Kolkata, 2^nd November: Recently the country has witnessed many protests and movements against the rise in crimes against women. A big protest was held in Delhi after the infamous gang-rape case. For the first time, Kolkata on Wednesday witnessed a historic rally of Muslim women against the atrocities on women. The capital city of West Bengal may not have imagined that the Muslim women will come out in a such a large number to raise their voice.

The rally and convention of women organised by Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH), West Bengal Zone on 30^th October was a historical event ever in the history of West Bengal. The rally commenced from Haji Mohammad Mohsin square at 1pm and concluded at 2pm at Rani Rashmoni Avenue followed by a grand women conference.

In her inaugural speech, the state president of Jamaat’s women wing Rehana Sultana said that not even a political party in West Bengal had been able to organise such a grand women rally and convention on the country’s most burning issue. The ongoing heinous crimes against women should be stopped immediately, she said. She also said that the govt. should take stern steps to punish the culprits involved in such crimes. She requested the women that they should wear modest dressing, put on hijab and give up provocative dressing. She demanded the women should not be used as commodity and strongly condemned the commercialization of women body.

While speaking on the conference the state president of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, West Bengal Md Nooruddin clearly said the conference is neither against any govt. nor against any political party. Rather the conference is against the current violence against the women, against the lobby which wants to make the woman naked. Our movement is to protect women’s respect. Our struggle is against those who are playing with women’s dignity. He gave a call for a mass movement against the commoditization of women in the name of so-called women progress. He also emphasized on education for women. We are not in favour of oppression upon women, but we are strongly against the immorality in the name of freedom of women, he said.

CPIM MLA and Former minister of land and land reforms in the State Govt. Mr. Abdur Razzaque Molla also spoke on the occasion. In his speech he wholeheartedly supported the program organised by Jamaat and said the gathering is not only for the sake of Muslim women but also for the sake of the country. He honestly accepted that no political party or other mass organisation dared to organise such grand conference of women in Kolkata in support of women dignity and right. He advocated against the dowry system.

State General Secretary of JIH Mohammed Abdur Rafique said that mere protest, convention and rules and laws cannot prevent atrocities on women. Only capital punishment can prevent all the crimes against women and can save their dignity. He criticized media and television for presenting women in indecent ways. He condemned reality shows and fashion shows. Govt of India should take steps against availability of porn videos and photos on internet, he demanded.