Tura MP voices concern over rise in rape cases
From Our Spl Correspondent
New Delhi: In a late realization, the Lok Sabha MP from Tura, Agatha Sangma has asked the Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma to take immediate steps to check the rise in rape cases in the State before she raises the issue in Parliament.
In a letter addressed to the Chief Minister on Friday, Agatha said that she had recently met several rape victims in Garo Hills and found that the Government has not taken any pro active steps to look into their grievances.
“It is with great pain that I am writing to you about the spate of gang rapes in the State especially in Garo Hills. It seems that the law and order has either ceased to exist or is consistently seeking to gloss over such dastardly acts for reasons better known to the authorities” , Agatha said in the letter.
She also pointed out that the reported cases of rape in the State are just a tip of the iceberg.
“Surely there may be many more such cases which may have gone unreported or may have been suppressed by police to avoid negative publicity or may be under the pressure of some influential people or muscle men who roam around under the garb of underground militants”, Agatha said.
Citing a series of rape cases since December last year which have affected the lives of the victims and their families, Agatha said,” Mr Chief Minister, you are the guardian of the State. These shameful acts have to stop. Parliament, Supreme Court and the UPA chairperson
Sonia Gandhi have expressed dismay over such incidents”.
The MP also asked the Government to set up counseling centres and shelter homes for the victims as Meghalaya does not have these facilities.
She also said the arrest of NGO leader Agnes Kharshiing, who raised many issues concerning crimes against women, needs to be condemned by all.
Earlier, Agatha’s colleague, Robert Kharshiing had filed a PIL to pressure the Government to address the issue.
