20th Aug 2022 11:08:PM Editorials
Eastern Sentinel Arunachal News

The insensitivity and injustice displayed by releasing the 11 convicts sentenced to life imprisonment in the Bilkis Bano case is unthinkable. The act carried out  on the auspicious occasion of Independence Day has tarnished a milestone event in history as India celebrated 76 years of its freedom.
 
On August 15, all 11 convicts sentenced to life imprisonment in the 2002 case of Bilkis Bano's gang rape and murder of her seven family members including her 3-year-old daughter during the Gujarat riots walked out of the Godhra sub-jail after the BJP government in Gujarat allowed their release under its remission policy. 
 It is in utter disbelief that we, as a nation look upon the injustice meted to the survivor of one of the grotesque events committed two decades ago. 
It is shocking that the Gujarat government released the culprits despite the Government of India's clear guidelines that under the 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav' rapists and convicts serving life sentences were not applicable for the "special pardon". 
 
The release of the convicts who have been proved of committing depraved and horrific crimes is not only against the law but also stands against humanity. Hatred towards a particular community cannot be allowed to be used with impunity against heinous  crimes such as rape and murder. The welcome shown to the rapists and murderers after getting released from jail portrays an extremely dangerous pattern which needs to be stopped.  
 
 As women, we can feel the fear and pain experienced by Bilkis Bano, then and now. Every woman must be worried by the outcome of the Bilkis Bano case. Politics and political parties aside, India's women parliamentarians must speak up and stand together so that the shameful decision is withdrawn and that citizens don't lose their faith  in the law.
 


Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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