls, results and who would rule the state for the next five years. Amidst this, we had all but forgotten another of India’s daughters whose horrid fate we ought to be shameful of.
However, not everybody has forgotten Jisha and her cruel fate. The Human Rights Law Network, in solidarity with other socially-committed organisations including Gargi Women’s Society, Jisha Samara Samiti, Young Women’s Christian Association and Jeevika for Migrant Workers organised a peaceful gathering in memory of Jisha at Durbar Hall Ground last week.
“The problem is not that the law is not strong enough, but not being properly enacted,” said C R Neelakandan, politician and social worker. He added that Jisha would be granted justice only when the culprits are punished.
Father Robi of Chavara Cultural Centre opined that the main reason behind such atrocities towards women is that women, to men, are objects to satiate their lust. He said, “Respecting women and considering them as individuals with equal rights is the only solution to such problems.”
A street play by students of Bharath Mata School of Social Work, along with Karthik, Malavika and Meenakshi, brought forth the issues women face in society, referring to the gang rape of Jyoti Singh in Delhi in 2012 and the murder of Jisha.It called for stronger action from both the society and the authorities. Famous violinist Tom Jose, played violin while candles were lighted in memory of Jisha.
Social activists including Mrs Laila (Jisha Samara Samiti), Mr Sreekumar (Ernakulam Law College) and Adv Sally Chacko (President, Federation of Women) also spoke during the function.