Three Dalit women members of the Gandaki Province Assembly have called for stringent action following the rape and murder of Inisha Bik. The lawmakers emphasized the urgent need for severe punishment and swift, impartial justice for such crimes. They described the incident as an attack on society and clear evidence that daughters are not safe.
On March 21 in Pokhara, the three Dalit women lawmakers raised their voices regarding the tragic case of 16-year-old Inisha Bik from Surkhet, who was raped and murdered. While these three lawmakers spoke out, other members of the assembly focused on various civic issues. Those who spoke within the limited time demanded strict penalties against the perpetrators and highlighted that not only daughters but also themselves remain unsafe in society.
During the first session of the 19th Assembly, which began on Sunday, lawmaker Damyanti Ruchal drew attention to the fact that the investigation into Inisha’s death on February 23 has yet to be completed. She linked this case with other incidents like Nirmala Bik’s, stressing the need for harsh punishments for criminals committing rape followed by murder. Another member, Dilmaya Paovi, also raised the issue of Inisha’s rape and murder within the assembly, urging immediate attention.
Paovi stated in parliament, “Due to patriarchal thinking, not only our daughters but we ourselves are not safe. Why are offenders not fearful of the law?” Lawmaker Nandakala Nepali Damai noted that Inisha’s rape and murder occurred even during International Women’s Day, posing a grave challenge to daughters everywhere. These lawmakers have consistently prioritized addressing heinous crimes such as caste-based discrimination, violence against women, and rape in previous sessions, demanding stronger laws.
