VHP issues warning to women joining New Delhi SlutWalk

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Right-wingers the Vishwa Hindu Parishad have warned that 'India will not tolerate' women intending to wear skimpy clothing and march in the country's proposed first 'SlutWalk'.

'SlutWalks', which have become a global phenomenon to protest sexual violence, sees scantily attired women march to challenge the mindset that victims of sexual assault should be blamed for the crimes against them.

A spokesman for the group said: "India will not tolerate anything that crosses the limits of our culture.

"In any case, India already offers women a lot of respect so I am unclear about the purpose of this event."

The march, scheduled to take place in New Delhi, has already been postponed once from earlier this month and a new date has not been confirmed.

Leering and harassment are a daily menace for women in the capital and a woman is raped on average every 18 hours, according to the latest police figures. A government-backed UN survey last year added that about 85 per cent of Delhi's women are perpetually scared of being sexually harassed.

Although organisers have changed the name to a tamer-sounding 'Besharmi Morcha' (Shameless Front) and asked women to wear their everyday attire, the VHP warned participants against donning western-style clothing.

"They will not be welcome if they march wearing western clothes, Indian society will not accept it," the VHP spokesman said.

'SlutWalk' was first held in Toronto this year after a police officer caused outrage by stating during a speech to university students that women should avoid 'dressing like sluts' in order not to be victimised.

The global protest soon spread to more than 60 cities where women joined in huge numbers.