As Punjab celebrated its annual festivals honoring women this week, including the traditional ‘Teeyan da Tyohar’ and Rakshabandhan, a deep-seated sense of anguish overshadowed the festivities. The recent tragic rape and murder of a young doctor in Kolkata has starkly reminded women across Punjab of their own vulnerabilities and the stark realities they face daily.
In towns and cities across the state, from bustling urban centers to rural villages, women have come out in large numbers to protest this heinous crime. In villages, farmer unions like BKU (Ekta Ugrahan), which include a significant number of women farmers, have vocally condemned the violence. In cities, civil rights groups organized candle marches and demonstrations. The protests have resonated deeply with the public, gaining unprecedented sympathy and support, a stark contrast to the often dismissive responses to previous protests.
The current wave of protest brings to mind past demonstrations in Punjab, such as those following the Kiranjit rape and murder case in Mehalkalan in 1997 and the brutal assault on Bant Singh’s family in Jhabhar village in 2000. The Kolkata incident has ignited a renewed call for justice and safety, echoing the outrage felt in those earlier cases.
Jasmine Rehill, a banker from Hoshiarpur, shared her fears, highlighting the pervasive issue of harassment and the restrictive norms imposed on women in rural areas. Rehill advocates for “instant justice,” akin to measures seen in some Islamic countries, to address the rising tide of violence against women.
Social media has seen a surge of personal testimonies from women recounting experiences of harassment and the pervasive sense of insecurity that accompanies their daily lives. While society encourages women to contribute economically and take on professional roles, their safety remains a constant concern.
According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), there was a troubling 10 percent rise in reported rape cases in Punjab between 2021 and 2022, with incidents increasing from 464 to 517. This statistic, however, may not fully capture the extent of the issue, as many cases go unreported.
In response, the Punjab Police have initiated several measures to enhance women’s safety, including increased patrolling near educational institutions and awareness programs. Gurpreet Kaur Deo, ADGP of Community Affairs, emphasized the launch of the Jagriti program, aimed at educating both boys and girls about sexual abuse. The Punjab Police Mahila Mitra scheme has established help desks for women at each police station, and efforts have been made to visit 10,000 schools across the state to build confidence among young women.
Despite these efforts, the sense of security for Punjab’s women remains tenuous. The Kolkata tragedy has overshadowed the festive season, casting a pall over celebrations. Manaman Kaur, a resident of Ludhiana visiting her hometown for Rakshabandhan, expressed her profound concerns for the safety of her young daughter. “While increased female literacy opens new doors, incidents like these make us question whether we are moving forward or regressing,” she said.
The collective cry for justice and safety from Punjab’s women highlights an urgent need for sustained and effective measures to protect their rights and well-being. As the state grapples with these pressing issues, the hope is that the outrage and activism sparked by the Kolkata incident will drive meaningful change and bring about a safer environment for women across Punjab.
