By Shahnawaz Akhtar

File pic for reference only

Bhopal, July 8 (IANS) Over 4,560 and counting. By Friday, all these people had signed up on Facebook for "Besharmi morcha", a version of the global Slutwalk, to stand up against the notion that a way a woman dresses can be an excuse for rape or harassment.

The march has been called by the law students July 10 and the enthusiastic response - from women as well as men - is showing on the Facebook page.

"There is a spurt in crime against women in Madhya Pradesh and in Bhopal too. And here also the mentality of officials is same as was reported in Toronto (Canada). So we decided to hold Besharmi Morcha here," Radhika Shingwekar, who initiated the move along with another law student, Swati Singh Baghel, told IANS.

The first Slutwalk was held in Toronto April 3 and a chapter was organised in Delhi in June. The Slutwalk movement has taken off internationally after a Toronto police officer reportedly said women should stop dressing like "sluts" to avoid being raped or victimized and slutwalks have also been held in places like Chicago and London.

Changing the name from Slutwalk to Besharmi Morcha in Bhopal, Radhika says not only will it bring a local flavour but will also not offend people.

"With this walk, we want to mobilise the youth in Bhopal. In India, most rape cases are not reported because of the social stigma attached to it, we ought to do something about it," she said.

However, it is not necessary to wear revealing clothes for the Besharmi Morcha.

"Many hands, many hearts and many minds generally contribute to anyone's notable achievement. Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful people can change the world," Nandita Chatterjee commented on the proposed march.

Many men have also expressed a wish to participate in the event.