Incarcerated chairman of Hurriyat Conference (M) Mirwaiz Umar Farooq today observed with dismay that the domestic violence, workplace harassment and other forms of oppression against women are rampant in the society.
In his message on International Women’s Day, the Mirwaiz said, “It’s a day to introspect as to whether the condition of our girls and women— an equal part of our society— has improved over the years.
“Despite Kashmir being a Muslim majority state and despite the clear guidance in Quran regarding the equal status and rights of women, the abominable practice of female foeticide and abandonment of girl child is still prevalent,” a spokesman of the Hurriyat, in a statement today, quoted Mirwaiz as having said, adding the rising incidents of child abandonment mostly girls “that we have seen in the last few days is extremely worrisome.”
“The most despicable crime against women—rape, continues. In the conflict zone of Kashmir, our women have been rendered half widows, widows or orphans. The rape and molestation of our women are used as war weapon by the forces,” Mirwaiz said.
He said, “As Individuals and as a society, it is imperative upon us that we realise these things, educate ourselves and rise to the occasion to support and stand for our women and give them their due.
“As far as our women are concerned, the resilience and grit that they have shown and the way they are battling all odds and yet moving forward is salutary and commendable.”