NEWS RELEASE ON THE RALLY ON 22.11.2008

INDIAN Women's March Seeks Justice For Raped Nun

More than 2,000 people from various religions, most of them women, marched in this southern Indian city on Nov. 22 to condemn anti-Christian violence in Orissa state.

Film actors, writers, students and Catholic nuns braved rains as they marched to demand the Central Bureau of Investigation probe the rape of a nun during the violence right -wing Hindu groups orchestrated in Orissa, Eastern India.

The Nov. 22 march was organized by 28 women's groups under the Women's Initiative for Secular India (WISI), based in Chennai, the Tamil Nadu state capital

Before the rally began, Salesian Archbishop Malayappan Chinnappa of Madras- Mylapore thanked protesters for their support and urged them to be "vigilant against such violence and hatred," which he said could destroy the nation.

Social Welfare Board Chairman Salma said: "The initiative of women is essential for the unit, peace and integrity of the nation. Women should unite to stop all forms of communalism from harming innocent women."

Wearing black ribbons and carrying flags and placards, the marchers shouted slogans condemning the violence and urging government at all levels to protect the rights of minorities, women and children in Orissa. They also demanded a ban on right-wing Hindu groups that have attacked Christians and spread hatred among communities.

Meena Sukumar, a protester, expressed hope the rule of law would prevail in Orissa and the raped nun would get justice. "Raping a woman is inhuman, and raping a nun who is serving the poor and needy is monstrous," Meena said.

Another protester, Sudarvilli, said she joined the march to show solidarity with the Orissa victims. This college student expressed hope that the truth would ultimately triumph. She and her friends wore masks and black dresses marked like skeletons to remind people about the evil of violence.

Social Welfare Board chairman Salma said: "The initiative of women is essential for the unity, peace and integrity of the nation. Women should unite to stop all forms of communalism from harming innocent women."

Auxilia Peter, a rally convener, confirmed its main goals were to show solidarity with the victims and demand justice for them. "Women are always the victims of violence, and in Orissa women have also been the victims," the woman lawyer said.

WISI also plans to educate the public about an anti-communal violence bill pending in the Indian parliament, Peter added.

Women Commission , Archdiocese Madras-Mylapore which played a vital role in organizing the forum, earlier organized two other events to garner support for the Orissa victims -- a signature campaign and a candlelight vigil.

Rally organizers said the alliance was formed on Nov. 1 to promote communal harmony and secularism in response to growing intolerance and hatred in India.

Auxilia Peter

Co-convener