Bhubaneswar: ‘STOP-A-THON’, a marathon against acid attacks organized by a group of city-based organizations, Sunday, gave survivors and activists a venue to call for regulating the availability of strongly reactive acids in the open market. About 1,500 people took part in the event which was also aimed at sending out the message to acid attack survivors to come out from the dark without fear and to be part of the society.
Acid attack survivors Pramodini Roul and Manini Bisoi were among the participants at the marathon that started from Kalinga Stadium.
Women and Child Development (W&CD) Minister Prafulla Samal flagged off the marathon, which covered nearly 4 kilometres. DGP RP Sharma and Commissioner of Police YB Khurania were among the dignitaries at the flagging-off ceremony.
Subhashree Dash, the director of Institute for Social Development, one of the three organisations (the others are Sheroes Hangout and A New Hope) behind STOP A THON, said: “Fifty-nine confirmed cases of acid attack have been reported from across the state over the past three years alone. The victims need support and help. Therefore, this marathon was held to recognise acid attack survivors of Odisha and to support them financially, legally and mentally.”
Subhashree urged the government to ban the sale of acids in the open market. “Now acids are available even in corner shops, not just jewelleries. Such acids should be used only for professional purposes. I urge the government to take action against the illegal sale of such acids,” she said.
Acid attack survivor Pramodini, in turn, requested the participants to take initiative to create awareness against the crime. “Together we can support the victims and bring about change in the society. I request all victims to come forward without fear and shame,” she said.
Besides the marathon, an interactive session with acid attack survivors was also organised as part of the event. Sessions of zumba and Odissi dance and other cultural activities were also held.
