Women in the Dhirenpara-Kathabari Road area have raised concerns about a rise in eve-teasing incidents, creating an atmosphere of fear and incidents of harassment. Several issues have been reported and shared by daily pedestrians of the area.
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Women, especially young girls and college students, have come forward to share their experiences of being subjected to catcalls, lewd remarks, stalking, and other forms of harassment. These incidents not only cause emotional distress but also restrict women's freedom of movement and participation in public life.
Local residents expressed their disapproval of the situation. Another resident commented, "These eve-teasers seem to have no fear of repercussions. Stricter action is needed from the authorities to deter such behaviour."
The rise in eve-teasing incidents has sparked calls for action from various quarters.
Talking to GPlus, the Fatasil Ambari Police department, under whom the concerned area lies, acknowledged the grievances raised by residents. The officer mentioned that, "This cases mostly happen at night with school and college students and majority of the times it is being settled internally." They also added that frequent patrolling in the Dhirenpara-Kathabari Road area is being done to identify the perpetrators involved in such notorious incidents.
The officer also mentioned that, “In case of any such issue or occurrence, the victim can give a call at the toll free number- 112 and lodge a complaint, and then emergency teams of the area, ERSS 24 and ERSS 25 are immediately sent for action”.
The Dhirenpara- Kathabari road mostly lies in the dark and is empty which adds to the unsafe situation. Not only eve-teasing but pickpockets, chain snatchers and other ragamuffins surround the area at night.
The area also has many bachelor students residing around, making going out at night difficult as they fear to be either robbed or eve-teased.
This is a complex issue rooted in societal attitudes towards women. It is often linked to a lack of respect for women and a sense of entitlement among some men. Addressing this issue requires a multi-pronged approach that includes stricter law enforcement, educational campaigns to promote gender equality, and empowering women to speak out against harassment.
The safety of women is a collective responsibility. Here's what different stakeholders can do:
Residents can report eve-teasing incidents to the police and intervene if they witness harassment. By creating a culture of bystander intervention, communities can send a strong message that such behaviour is unacceptable.
Law enforcement agencies need to be more responsive to complaints of eve-teasing. They should conduct regular patrols in vulnerable areas and ensure swift action against offenders.
The government can play a crucial role by enacting stricter laws against eve-teasing and ensuring their effective implementation. Additionally, investing in initiatives that promote gender equality and empower women is essential.
This is a serious issue that can significantly impact women's lives. By working together, citizens, police, and the government can create a safer environment for women in Guwahati and across India. It's important to remember that eve-teasing is not a trivial matter; it is a form of harassment that can have lasting consequences. By taking a collective stand against this issue, one can create a society where women feel safe and respected.