By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, MAR 7: The Opposition United Democratic Party (UDP) today expressed apprehension that Meghalaya could figure in the list of places where foreigners would be advised not to visit due to the rise in crimes against women and children
“How do we sell Meghalaya as a brand with such reports of rape in the state? Delhi has got a huge hit as even foreign countries have issued advisory to travellers. I don’t want Shillong to figure in such advisories,” UDP legislator Paul Lyngdoh stated in the Assembly while moving a special motion.
Lyngdoh brought out the special motion to discuss on the rise in crimes against women and children in the state.
The legislator said the complacent attitude towards the issue could have a long negative impact on the inflow of tourists, economy of the state and others unless it was dealt with an iron hand and exemplary punishment given to the guilty.
While referring to the upcoming International Women’s Day celebration, he said, “I hang my head in shame that Meghalaya will be noticed by the rest of the world for something disgusting of this phenomenon of violence against women and children of many forms.”
Stating that the state has recorded 700 rape cases from 2013 till date, Lyngdoh said this has created a deep sense of insecurity among women and parents.
“We have reached a point where incidents of rape seem to have a common place where this year alone, from January 1 to February 23, a total of 23 rape cases have been reported. It has become a daily affair,” he said.
Lamenting on the low conviction rate, Lyngdoh said that out of 149 rape cases in 2010, conviction was only on four cases and discharged were 5 while there was nil conviction and 20 discharged out of 130 cases in 2011.
He also stated that the figures on the killing and abduction of women and children were even more disturbing.
There were zero conviction out of 37 cases in 2011, 24 in 2012, 33 in 2013, 38 in 2014 and 58 in 2015, he added.
Stating that the issue has to be addressed with urgency, Lyngdoh said, “It is time we reverse this trend and ensure that the state, which was once known to have a high respect for its women, regains its lost glory.”
“Let this be a temporary phase we all are ready to change and come out of this nightmare and emerge as victors and not as victims of situations,” the legislator added.
Moreover, the UDP legislator demanded from the state government to set up fast track courts for speedy trial of such cases.
Reminding the government on effectiveness of the fast track courts, he said that in 2014, a total of 521 out of 558 cases were disposed of by the fast track courts in the state.
“There is a need to continue with these courts to ensure justice,” Lyngdoh said while pointing out that the revenue leakage of Rs 600 crore last year could have been utilised for setting up of such courts.
Further, he demanded setting up of internal complaint committees as mandated by the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013.
“The state government should immediately invoke the provisions of this Act by constituting such committees to minimize chances of undue harassment and cruelty to women at workplaces,” he added.
Lyngdoh also suggested upgrading the state forensic laboratory besides stressing on the need for the education policy to be re-oriented where respect and compassion towards women are instilled.
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