On January 24th, a group of women were having a peaceful drink in a bar in Mangalore, and they were attacked by a group of 40 men for being “unIndian”. See http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7852837.stm. Big heroes NOT!
They’re members of a group called Sri Ram Sena, who see themselves as self-appointed guardians, “preserving Indian culture and moral values.” Their leader, Pramod Mutalik, said, “What my men did was right. The media is using this small incident to malign the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) government in the state.”
He’s entitled to his views, of course. He’s not entitled to encourage thugs to beat up women. And he’s threatening a repeat performance for couples on Valentine’s day. (The Sri Ram Sena also have a bee in their bonnet about Valentine’s day, because it’s western.)
Something snapped. A group of Indian women organised a truly creative, non-violent protest. They formed a Facebook group of Pub-going, Loose and Forward Women, and they’re sending pink knickers to Mr. Muthalik on Valentine’s day. I really hope someone gets a photo of his postbag.
http://thepinkchaddicampaign.blogspot.com/
If you want to join in, here’s the postal address:
From: The Pink Chaddi Campaign,
To: Pramod Muthalik,
Sri Rama Sene Office
No. 11, Behind new bus stand,
Gokhul road,
Lakshmi park,
Hubli – Karnataka
