Meet demands, will withdraw PIL: Robert

SHILLONG, APR 1:  Former Rajya Sabha member Robert Kharshiing has offered to withdraw his public interest litigation filed against the Meghalaya government on the Williamnagar gang rape case if his list of demands, including operationalization of the fast track courts in the state, was accepted by the government.

Kharshiing in a memorandum submitted to home minister Roshan Warjri had demanded immediate appointment of a judge for the Tura fast track court where the trial of the Williamnagar victim is being heard, daily hearing in fast track courts which deals with rape and child abuse cases, allow all rape victims to have a counsel of her choice with expenses paid by the government and videographing of the statements of abused victims before magistrates, besides of course making the fast track courts functional.

“If negotiations with the government are not fruitful, besides the PIL, all corroborating evidences on such issues will also be presented to the Supreme court. However, if the government is willing to take necessary steps, then I am willing to withdraw my PIL,” said Kharshiing, adding: “I am not naming individuals now, but if the issue is not being taken up seriously then someone will have to be held accountable and responsible for such rising crimes in the state. It would then be up to the Supreme Court to take action accordingly.”

Kharshiing in his PIL has requested the court to issue show-cause notice to the state government on the issue concerning the gang rape of an 18-year-old girl in Williamnagar that had rocked the entire state last year.

Kharshiing also expressed concern at the rise in rape cases in the state, including the rape and murder of a girl at 12^th Mile in Ri-Bhoi district, the horrendous rape of a five-year-old girl in South Garo Hills, the rape of another girl in Sohiong, East Khasi Hills, the gang rape of a girl at Williamnagar and the rape of a mentally-challenged girl in Williamnagar.

“As a matrilineal society we need to be at the forefront in the fight for justice in cases involving crime against women.  This is a conscience awakening moment. This can happen to anyone of us,” said Kharshiing. -By Our Reporter