Child Rights panel for community role in fighting crime against women, kids

SHILLONG: Taking exception to the gang-rape of a 15-year-old followed by other instances of sexual crimes against children, the Chairperson for the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR), M. Kharkongor, said that the society has reached a very low level.
In a statement to the press, she said, “It is high time that responsible citizens, communities, faith-based organisations, civil societies join hands to fight against this menace and not just be by-standers. Community participation to spread awareness has become the need of the hour.”
She further stated that there are insufficient numbers of women police officers in all districts to tackle such crime in the police force. Even the judiciary is taking time to dispose of cases, being overburdened with numerous other assignments on a single District and Sessions Judge/Special Judge to deal with crime against children.
She said, “The State government upon consultation with the High Court should immediately set up Exclusive Special Courts in all the Districts to deal with crime against women and children.”
According to her, people may come to fear the Law if there was speedy disposal of cases and convictions handed down to perpetrators of such crimes.