Naming of gang-rape victim welcomed on social media

New Delhi, Jan 6 (IANS) As the father of the Delhi gang-rape victim revealed her name Sunday, it rejuvenated the campaign for justice for the woman with a deluge of messages in the virtual world lauding the grief-stricken family’s decision and vowing support to it.

The father, in an interview to British publication The Sunday People said that his daughter didn’t do anything wrong and the revelation will give courage to other women. The man was interviewed in his village in Ballia district in Uttar Pradesh. The publication carried pictures of her family at their ancestral home.

The 23-year-old woman who was gang-raped Dec 16 in a moving bus is being referred to by pseudonyms like ‘Nirbhaya’, ‘Abhaya’, ‘Amaanat’ and ‘Damini’. As per indian laws, the identity of victims of sexual assault cannot be revealed.

“Admiration and respect for the father for letting her name (gang-rape victim) be known to the world. This will definitely strengthen our cause as well as give a face to this movement seeking strict laws for women,” Chhavi Singh Deo posted on her Facebook wall.

Jay Thakkar, referring to the young woman, tweeted: “Courage, Bravery and Suffering now have a new common synonym”.

The revelation prompted many to revive their pledge to keep fighting for stringent punishment for the woman’s six attackers and more security for women.

“She has a name. It’s not Nirbhaya or Damini. We salute you. India will fight back!!” tweeted Nisha Arjun.

“Our fight has got a face now you have shaken our souls and set our hearts aflame. We will never forget,” posted Neeraj Singh on Facebook, referring to the victim who died of her injuries Dec 29 in a Singapore hospital, where she was shifted for better treatment.

Suhaib Ilyasi tweeted: “Now that we know the name of the victim, let’s vow that we will intensify our agitation.”

Sonorita Chauhan was of the view that the focus should remain on the fight and not on the name of the victim.

“Nirbhaya, Amaanat, Damini – what’s in a name? It’s the fight that matters, right?” she tweeted.

IANS 2013-01-06 17:32:06