Women commission raises awareness against witch hunting

Guwahati:  As incidents of witch hunting continued to be reported from various parts of the state, the Assam State Commission for Women is concentrating on raising awareness against the social evil among the masses.
After a widow, suspected to be a witch, was rescued a year back, an awareness drive was organized by the Commission at Amsing, nestled in a picturesque location, and situated around 25 km from Dispur, for the third time in a year yesterday.
‘Witch hunting stems from age-old superstitious belief and only education and awareness can eradicate this evil from society,’ said Mrinal Gogoi, ADC, Kamrup (M) at the Sensitization Programme.
Gogoi maintained that proper awareness measures can help in wiping out the evil.
‘Social consciousness begins from home,’ Mr Gogoi added and apprised the meeting that fruitful results towards curbing social evils can be achieved through concerted efforts from all quarters.
Member Secretary of Assam State Commission for Women Monideepa Borkotoky said the Commission has undertaken a project entitled ‘Targeted Intervention and Prevention of Witch Hunting in Affected Areas of Assam’ which will cover specific areas in 14 districts of the state.
So far, the Commission has covered Kamrup (Metro) and Kamrup (Rural) Districts.
Based on the sample survey conducted on 150 households at Amsing, the Commission has found that though the area has 41 per cent under-matriculates, 74.5 per cent of the population do not believe in the concept of witch hunting.
The Member Secretary also informed the local gathering that the Women Commission conduct skill-development training programmes on computer course, sewing, tailoring and beauty care etc. and people can avail such training courses for economic development of their families and society as a whole.
Member of the Women Commission Bakul Ghosh called upon the people not just to follow the education based on traditional curriculum but to imbibe social values and quality education for building a progressive society.
She asked the people to avail of all government health schemes because only a healthy and peaceful society heralds progress and development.
Besides, Circle Officer of Dispur and Sonapur revenue circles, Tankeswar Das and Bipul Das respectively, BDO of Chandrapur Development Block Madhu Chanda Talukdar were present at the meeting. (UNI)