Civil Societies meet CM over sexual abuse of children by a “Reverend”

Shillong, Oct 5:   In the backdrop of molestation and sexual abuse committed on children allegedly by a church priest inside the New Life Home, twenty civil society groups met Chief Minister Mukul Sangma and his interventions to prevent child abuse, exploitation and sexual offences in the state.

Led by the Lympung Ki Seng Kynthei (LKSK), the groups submitted seven point suggestions to the government on the “dire-need “of the state to protect and promote the rights of the children and the vulnerable group.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting LKSK president Theilin Phanbuh said taking into consideration the recent incident the government should revamp and initiate mechanisms to control and prevent such crimes. She said, “We immediately need long term interventions to prevent such crimes and the chief minister has assured he will examine the suggestion.”

The group has  demanded for a strong child protection policy, legislation along the lines of the Goa Children’s Act 2003, setting up of a directorate of prosecution to specifically look into crimes against women and children, mechanisms to ensure compulsory registration and regular inspections of all schools, orphanages and other institutions, independent counselors for children.

The civil societies also suggested for strengthening and upgrading the support mechanisms for children in need of care and protection besides publicity campaigns to highlight rights of children.

The groups also urged upon Sangma to ensure that till completion of the investigations and judicial processes, the authorities should not grant bail to Rev SK Miller and that he should be remanded to judicial custody and not lodged in a hospital.

According to the groups the priest is well-connected and influential who also has international support that may enable him to flee the country and escape the justice system.. The civil society groups have rallied behind the eight children who were allegedly exploited, molested and abused by Rev SK Miller, a well known priest in the state who runs the New Life Home and leads the New Life Church in Shillong. By Our Reporter