National

Women's groups demand apology

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI MAY 3. Several women's organisations have joined the chorus of protests against the Defence Minister, George Fernandes' comments pertaining to rape and brutalisation of women during the discussion on Gujarat violence in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday.

In a statement here today, the Muslim Women's Forum said: "With these words, he dismissed the rape, brutality and acts of bestiality committed on the women of Gujarat as ordinary everyday happenings.''

"Appalled'' and "sickened'' by Mr. Fernandes' observations, the forum said that "never has barbarity been treated with such impunity and callousness''.

The Minister, according to the forum, had "shamed and diminished every Indian, whether man or woman by his referring to sexual crimes against women as trivia which needs to be taken in a stride''. It demanded "an unequivocal, unconditional and immediate apology'' from him "to the people of India''.

The statement was supported by the All India Democratic Women's Association, the National Federation of Indian Women, Guild of Service, Joint Women's Programme, Centre for Women's Development Studies, Young Women's Christian Association (India), Jagori and SAMA.

Protest march

Our Staff Reporter adds:

Women representatives from various associations gathered at South Block here today to protest against Mr. Fernandes' remarks.

The All-India Democratic Women's Association (AIDWA), Sahmat, Shabnam and Nirantar claimed to have "gheraoed" the Minister's office being removed by police.

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