Slow trial, low conviction rate making things worse
SHILLONG: Slow trials and low conviction rates have led to a spurt in cases of crimes against children in the State.
As per information collected by the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, there are over 300 cases pending with special courts, said Meena Kharkongor, Chairperson of the commission, and added that children are increasingly being victimised.
“The cases may drag on for years resulting in trauma which has a long-term effect on a child,” she told reporters on the sidelines of a programme organised on Children’s Day by Reach Shillong Ministries.
Kharkongor said she has urged the Law Department to take note of the situation and added that as per the statistics collected from the East Khasi Hills police, 148 cases of crime against children are still being investigated. “Children are demanding their rights and it is high time that the society pays heed to their needs and stops the harassment especially of those coming from poor families,” she said.
