By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Hundreds of people from all walks of life took to the streets here on Saturday to protest against the rising crime against women and children in the State.
The public rally organised by the Joint Action Committee (JAC), Umpling in collaboration with the local Dorbar Shnong was the first of its kind initiative by a locality to create awareness on issues concerning crime against women in the State and across the country.
The rally was followed by a public meeting wherein discussions on ways and means to prevent all forms of crimes against women and children were held.
Speaking at the meeting, Meghalaya State Women Commission (MSCW) chairperson Theilin Phanbuh said that it is duty of every parent to ensure the safety of their daughter’s and children.
“I always feel that the parents should take this responsibility very seriously. Our duty as the parents does not end at giving them proper education,” Phanbuh said while adding that parents should track each and every moment of their children, especially daughters.
“I fully understand that parents are busy with their work to run the family. But it is important that they spare some valuable time for their children to know what is going on with their life,” the MSWC chairperson said.
While expressing concern over the growing number of rape cases in the State, Additional SP (Crime) Vivek Syiem urged the victims to not hesitate in filing
an FIR with police.
“The police can initiate action only if the rape victims file an FIR. It does not matter if there is delay in the filing of the FIR,” the Additional SP (Crime) said.
Admitting that the problem of stigma is attached with the victims of rape, he said that crime against women has become quite common and there was need for people’s mindset to change.
MSCW member Meena Kharkongor informed the meet that the Parliament has recently approved the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 which covers offences like sexual remarks, demand for sexual favors, or any act of physical advance or an unwelcome touch.