Silvester D'Souza

Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur (SP)

Kundapur, Jun 18: The demand to create Anti Rape Squads (ARS) in very police station across the country to rein in cases of rape and murder that are on the increase in the country is turning into crescendo all over the country. In this background, a programme of silent protest and candle procession were organized at Shastri Circle here on Friday, June 17.

In spite of efforts being put in by various departments and governments to regulate increasing cases of rape and murder in the country, these efforts are not getting success to the extent expected. Dr Noel Mathew, who organized the silent protest, expressed concern at the fact that such cases are mounting in spite of measures taken to bring them own. He informed that the demand for ARS is being pursued through silent protests all over the country with the support of various local organizations doctors and social activists. Such protests are held in every state in the country, he added.

Dr Mathew, who hails from Changannur in Kerala and currently working as doctor at Fr Muller Medical College Hospital Mangaluru, said that such a protest was earlier held in Kerala for two hours. The protest held at Kochi received widespread support from the general public. Silent processions were later held at Bengaluru and Mangaluru with participants wearing face masks. The protest held here on Friday happened to be third one in the state, he explained.

After silent protest led by Dr Kalashree, doctor of the government hospital here, was held along with colleague, Chethan from 5.30 to 6.30 pm on Friday at Shastri Circle here, candle procession was taken out from Shastri Circle to the new bus stand with the participation of local doctors, students of Ashritha nursing college Kota and activists of local organizations and institutions. The processionists included activists of FSL, JCI founder president, Hussain Hykady and members of general public.

Police looked after law and order situation during the procession.