A group of about 60 protesters in Velachery voicing their concern over the recent crimes committed against women across the country were stopped by police officials and asked to disperse, on Tuesday.
The protest had participants from several organisations. The protesters had been mobilised mainly through social networking site, Facebook. “We came together to protest the crimes against women. After the Delhi gang rape, five cases of violence have been reported from the State alone,” said Suresh Kumar, an IT professional who organised the protest.
Mr. Kumar said the police stopped the protest and also warned the organisers against the assembling of a crowd. “We had to explain to them that it was a peaceful protest. They said we could march only in groups of three,” said another participant.
One of the demands the protesters made was that sex education be made part of the school curriculum. “We want to educate people on not harassing and abusing women. We also want fast-track courts for all crimes against women,” said Mr. Kumar.
The protest was held on 100 feet road in Velachery. Police said the protesters had not sought permission. “They wanted to carry out a procession. We denied permission for that. We were fine with them holding placards and shouting slogans, but with police presence,” an official said.
