Women Activists Stage Protest March in Patna Over NEET Student Case and Women's Safety
In a significant demonstration, women activists from the All India Students’ Association (AISA) and the All India Progressive Women’s Association (AIPWA) organized a protest march in Patna on Tuesday. The rally was held to demand justice for a deceased NEET student and to voice concerns over the escalating violence against women, girl students, and minor girls across Bihar.
'Beti Bachao Nyay Yatra' Reaches Patna After Statewide Journey
The protest, dubbed the 'Beti Bachao Nyay Yatra', commenced from Jehanabad on February 4 and arrived in Patna after traversing through several districts, including Nalanda, Nawada, Gaya, and Arwal. This yatra originated from the village of the deceased NEET student, with the primary objective of shedding light on crimes against women and alleged administrative lapses in ensuring their security.
March Escalates with Police Intervention and Water Cannon Deployment
The march began at Gandhi Maidan, specifically gate number 10, around noon on Tuesday, with participants proceeding towards the Bihar legislative assembly. Police authorities set up barricades at J P Golambar to manage the procession. However, the women activists breached these barriers and continued their march, despite mild force being employed to halt their progress.
At Dak Bungalow crossing, authorities once again obstructed the group using barricades, leading to a temporary halt in traffic in the vicinity. DSP (law and order) Krishna Murari Prasad, accompanied by personnel from Kotwali police station, arrived at the scene and repeatedly urged the protestors to retreat. As slogans against the government grew more intense and the group pressed forward towards the assembly, police deployed a water cannon vehicle as a precautionary measure to maintain order.
Peaceful Resolution After Negotiations
DSP Krishna Murari Prasad stated that following persuasion efforts, the protestors settled peacefully at Dak Bungalow crossing, where they vocally raised their demands. "No arrests or detentions were made. Police maintained the law and order situation. We erected the barricade to ensure that no one crossed the barrier and entered the no-protesting zone. After shouting slogans, the protestors departed, and smooth traffic movement was restored," he explained to reporters.
Activists Criticize Government's Handling of Women's Safety Issues
Addressing the gathering, AIPWA general secretary Meena Tiwari highlighted the persistence of serious crimes against women and girl students in Bihar. "The case of the NEET student, the rape of a 6-year-old girl in Darbhanga, and incidents in Buxar underscore the government's complete failure to ensure women's safety. Instead of taking action against perpetrators, the administration is resorting to force against protesting women," she asserted.
The protest underscores growing public discontent over women's safety and administrative accountability in Bihar, with activists calling for immediate and effective measures to address these critical issues.
