In what is being seen as an attempt to abet lawlessness in the sensitive district of Hojai in central Assam, the women’s wing of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), has come under severe criticism for organising a week-long training of girls in ‘self-defence’ using rifles. The participants, numbering around 50, also received training in karate and using lathi, along with ideological lessons.
Established in 1991 by Sadhvi Rithambara, the Durga Vahini is the women’s wing of the VHP. The arms-training drew flak from the opposition parties in Assam and even West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee hit out against the BJP and the Sangh Parivar for spreading violence across the country.
The Assam police said that they would enquire into the allegations of arms training imparted at a Durga Vahini camp in Hojai, 200 Kms. from Guwahati. Talking to reporters, Assam Director General of Police Mukesh Sahay said, “We have received reports and complaints related to arms training in Hojai. Police would be looking into the matter on whether it was for a good cause or not. Based on the findings of our investigation, action would be taken.”
However, the VHP has hit out saying that such training is a necessity as girls badly need to defend themselves. Sashi Kakati, VHP qrganising secretary, Assam Prant, said, “Self-protection is necessary for girls as they are the creators of the world. We know that without women, no development is possible in this universe. So every year, we hold such training for the members of the Durga Vahini and Mati Sakti.”
Apparently, the entire training was conducted at Hojai’s Geeta Ashram from July 9 by women. Men came into the picture only for arranging weapons for the training. The VHP insist that the whole exercise is for a good cause.
The VHP leader said that he regrets that the entire event has been blown out of proportion by the opposition. He said that the camp is conducted legally with permission from the district administration. “These are regular camps and certain section of people are creating a fuss and making an issue out of a non-issue,” Kakati averred. Meanwhile, the video of the training camp has gone viral in social media platforms.
