Mangalore, July 22, 2014 : Students from various colleges in Mangalore boycotted classes and took to the streets to express their anguish and protest against the rising cases of sexual crime against women and minors in the state. The protestors also came down heavily upon the government and accused it of failure to take remedial measures as well as stern action against the accused.
The protests were held under the leadership of the ABVP and the Tulunada Rakshana Vedike. The ABVP even took out a protest rally from Ambedkar Circle to the DC office.
Yogish Shetty Jeppu, President of the Vedike who addressed the protestors said there was a need to change the society’s mindset towards women. He also stressed the need for stricter laws to check sexual violence against women which has become the order of the day.
MG Hegde, social activist who also spoke, said the elected representatives need to work hard to ensure that such incidents do not recur. He also referred to the Sowjanya rape and murder case and said justice has still been denied to the family of the girl.
Dinaker Shetty of All College Students Union also spoke.
The ABVP protest was addressed by Ashwini, a student of University college. She said women have no protection in the society and added the protests will continue until the victims of sexual crime cases get justice.
ABVP State Secretary Ramesh who also spoke, said there has been a spurt in cases of crime against women in the state over the past few years .
Several student leaders addressed the protest.
Later they submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner highlighting their demands.