Teesta Setalvad questions silence over atrocities on women, ‘weaponisation of law’

Ms. Setalvad remarked that the ideology governing the centre and over a dozen states stands in opposition to the Indian Constitution. “We actually have this whole tension and dichotomy that those who hold positions of power and constitutional power do not believe in the principles of equality,” she said.

Ms. Setalvad alleged that women and Muslims were being disenfranchised in the name of special intensive revision of voters’ list. “Because they could not bring CAA because of protests across the country, they are now trying to disenfranchise Muslims and women through the denial of the right to vote,” she stated, adding that 62% of those disenfranchised from the voting list are women and 64% are Muslims. Those being removed from the list include migrant workers, Dalits, transgender people and Adivasis,” she said. Referring to the arrest of activists fighting for rights under the draconian laws, she questioned why there had hardly been any response to the “weaponisation of laws”.

Ms. Setalvad highlighted a rise in anti-Dalit and anti-Adivasi brutality, noting that even young girls were being sexually violated in the classrooms. “But I don’t see protests on the streets. What is holding us back?” she questioned.

Turning to international affairs, she urged organisers to pass a resolution condemning military actions by Israel and the US. She specifically cited an attack on a school in Minab, Iran, where 160 people—including 150 children—were reportedly killed. She also drew attention to the crisis in Gaza, stating that 79,000 people have been killed in the conflict, including 18,000 children.

Prof. Sabita Bannadi, in her preliminary remarks, stated that the forum took shape in the backdrop of incidents of atrocities on women in Delhi and Mangaluru in 2012. The forum, since then, has held several programmes to spread awareness against the atrocities and held rallies in each district every year on the International Women’s Day. The 14th^{event was being held in Hassan. “We hold year-long awareness programmes in Hassan,” she said.}

A compendium on women achievers of Hassan, edited by writer Rupa Hassan, was released on the occasion. Writers Dr. H.S. Anupama, Sukanya Kanaralli and others were present.

Earlier in the day, women activists from different parts of the state and representatives of various organisations took out a jatha for women’s rights in the city. Teesta Setalvad, trans rights activist Akkai Padmashali and others took part in the jatha. The participants walked on the streets of Hassan, raising slogans, pressing for rights, and expressing commitment to fight against atrocities.