Crimes against women rising

SHILLONG, FEB 18: Rising crimes against women and children, their legal rights and the need for protection were among issues that were discussed and debated during the day-long Legal Awareness Programme organized by the Meghalaya State Women’s Commission in collaboration with the district administration of South West Garo hills at Ampati on Tuesday.

South West Garo hills deputy commissioner Ram Singh informed the commission members that several cases relating to crimes against women in the district have been registered and taken up .He said, “This has been possible due to proactive efforts of the district administration, the police, social welfare department and the commission.”

Singh suggested measures, such as spreading awareness on the issue in the far-flung villages through ASHAs and Anganwadi workers, creating deterrents against crimes against women, putting up pictorial hoardings on women’s rights and also generating awareness in the schools as many adolescents and minors become victims of crimes against women and children.

Singh assured support from the district administration in the fight against such crimes. He said result in curbing such crimes can be achieved only through the concentrated efforts of all the stakeholders and all sections of the society.

South West Garo hills SP R Muthu, who also spoke during the programme,  informed the commission that the number of cases pertaining to crimes against women and children are quite high in the region and suggested appointing and posting of more women police in the district to deal with such cases.

Earlier, state women commission chairperson GTR Marak highlighted the objectives and functions of the women’s commission in the State. She also emphasized on the importance of generating legal awareness not only among women but also among the men-folk and urged the gathering to report and share their grievances  with the commission.- By Our Reporter