Kathua-Unnao protests to follow Prime Minister Modi to London

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going to face the heat of people’s anger over the rape cases in Kathua and Unnao during his visit to the United Kingdom as well. There is huge uproar over the cases and other issues among the Indian diaspora and South Asia community in UK, who are planning a huge protest on April 18 outside Downing Street, London. They are demanding answers from Prime Minister Modi about how and why BJP ministers in the Jammu and Kashmir government were standing in support of the rapists of Kathua, and why BJP MLA accused in gang rape case in Unnao, Uttar Pradesh was shielded for so long. They say they want direct answers from PM Modi about why crimes against women, Dalits and minorities have increased in India.

The protest is organised under a poster-banner stating ‘Modi Not Welcome', by South Asia Solidarity Group, Castewatch UK and British Women Organisations. On April 18, more then 50 women activists and academics plan to issue a letter opposing the alleged “rape culture” and “protection of rapists” under the Modi government.

A spokesperson for South Asia Solidarity Group told National Herald that around 2,000 people from all over UK are expected to gather outside Downing Street, where PM Modi will meet British PM Theresa May. They will include Kashmiris, Sikh organisations, Tamilians and many feminists who are shocked by the horrifying rapes in Kathua and Unnao. The spokesperson said "We are protesting everything Modi represents as an avowed fascist, as a protector of rapists, as someone who has presided over mob lynching of Muslims and Dalits, as some one who has presided over the assassination of dissenters like Gauri Lankesh.”

Castewatch UK is also angry over barbaric attacks on Dalits and backward castes. They said that growing attacks and atrocities on Dalits have created an environment of fear and culprits are roaming free while victims and their families are being harassed. PM Modi should answer why this is happening, said Castewatch UK.

There were protests in the UK during PM Modi’s 2015 visit too.