Indian Men Are Burning Underwear as Protest, but Why?
A group of men have been burning male underwear outside the Shivajinagar Sessions Court, other public places in Pune to protest against “anti-male policies” and “women-centric gender-biased laws.
Protests in Pune have sparked as men gather to burn underwear, protesting what they perceive as "anti-male policies" and "women-centric gender-biased laws" in India. This demonstration, led by the Save India Family Foundation (SIFF) and The India Council for Men Affairs (NCM), echoes historical acts of defiance, reminiscent of the Swadeshi movement during India's fight for independence.
Since April 22, 2024, groups of men have been gathering outside the Shivajinagar Sessions Court and Swargate, among other public places, igniting male underwear to voice their grievances. SIFF has taken issue with the Congress party's electoral promises, particularly advocating for freebies and unemployment benefits exclusively for women.
SIFF's president, Rajesh Vakharias, accuses Congress of perpetuating discrimination against men by favoring women through their policies. He cites Rahul Gandhi's pledge of financial aid to impoverished women as evidence of bias against men. Vakharias contends that such promises exacerbate social divisions and unrest.
Sagar Gunthal, a counselor with SIFF Maharashtra, highlights legal loopholes that leave men vulnerable to abuse, such as the lack of recognition of male rape and the inability to obtain restraining orders in cases of domestic violence. SIFF and NCM argue that Article 15 of the Indian Constitution, which allows for positive discrimination, perpetuates gender bias against men.
The protesters demand gender-neutral laws and urge the government to prevent political parties from using women as a vote bank while burdening men as a "tax bank." They see the current legal framework as undemocratic and claim it contributes to male suicides.
The unique protest has spread to various Indian cities, with calls for equality and fair treatment for men gaining momentum. However, opinions on the matter are divided, with some questioning the validity of the protesters' claims and others advocating for a reevaluation of existing laws.
As the debate rages on, only time will tell the outcome of these demonstrations and whether they will lead to tangible changes in Indian society and politics.
