Suspend Dorphang from assembly: Chiefs

By Our Reporter

SHILLONG, JAN 20:  Meghalaya chief minister Mukul Sangma is now under pressure from the tribal chiefs of the state who are demanding that the Congress led MUA-II coalition urge the Meghalaya assembly Speaker AT Mondal to suspend arrested MLA Julius Dorphang, who has been accused for raping a minor,  from the assembly.

In a letter to Sangma, Grand Council of Chiefs of Meghalaya (GCCM) chairman John F Kharshiing said, “We feel it necessary to appeal to the members of the Congress Legislature Party including other constituents supporting the MUA, to take legal steps and approach the speaker to initiate the process of suspending the concerned member from all committee’s and from the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly.”

Mawhati Independent legislator Julius Dorphang is one among the 12 persons arrested for their involvement in trafficking and sexually exploiting the minor victim.

Dorphang, who was a founding member of a banned organization till he surrendered in 2007, was named by the victim as one of the people who violated her on a number of times.

The sex racket came to light last month after an employee of the guest house owned by senior Congress leader and Home Minister’s son was arrested after the victim was rescued near it.

“It is a matter of grave concern and sad day for the Khasi, Jaintia and Garo people that a legislator of the assembly indulged in an unspeakable crime by raping a minor child for which he has confessed of being guilty of the crime and now is booked under POCSO Act,” Kharshiing, also a functionary of the Congress party, stated in the letter.

He said the legislator should be suspended and appreciated that prompt steps had been taken to apprehend all those involved including a decision to seek permission from the court to set up Fast Track Court for such cases.