The silent march took place on the Nagar-Manmad highway. Citizens of the area, including religious brothers, sisters, women, and young girls, participated in this silent march. The march began with participants black masks and holding banners and plaques to raise their voices in protest against the violence in Manipur. A petition was signed by the participants stating the protest against the violence unleashed against women in Manipur, creating social awareness and ensuring the respect and dignity of women.
Father James Tuscano, the Principal of Don Bosco Vidyalaya, addressed the gathering, saying, “Through this silent march, we want to say that we are against the injustice and violence unleashed on the women of Manipur. Manipur still continues to burn. We want to appeal to the government to take the necessary steps to ensure peace, harmony, safety and security, especially for women in Manipur.” Fr Richard D’ Silva, Rector of Don Bosco Savedi, and Mrs Puspa Sagalgele spoke to the media on behalf of the participants.
For the last 85 days, Manipur has been reeling under social injustice and violence against women. A video showing a sexual assault on two women stripped and paraded by a mob surfaced two and a half months after the event. These events have created an uproar not only in India but across the world. Around 160 people have died, and more than 50,000 people, displaced. The houses, churches and places of worship have been burnt and reduced to rubble.
The silent march in protest of the injustice and violence against women in Manipur stands as a powerful symbol of resistance against the deeply entrenched gender inequality prevailing in the region. The police and other authorities appreciated the well-disciplined and peaceful silent march.
Fr Richard Burkhao, SDB
Source : Don Bosco South Asia
