The report that Julius Dorphang, MLA of Mawhati and previously the Chairman of the banned outfit, Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC), is accused of raping a minor girl twice over and is now absconding, comes as no shocker. Normally crimes committed by the high and mighty are neatly covered up but this time the law has caught up with the accused. Dorphang has been denying that he had anything to do with the rape of the minor girl. If so, why is he absconding? It is a travesty of justice and a disservice to democracy that persons with unsavoury characters are elected to become lawmakers. This suggests the immaturity of the voters whose ability to weigh the merits and demerits of the candidates they vote for is highly suspect. Voting in Meghalaya has never been about issues or about merit and character. A former Chief Minister was once accused of molesting no less than a medical doctor but he continues to be elected. It would seem therefore that as far as the electorate is concerned the personal morals or the lack of them in individuals seeking election does not matter. So what matters then? If we use the yardstick of development too most MLAs fail miserably. So too their participation in the August House! We are yet to see Julius Dorphang make a single statement in the Assembly, leave alone push through legislation that could benefit the people of Meghalaya.
One of the cardinal sins committed by the Election Commission of India is to allow a former militant who has a long list of crimes linked to his name, which include extortion and the order to eliminate those who don’t pay up, to contest elections. The practice of granting general amnesty to a surrenderee needs to be reviewed. The state should not treat militants differently from ordinary criminals. It is this easy escape from the arms of the law that has emboldened Julius Dorphang to continue with his criminal activities. More ironic is the fact that he has armed bodyguards to secure his life. Nothing can be more paradoxical than this! When the Police get hold of Dorphang he must be made to pay for his crimes. Being an MLA does not provide him general immunity from the law. Period!
