By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Meghalaya whose three major communities, Khasi, Jaintia and Garo people practice matriliny, has witnessed 830 rape cases in the last ten years with the highest number of rape cases (149) reported in the year 2010.
The revelation was made during a citizen’s conference on security of women and gender related issues organized by ICARE here at the Martin Luther Christian University on Tuesday.
What is more shocking is that 35 per cent of crimes against women in 2011 was reported from East Khasi Hills, which is considered to be the most advanced district of the State.
Participants, however, felt that this might be due to greater awareness and NGO activity there were more reports of rape and sexual assault being reported in the district.
Besides, there were 464 cases of molestation reported in the State between 2002 and 2011.
The conference dwelt on various issues pertaining to crime against women besides the measures to address such crimes and how to prevent them from occurring with such impunity.
Speaking as a keynote speaker, ICARE vice president and Editor of The Shillong Times, Patricia Mukhim, said that the matrilineal society does not guarantee dignity and safety to women. “Rape needs to be declared as a war on women,” she said while adding that gender equity need to be taught in schools.
According to Mukhim, a permanent judicial rape commission should also be set up at the earliest.
Manbha Foundation Director, Dr Rica Lamar, while giving a detailed presentation on the dignity of women said, “Violence against women is rampant in the State and extensive indiscrimination still exists in the society.”
Associate Professor of Lady Keane College, Madeline Tham, presented a paper on awareness building and media and expressed the view that girls should be made aware of their rights while boys should also be made aware of their limitations.
She also opined that Government should create more awareness programmes by holding road shows in cities and villages to make the people aware about the menace of rape.
“Fast track courts and speedy judicial process should be initiated besides policies relating to women,” she added.
Shillong Press Club president David Laitphlang, who also spoke on awareness building and media, said that the journalists are doing a good job as violence of any form are always reported whenever it comes to their notice.
While lauding the state police for nabbing the rape accused and charge-sheeting quite a few of them, David Laitphlang expressed shock over the fact that East Khasi Hills dominates every form of crime against women.
Superintendent of Police, East Khasi Hills, M Kharkrang and Deputy SP (Crime) Vivek Syiem shared their experiences in handling cases of rape.
Kharkrang felt that the Investigating Officer for rape cases should not be involved in other law and order duties.
“Many rape cases have been pending in the court for years because of flimsy adjournments. A child of ten who was raped 10 or 15 years ago and has moved on is suddenly summoned and has to relive the traumatic memories,” Kharkrang said.
He said that a post traumatic counselling and healing centre is imperative to help rape victims get over their psychological scars.
Later, participants deliberated on the list of recommendations to be submitted to the State and Central government and other agencies of the state, to take appropriate steps against rapists and to prevent crime against women in the State.
The conference also saw the participation of rock band Summer Salt led by Kitkupar Cajee which presented different songs during the conference. Kit also took the participants through a time of silent introspection about the way society looks at the girl child and women.