In the Name of “Protecting” Women

The newly appointed Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, has formed a special “task force” in pretence of “saving women” from eve-teasers. It is called the anti-Romeo squad. This squad is functioning in an unlawful manner. Young couples are targeted by the squad; they are beaten. A woman was taken to police station without any female police present. In another incident, a brother and sister were beaten; all this, in the name of “women safety”.

Let’s refresh our memory. Was it not Adityanath himself who had declared Muslim women be dug out of their graves and raped? Was it not Adtiyanath, who had proclaimed if 1 Hindu girl is “taken” by a Muslim boy; 100 Muslim girls will be taken by Hindus? Was it not him who had described women as “energy” which needs to be constrained? Was it not him who had opposed the Women’s Reservation Bill in Parliament?

Shall we trust him that ‘anti-Romeo squad’ is established to protect women? Or shall we see this as what it really is? This squad is nothing but a thinly veiled attempt to enforce the Hindutva way of life. Which opposes all forms of personal freedom; especially when it comes to women. Whether it’s freedom to choose a life-partner or the basic freedom to step outside of the boundary of one’s house. This squad’s moral policing will force women back into the confinements of patriarchy.

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