Moms-in-law have their day in Bangalore

Odd voices of resentment struck a discordant note during the euphoric eve of International Women’s Day celebrations here on Sunday. Aggrieved mothers-in-law and husbands staged a candlelight vigil in protest against the violence allegedly perpetrated by daughters-in-law.

The protestors, belonging to the All India Mother-In-Law Protection Forum, Save Indian Family Foundation and Family Harmony Society, shouted slogans during the protest that lasted for an hour and a half in front of the Gandhi statue on MG Road.

“We will not celebrate Women’s Day. There are days associated with fathers, mothers and daughters, but nothing for mothers-in-law. Hence, we are celebrating the Mothers-In-Law Day today (Sunday). We are drawing the government’s attention to the fact that there are as many as 12 laws for daughters-in-law but not one for mothers-in-law. We are also protesting against the Women’s Reservation Bill,” Neena Dhulia, president, All India Mother-In-Law Protection Forum, said.

Men from the Save Indian Family Foundation claimed that their protest was against the maintenance claims from their divorced wives. The Family Harmony Society members said that they were protesting against the harassment meted out by daughters-in-law to  other family members.

Sharadamma (67), an inmate of Sumangali Seva Ashram, said she was in the vigil to protest against the Domestic Violence Act.