TUR condemns release of convicts in Bilkis Bano case

Shillong, Aug 21: The Thma U Rangli-Juki (TUR) has condemned the release of 11 persons who were convicted in gang rape and murder cases in Gujarat.

In a statement on Sunday, TUR said, “We stand in support and solidarity with Bilkis Bano’s 20-year brave and difficult struggle for justice and demand justice for her and respect for her struggles.”

TUR invited all citizens of Meghalaya in joining the call for repealing the premature release of the convicts by endorsing a letter which it would send to the President of India. “The letter for endorsements will be shared across social media platforms or persons wanting to join this signature campaign can also message on 9863097754,” TUR said.

Pointing out that BJP is an ally in the current MDA government, TUR said, “We also categorically condemn the sickening display of barbaric communalism in the support and celebration extended to these heinous criminals in the state of Gujarat. We in Meghalaya need to remind ourselves that the current MDA government consists of members belonging to the same party that facilitated this miscarriage of justice. We call upon the Government of Meghalaya to condemn this anti minority anti woman action that goes against all principles of justice and rule of law.”

The 11 men were convicted in the Bilkis Bano case. Twenty years back, they killed seven members of Bilkis Bano’s family, after gang-raping the women, including a five-month pregnant Bilkis who was then 21 years old during the 2002 Gujarat riots.