Crime against women: Khasi students' body demands steps

FROM OUR REPORTER

SHILLONG, May 6: In view of the rising crime against women and children in the state, the Khasi Students Union (KSU)'s girl's wing has demanded the state government to take prompt action.

"The recent gruesome murder and rape of a 19-year-old girl at 4th Mile in Upper Shillong has again underlined the grim and bleak reality of safety, security and empowerment of women in our matrilineal society," Grace Lanong, president of KSU Girls wing told newsmen here on Monday after meeting Home Minister Roshan Warjri.

According to her, stringent laws should be framed against crimils committing such crimes against women and should be sentenced up to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment. "The government should also provide maintence to the victim till she gets married or for the lifetime if the victim decides to stay unmarried," she said.

She said that the state government has not taken the issue seriously.

 "The union is particularly concerned about sexual crimes taking place in rural areas especially against poor and illiterate people for whom no fancy candle lighting sessions or rally are held and for whom justice is a distant dream," she said.

The organization advocated for awareness programmes to be conducted at remote areas of the state as well as a toll free number for women in need.

"Toll free number will be helpful for women in distress where women can call directly to the number. To this suggestion the Minister has given her consent," Lanong said. The issue of establishment of Fast Track Court was discussed with the organization demanding that fast track courts to be functiol in certain pockets of the state for speedy trial in cases of rape and crimes against women. Albinia Diengdoh, general secretary of KSU said, "The State Government is however still waiting for the approval from the High Court of Meghalaya regarding fast track courts in the state."

She further said that the people should never delay in reporting rape cases.

"The State Commission for Women must be strengthened and mandated to establish operatiol links with local women organizations (Seng Longkmei)," she said. She stated that if the state government is serious on the issue then they should consider creating special women police units for dealing with all aspects of crimes against women.