Isolate 'communal elements' in Sangh Parivar: YWCA

By Our Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI, JULY 10. The Young Women's Christian Association of India (YWCA) today said ``communal elements'' within the Sangh Parivar need to be isolated as they were ``hell-bent on eroding the secular fabric of the country''.

Expressing concern over the recent attacks on minorities, the YWCA national president, Ms. Susan Mathai, said fundamental groups such as the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal could not be identified with the Hindu majority community.

``People of all religions and ideologies have peacefully lived and prospered in this country. The secular nature of the Indian Constitution reflects this reality,'' Ms. Mathai told presspersons here.

While agreeing that ``streak'' fundamental groups were found among the Christian community too, Ms. Mathai said the YWCA re- affirmed its belief in the principle of co-existence and in the diversity of faith as a fundamental right which was non- negotiable.

The YWCA also criticised the proposed step towards ``uniformity'' in areas such as civil code and said it was against India's culture of unity in diversity.

Ms. Mathai said a draft bill on Domestic Violence focussing on the inclusion of co-habitees other than women in marriage, appointment of protection officers, and emergency protection relief measures including emergency monetary relief has been finalised by the YWCA following a consultation organised on July 1.

``The incorporated recommendations to this Bill will ensure immediate protection order for women in violent situations. However, for long-term remedies, the group may address the matrimonial laws and laws relating to property rights at a later date,'' Ms. Sadhona Ganguli, National general secretary of the YMCA, said.

According to Ms. Ganguli, the Bill is a simplified version of the existing civil and criminal laws which were very complicated.

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