'Ensure safety of indigenous women'
Leaders of several Adivasi women's organisations yesterday urged the government to take step to stop violence against Adivasi women and to ensure justice to the torture victims.
As part of their seven-point demand, they also demanded Adivasi women's representation and participation in the Jatiya Sangsad, their political empowerment and a separate section for them in the National Women Development Policy.
The leaders placed the demands at a human chain programme in front of National Museum in the city.
Adivasi Nari Parishad, Hill Women's Federation, Adivasi Nari Unnayan Sangathan, Abima Michik Association and Kapeng Foundation jointly organised the programme marking the International Women's Day 2012.
Minu Mrong, chairman of Abima Michik Association, said indigenous women are facing physical and mental torture by the state as well as by the society. Women of Modhupur Forest are the worst victims of such torture.
Chaytali Tripura, general secretary of Kapeng Foundation, said there are no seats reserved for the indigenous women in the Jatiya Sangsad and district council and that is regrettable.
The incumbent government took initiative to amend the constitution without recognising the language, culture and basic rights of the indigenous group, she added.
Mahila Parishad leader Rakhi Das Purakayastha said the government was yet to implement the Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord, showing indifference to the ongoing movement of the indigenous people in this regard.
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