By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The rape of minors and women, an unabated offence in the State seems to have overshadowed the matrilineal character of Meghalaya, known for the respect showed towards a woman, Social Welfare Officer Mary Ann Kharbih observed.
Kharbih said Meghalaya known for its matrilineal character of respecting women is gradually losing its character as is evident from various crimes against women and children.
“Many women and innocent children are robbed off their dignity and self esteem,” she said.
Addressing a one-day workshop on ‘Rape-a social concern in the society’ organized by the North East Women’s Development Council (NEWC) at Don Bosco Youth Centre here on Thursday, Kharbih rued the degradation of social and moral values in society.
“With rape becoming common in the state, I fear that we might all become immune to this offence,” she said.
Turning to infant rape, Kharbih said there is so much of sexual abuse against the fairer sex irrespective of their age.
“It is sad to see a father or a brother raping his own daughter or sister and this is not new in Meghalaya,” she lamented.
Hitting hard on the mindset of the people towards this offence, she said people often have a perception towards the outlook or character of a woman wearing provocative clothes but often failed to notice that she is after all a human being.
“If that is the case, then why is a 4- or a 5-year-old child raped,” she questioned while adding that rape is not the outcome of provocative behaviour but sadism, frustration and sexual gratification of the opposite sex.
Meanwhile, Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime) Vivek Syiem said that rape is the most heinous crime after murder and clearly rape cannot be compounded and one cannot compromise with such kinds of offences.
Syiem was making this sentence keeping in mind the large trend in rape of minors which has gone from bad to worse in the state while adding that sexual intercourse with a child below 16 years is considered as rape and liable to punishments as per law.
Presenting statistics, Syiem said in East Khasi Hills, the number of rape cases registered in 2011 was 15 and within a span of few months, the number has gone up to 11 in 2012.
Such an alarming increase calls for an immediate intervention from the government and also the community as a whole, he said.
While stressing on sensitization programmes, the additional SP said the need of the hour is to sensitize the rural populace about the impact and consequences of rape as well as the legal aspects attached to it.
Informing the masses of the steps to be taken in such cases, Syiem said delay in reporting the matter to the police will result in delay in solving the same.
“When an incident occurs, the victim or her relatives should immediately inform the police to enable then to gather physical evidence which can be produced in the courts. Delay in reporting the crime can lead to loss of important evidence,” he said.
He also mentioned that support systems like medical support, counseling, legal aid are very important to a victim.
Earlier, delivering the inaugural address, Principal Secretary, Social Welfare NS Samant focused on the role of the government, women’s organisations and community in eliminating this menace from the society.
Samant spoke at length on government schemes which provide support to the rape victims while stating that such schemes, though cannot compensate for the trauma the victim is undergoing. “”It can at least support the victim through medical expenses and the like.”
Meanwhile, Chairperson of the Meghalaya State Women’s Commission Roshan Warjri rued the rise of rape cases in the State saying that such heinous crimes should be dealt with strictly.
“Family and parents play a very important role in imparting values and knowledge to the children about the ills in the society,” she said.
The workshop was also attended by president of NEWC A Nongkhlaw, former Chairperson of MSWC Dr B Lyndem, students and teachers of various schools in the city besides others.