NONGSTOIN: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU), including its women’s wing, led hundreds of school students in a rally at Nongstoin market on Wednesday in protest against the spurt in crime against women and children in West Khasi Hills district.
Hundreds of sloganeering students from schools and colleges demanded that the government bring in a strong law to punish rapists and sexual assaulters.
Iadei Khongmalai, president of KSU women’s wing in the district, said West Khasi Hills is the only district where crime against women is increasing by the day and that “a strong law is the need of the hour”. She also stressed on awareness among people and urged parents to keep tabs on children using gadgets.
The recent incident of rape of two students of Kendriya Vidyalaya in Tura by the former acting principal and a teacher has shaken the State and raised demand from all quarters for strict laws.
Theiin Phanbuh, Chairperson of the Meghalaya State Commission for Women, said, “Our children are insecure without the cooperation of traditional heads and parents because the only way to tackle the crimes in the society is to work together.”
Referring to the several cases of sexual abuse of children by relatives and step-fathers and terming such incidents as “shameful”, Phanbuh said women should have an understanding with their husbands so that such crimes are averted.
Other speakers on the occasion were Lambok Marngar, finance secretary KSU central body, John Fisher Nongsiang, president WKHD Unit, Grace Lanong, president KSU Girls’ Wing Central Body.
