Editor,
Apropos the article, “From Legislature Immunity to impurity,” (ST Feb 6, 2017) by Patricia Mukhim, it is very wrong to publish such adverse remark about the role of the Meghalaya State Commission for Women. The writer should have done her home work or contacted the Commission before making such accusations in the print and electronic media. In fact, it was the Chairperson of the Meghalaya State Commission for Women who took the initiative personally to guide the family of the victim to the Chairperson, State Council for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR) for immediate intervention. In addition, the writer may kindly refer to the news item that appeared in “Mawphor”, and the “Meghalaya Guardian” dated 6th January, 2017 for information.
Yours etc..,
Theilin Phanbuh
Chairperson,
Meghalaya State Commission for women
Patricia Mukhim replies: The role of the State Women’s Commission is not merely to guide victims of sexual violence to the next agency but to ensure that every person who comes knocking at the Commission’s door receives empathy, support and justice. The SWC actually enjoys unfettered powers to summon and question perpetrators of sexual violence. I was questioning the silence of the SWC on the Julius Dorphang rape case. This writer never spoke to anyone from the electronic media.
Abuse of power and breach of trust
Editor,
Our traditional heads more often than not seem to wield their power and rule over their jurisdictions in an almost authoritarian manner where there can be no question to their authority. Without intending to make a blanket criticism on all local heads, one must pose the question of how often we must hear of news concerning such abusive administration(s) (accusations of witchcraft, banishment etc) .The recent case in Mawryngkneng stands out as the most heinous example of abuse of authority by a traditional head. It begs one to question how many other such cases may have occurred or are occurring but have been hushed up. This has indeed been a shocking breach of trust by the local authorities. Also It was mentioned in the case that the Sordar had asked the girls family not to pursue the matter further as the accused were ‘their neighbours’. These statements clearly show he is clearly unfit for such an office of responsibility. Also this plainly shows us that the forms of chauvinism we read about in other patriarchal states are not alien to our own. It is a severe breach of trust by an institution that should have been the most immediate source of refuge. I can only hope that as a society we can awaken from our negligence, particularly of injustices against women.
Yours etc,
Riabaki Laloo
Shillong
Horrifying reports of rape
Editor
I am appalled at the spate of rapes of women (often minors) in Meghalaya and the recent news about men groping women en masse during New Year celebrations in Bengaluru. Unless we want to deny free-will, the west cannot be to blame directly for such misogyny. This is an old toxin in the Indian civilization.
If I may make a suggestion … Why not poll your readers to come up with a fitting punishment for rapists — regardless of whether they are prosecuted or not? I am usually not for mob rule — but for the rule of law. But given that the law in India is slow and often miscarries (especially in cases of rape), some sort of populist response is essential. Rapists ought to be boycotted. Nobody should do business with them, nor speak to them. The old Indian punitive measures of untouchability and outcasteing — should be plucked out of the caste system, where these are unjust and inappropriate — and practiced towards rapists. To avoid genuine moral pollution, nobody should touch a rapist. Nor should anybody maintain any dealings whatsoever with a rapist !. All rapes are heinous, but gang-rapists and rapists who have attacked minors ought to be addressed in a category of their own. They should be shunned by society. Anybody who harbours such a rapist — whether parents or family members — ought to be boycotted by society — instead of the rape survivor being treated as pariah, as she often is, in puritanical societies.
India cannot progress — even economically — leave alone morally — unless this problem is solved. The courts cannot be relied upon to do so. Protest has to come from the people — especially from decent men who cherish their mothers, sisters, wives, and daughters.
Yours etc.,
Deepa Majumdar,
Via email
An awesome feeling
Editor,
As I was watching Ri Khasi Channel’s ‘Christmas Makeover 2016’, I was overwhelmed by emotions to observe that humanity still exists in this world. Kudos to the awesome Ri Khasi Channel and Meghalaya Apex Bank for lending a helping hand to the downtrodden and the have-not’s of our society. This programme has taught me a valuable lesson in life. ‘ It’s more awesome to give than to receive’. Thanks Ri Khasi Channel and Meghalaya Apex Bank.
Yours etc.,
Andy T Galand,
Via email