KOCHI: Though a metro in the making, Kochi seems to have become an unsafe city for women. The growing incidents of attacks against women have created a sense of panic among the women folk, especially after the attack on an IT professional in Kakkanad the other day. “The city is not safe anymore. You will find hooligans everywhere and after 8 pm it’s quite unsafe to travel alone,” says Shanta Kumari, a retired teacher. Vandana, an MTech student, says that unlike the other metros Kochi winds up all the activities early. By 8 pm 90 percent of the shops will down their shutters and after 9 pm the city wears a desolate look. After that it’s not safe to walk or take an auto,” she says. Many of the firms provide cabs for their staff who work at odd hours but there are others who are left with no option. “I usually work till 8 pm but during festival days I have to work extra time. After 9 pm walking from Convent Junction to the bus stop at Menaka is a real nightmare. The roads will be deserted and there will be drunkards and anti-social elements strolling around,” says Nisha, a salesgirl. Valsala who works as a domestic help in the city says travelling after 8 pm is quite uncomfortable. “I am the only woman passenger most of the days. The journey from Palarivattom to Fort Kochi is a bit scary,” she says. But there are also others who feel that the city is safe for women. “Kochi is safer compared to other places in Kerala. Travelling at night is a problem for women everywhere. You should avoid deserted roads and the authorities should provide proper police patrol and ensure that the streets are well-lit,” says Manju, a bank employee.
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