Gorkhas Condemn harassment against Sikkim student at Vishva Bharati, Shantiniketan

SIKKIM GIRL STRIPPED, PHOTOGRAPHED, RAGED BY MALE SENIORS IN SHANTINIKETAN, WEST BENGAL

All Manipur Gorkha Students Union (AMGSU)
All Manipur Gorkha Students Union (AMGSU) strongly Condemns the very unfortunate incident metted out against the 1st year Arts student of Sikkim, studying at Visva-Bharati University, Shantiniketan- WB. According to the victim, She was sexually assualted by 3 of her seniors, they also took her photographs and threaten to circulate them if the incident was disclosed. Also it was very disheartening to know that the university authorities had dis-couraged the victim’s father from lodging an complain with the police. Also we would like to request Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, who is also Chancellor of the university, to personally look into the matter so that justice will not be denied to the victim and take very strict and firm actions with the accused seniors so that such type of incidents does not occur again in future. Sd/- Prateet Pradhan Information secreatary, AMGSU

GJMM President Shri Bimal Gurung
I join everyone here in Darjeeling in condemning the horrific incidence and ordeal that a 1st year student from Sikkim had to endure at Vishva Bharati, Shantiniketan. It is highly reprehensible that a young student from the hills was not only stripped but also blackmailed by her seniors at one of India’s most revered institutes – Vishva Bharati. I am not only shocked, but being a father of a daughter myself, I am deeply hurt at the pain and anguish the girl and her father had to experience, due to the callous and demeaning attitude and the complete lack of empathy shown by the Vishva Bharati authorities in dealing with this heinous crime. It pains me to note that Vishva Bharati – an institute which was founded with highest of ideals by Gurudev Rabindra Nath Tagore has today not only failed to protect a young scholar, but the university authorities have in fact traumatized her further. Children from our hills travel across the nation to acquire quality education, and their safety and security is the responsibility of the concerned university authorities. This incidence has given us reason to question the safety and security of our students who are currently studying at Vishva Bharati. I am hopeful that the Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the Chancellor of Vishva Bharati, will take proper steps to ensure that justice is delivered. I on behalf of the people of Darjeeling extend my support to the young student, and assure her that we stand by her, in her quest for justice.

Chief Minister Shri Pawan Chamling I am deeply saddened to hear about the unfortunate incident of physical harassment of a girl from Sikkim studying in the highly esteemed Visva Bharati University. The disgrace and the pain inflicted on the innocent girl are unacceptable and deplorable. We strongly condemn this shameful and brazen act of her seniors. The State Government will do whatever it takes to secure justice to the girl and her family so that their reputation and dignity are not tarnished. We have zero tolerance towards such heinous acts as Sikkim is a holy land where our women and daughters lead highly dignified and respectful lives. I request all the concerned authorities of Visva Bharati University and the Government of West Bengal to take appropriate action for speedy justice so that the dignity of the girl and her family are redeemed. The State Government is confident of assistance and cooperation from the concerned authorities.

SS Ahluwalia, MP, Darjeeling