Manuj Kumar
Palampur, the land of legends where Kargil martyrs Captain Vikram Batra and Captain Saurabh Kalia were born, currently finds itself embroiled in a social turmoil. The brutal assault with a sickle on a 20-year-old college girl at the Palampur bus stand recently by a spurned youth has not only horrified the victim’s family and the state people, but also scarred the soul of a peaceful state like Himachal Pradesh, revered as Devbhoomi due to the innumerable number of deities that are worshipped here.
The heinous crime has brought to limelight the stark reality of violence against women and the need to address the pressing issue. Cherished for its spiritual essence and natural allure, Himachal doesn’t see such crimes as often as the country’s metros. The gravity of the assault not only erodes women’s sense of safety, but also raises concerns about the effectiveness of security measures in public areas.
The attack is a harsh reality that cannot be ignored and serves as a reminder that even state like Himachal is susceptible to the societal ills that afflict our nation. The complacency that allows such atrocities to persist demands our immediate attention.
Ensuring a speedy and impartial trial for the attacker, who was employed as a multi-task worker in the Himachal Public Works Department and is currently in police custody, is crucial not only to deliver justice to the victim, but also to send a resolute message that such heinous acts will not be tolerated. However, legal accountability alone is insufficient.
The need of the hour is a comprehensive approach that includes heightened police presence, widespread installation of CCTV cameras and the implementation of gender sensitisation programmes to foster a culture of respect and safety.
Also, the responsibility does not solely rest with law enforcement agencies as it is incumbent upon each of us. The society must dismantle the culture of silence surrounding violence against women. It is imperative to instil in our sons a deep-seated respect for women and empower our daughters with self-defence skills. Only through collective action can we bring about a meaningful change and create a society where every individual feels safe and valued.
Are our bus stands and public spaces sufficiently illuminated and surveilled? Do authorities possess a robust system for reporting and investigating crimes against women? These are pivotal questions that demand urgent redressal and introspection. The assault at the Palampur bus stand tarnishes the image of Devbhoomi. After all, it’s not the Devbhoomi that we inherited. It serves as a wake-up call for both authorities and citizens alike. Let us unite to ensure that Himachal genuinely embodies its divine title — a realm where women, akin to the revered goddesses in its temples, feel safe and secure.
