Protest against remission of sentence to Bilkis Bano’s rapists
Mein Punjabi stands in support of Bilkis Bano and has registered written protests to the PM, National Human Rights Commission, National Commission for women and national Commission for Minorities. Reproducing the letters below:
Letter to the PM
From,
Mein Punjabi, (A citizens’ group for a better Punjab)
2014, sector 64, SAS Nagar, 160062
To,
The Prime Minister, India
Date: 23/08/2022 No. 1/protest Bilkis Bano
Subject: Protest against the remission of sentence for Bilkis Bano’s rapists and murderers of her family and others
We, citizens of India, are shocked and appalled against the remission of a jail sentence for the eleven criminals who raped a pregnant Bilkis Bano and other family women, murdered her infant daughter and others. It is shameful that the riots happened. It is even more shameful that the culprits have been let free after such a heinous crime, the likes of which are difficult to find. These barbaric incidences have created indelible blots on the pages of our history.
We do not wish to debate the legal whataboutries of the case here. India has proclaimed itself the ‘Jagatguru’ based on its spiritual pursuits, claim to religiosity and respect for women, deemed as ‘Devis’. Together, this translates into a high moral stance.
The Dharma Chakra in our flag is a symbol of righteousness. We claim what is right and just in this case. The eleven criminals need to pay for their crimes. Setting them free is not a grave travesty of injustice for Bilkis Bano but for every woman and man in India who was born of a woman’s womb.
Such remissions will have far-reaching effects by encouraging rapists, murderers and rioters, striking terror into people, thereby hitting free activities of women like stepping out for work, education and travel. It will also undermine our trust in our country’s legal system, discouraging women from coming forward with cases of sexual violation.
With hope and regards,
Dr Ranjit Powar
1682/1, Sector 33 D, Chandigarh
9872010595
Team Mein Punjabi
From,
Mein Punjabi, (A citizens’ group for a better Punjab)
2014, sector 64, SAS Nagar, 160062
To,
The Chairperson,
National Commission for Minorities,
New Delhi
Date: 23/08/2022 No. 1/protest Bilkis Bano
Subject: Protest against the remission of sentence for Bilkis Bano’s rapists and murderers of her family and others
We, citizens of India, are shocked and appalled against the remission of a jail sentence for the eleven criminals who raped a pregnant Bilkis Bano and other family women, murdered her infant daughter and others. It is shameful that the riots happened. It is even more shameful that the culprits have been let free after such a heinous crime, the likes of which are difficult to find. These barbaric incidences have created indelible blots on the pages of our history.
The heinous crimes against Bilkis Bano are not only crimes against a woman alone but targeted against a minority group that the majoritarian element has continuously victimized in this secular country. The commission for minorities exists for and is committed to safeguarding their interests.
We do not wish to debate the legal whataboutries of the case here. India has proclaimed itself the ‘Jagatguru’ based on its spiritual pursuits, claim to religiosity and respect for women, deemed as ‘Devis’. Together, this translates into a high moral stance.
We urge you to now execute your constitutional duty to stand up for justice for Bilkis Bano. The Dharma Chakra in our flag is a symbol of righteousness. We claim what is right and just in this case. The eleven criminals need to pay for their crimes. Setting them free is not a grave travesty of injustice for Bilkis Bano but for every woman and man in India who was born of a woman’s womb. Each one of us, more so those holding august chairs, will be answerable to history for the rut that our country is sinking into.
Such remissions will have far-reaching effects by encouraging rapists, murderers and rioters, striking terror into people, thereby hitting free activities of women like stepping out for work, education and travel. It will also undermine our trust in our country’s legal system, discouraging women from coming forward with cases of sexual violation.
With hope and regards,
Dr Ranjit Powar
1682/1, Sector 33 D, Chandigarh
9872010595
Team Mein Punjabi
Team Mein Punjabi
