Safe for women?

The molestation of a young woman in Guwahati was the big topic of discussion through much of the day. Journalist Rajdeep Sardesai spoke for many by tweeting: ‘20 men molested a girl in Guwahati. Only three arrested so far. Don't spare the beasts.' Gabbar Singh added: ‘Strict laws, stricter enforcement, strictest punishment. Set an example so ghastly that no one dares to do it again.' In the words of Sudhir Tailang, ‘Where are the MPs who got so offended by a few cartoons? Not offended by Guwahati beasts?' Kushan Nandy tweeted: ‘The next time the National Anthem plays in a movie theatre, try to figure out what is it that makes you proud enough to stand up.' There was also this comment from Purba Ray: ‘Do that girl a favour. Please don't watch that horrendous video only to express outrage.'

This, in 2012
Less than an hour from Delhi, a panchayat in union minister Ajit Singh's constituency decided to ban love marriages and unescorted walks in the evenings for women. It also advocated the covering of heads. Scriblesomething reacted to this report by tweeting: ‘How on earth is this even happening? Are we heading towards a Taliban type era?' News Laundry added: ‘Khap in Ajit Singh's constituency bans shopping, cell phones for women below 40. Will it make him ban air-hostesses next?'

Afraid?
What are some of the things that happen only in India? ‘People don't cast their vote, they vote their caste.' ‘If you have studied arts or commerce, society has assumed you did it because you were not good enough for science.' Also, ‘A crowd of 100+ people watch as a girl gets mauled by multiple men on the streets.'

The last word
From writer Chetan Bhagat: ‘If I am working hard and make money, and use it to have a better life, I lose the right to comment on inflation. Government logic.'

- Lindsay Pereira is Editor, MiD DAY Online (twitter.com/lindsaypereira)