SHILLONG, MAY 6: Concerned over rising crimes against women and children in the state, the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) Girls’ Wing on Friday demanded the state government comes up with a ‘stringent law’ against perpetrators.
According to them, perpetrators of crimes such as rape should be given punishment of 10 years imprisonment besides paying ‘lifetime’ compensation to the victims.
Apart from this, various suggestions have also been submitted for effective tackling and curbing such crimes by the delegation which met the state home minister Roshan Warjri on Friday.
“We demand the state government legislates a strong and stringent law to punish perpetrators of such crimes and ensure justice is delivered to victims,” KSU-GW president Grace Lanong told reporters after the meeting.
She said, “The proposed law should ensure that accused especially those committing crimes such as rape are sentenced to 10 years imprisonment as well as paying compensation to the victims.”
The demand assumes significant following the recent gruesome rape and murder of a 19 year old girl at 4th Mile, Upper Shillong, which has shocked the entire state.
The girls’ wing leader also lambasted at the disappointing performance of the investigation justice system in cases concerning crimes against women and children.
“The failure to make precise and prompt arrest of culprits and the poor handling process to protracted court battles in which justice is delayed – are matters of serious concern,” Lanong said.
According to her, there are still loopholes despite numerous cases have been investigated and charge sheeted by the concerned department.
She added, “We are not at all happy or satisfied by the way such cases are handled which only reflect the poor level of seriousness on the part of the state government.”
The union’s girls’ wing further demanded the establishment of fast track courts, putting in place toll-free number, creating legal awareness besides strengthening the state women commission in the rural areas.
On the demand for establishment of fast track court, Lanong said, “The home minister informed that the government is proposing setting up of special courts for such cases. The matter is waiting for approval of the High Court.”
“She (Warjri) has also assured and admitted the importance of having a toll-free number for women in distress,” she said.
KSU-GW general secretary Albinia Diengdoh however informed that the delegation have also stressed on the need to create special women police units for dealing with all aspects of crimes against women.
“We also want the government to link the state commission for women with local women organizations (seng longkmie) especially in the rural areas,” she said.
Stating that awareness is also equally important, Diengdoh urged the people to come forward and report such crimes to ensure justice is delivered.-By Our Reporter
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