Some students of Delhi University’s all-women Miranda House have alleged several men climbed the college walls and gates to witness an open Diwali fest on the campus, and indulged in “cat-calling and sexist sloganeering.”
Source- Times of India
A student alleged that many attendees entered classrooms and responded rudely. “Men from Ramjas College came in with their sexist slogan, ‘Ramjas ka Naara hai, Miranda poora hamara hai’. (Ramjas’ slogan, all of Miranda is ours).” she added.
In its statement, the police said, “On 14 October 2022, there was a Diwali Mela celebration programme in Miranda House College and entry was allowed for all college students. At some point, a huge crowd gathered inside and so, for some time, the entry gates had to be closed by the college administration. Some students (3-4) were trying to enter to see the Diwali Mela by climbing the walls. They were stopped and they could not enter inside the college premises. This is the video from that time.”
Attendees, mostly men also chanted slogans and demanded to be let in. Some shouted out undignified assertions where they saw women as objects to be conquered. That, accompanied by the horrifying visuals of men climbing over gates and wall, trying and succeeding to enter college premises, made students feel unsafe and stifled on their campus,” the statement further said.
Source- DNA
The men on campus viewed women and other gender minorities on campus only as objects of their desire, resulting in an atmosphere where safety, respect and consent had evacuated the premises before anyone else,” the statement further added.
DCW chief Swati Maliwal questioned the security arrangements made by the college during the event. The Delhi Commission for Women has issued a notice to the city police and Delhi University’s Miranda House over allegations that men climbed the college walls to witness an open Diwali fest on the campus and indulged in “cat-calling and sexist sloganeering”.
“While we firmly believe that men and other perpetrators of this violence should be held accountable, even the organizing committee owes the students and the college an explanation. Their lack of foresight, inability to control the damage, and complete absence as chaos unfolded are inexcusable,” the students demanded.
