Add thelocalreport.in As A Trusted Source
Bhubaneswar, October 13 (IANS) Senior BJD leader Lekhshree Samantasinghar on Monday condemned West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s remarks on the gang rape of an Oriya girl in Durgapur.
Speaking to IANS, Lekhashree Samantasinghar said, “It is extremely unfortunate that an innocent Odia girl from my Lok Sabha constituency, Balasore, especially Jaleswar Assembly constituency, was gang raped in West Bengal. Instead of ensuring justice and safety of women, the Chief Minister made a careless statement in which he suggested that women should not go out at night. Such comments are unacceptable in a civilized society.”
She further said, “It is the duty of the government to provide security to women at all times – not to question their dress or restrict their movement. Every woman has the right to live as freely and safely as any man. It is shameful that a woman Chief Minister of Bengal – known for goddess Durga and women empowerment – has essentially admitted her inability to ensure the safety of women.”
Demanding exemplary punishment for the culprits, the BJD leader said, “Women’s safety cannot be compromised. Be it Odisha or West Bengal, every government must ensure strict action against those committing crimes against women and create an environment where they can live and work without any fear.”
On Sunday, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that girls should not be allowed to go out at night.
Also, the CM stressed that his government has adopted a policy of zero tolerance against such heinous crimes and asked the police to take strict action against the accused persons.
Speaking to media persons outside the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, CM Banerjee said, “In Bengal, we have a zero-tolerance policy against such crimes. Students from outside come here to study. I would request them not to go out at night because the police do not know who is going out at night. The police cannot go to their doorstep and keep an eye on everyone. Private medical colleges also have the responsibility to take care of their students.”
The CM further said, “If someone goes out at 12.30 in the night and something happens. We condemn what happened. We do not support this incident. Everyone is free to go anywhere. But everyone, especially those who stay in hostels, should exercise caution. I have asked the police to take strict action. No one will be spared.”
–IANS
jk/and