Modi urged to safeguard women's rights

New Delhi, March 8 (IANS) On the occasion of International Women's Day on Sunday, over 30 organisations and NGOs came together to "assert women's freedom" and asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take action against those threatening the rights of women.

The event, titled "Aath (8) March, Saath (together) march", included street plays and interactions to empower the women residents of the national capital and to inform them of their rights. It was organised at Jantar Mantar in central Delhi.

"It is a very challenging time (for women) and we are here to assert the women's freedom," Kavita Krishnan, secretary of All India Progressive Women's Association (AIPWA) told IANS.

Krishnan blamed the central government for failing to keep a check on right-wing radicals who, due to their orthodox mindset, discourage women's freedom and independence.

"The Sangh Parivar says that if we are good mothers and daughters, we will be protected. We condemn this attitude. Why has the PM not taken action against people like Sakshi Maharaj who have spoken in vile language against women," she asked.

Krishnan further said that the event aimed to shed light on issues like rapes being committed by Indian Army and paramilitary force personnel as well as rising incidents of acid attacks.