Women’s Commission Chief says the rape of a 14-year-old girl by Julius Dorphang was “unacceptable” in a matrilineal society
SHILLONG: Meghalaya State Women’s Commission Chief Theilin Phanbuh on Saturday urged the electorate to vote for better representatives to ensure good governance.
Phanbuh, who was referring to the involvement of Mawhati MLA Julius Dorphang in the rape and trafficking of a 14-year-old girl, said on the occasion of the 45th Meghalaya Day celebration in the city on Saturday that it was “unacceptable” that in a matrilineal society, women are becoming sexual preys.
Though Phanbuh asked voters to be responsible and cautious, there was no word of advice for the political parties which field candidates with little credibility and dither on taking instant action against erring members.
Meghalaya, which completed 45 years of its statehood, has recorded a surge in cases of rape, gang rape and other forms of violence against women and minors.
“The state woke up this new year with this shocking news. This is really a shameful act committed by an elective representative who is a lawmaker,” Phanbuh said.
The Commission chief pointed out that sexual relationship with a minor, with or without her consent, “is deemed by law as rape”.
While appreciating the role of the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR) and the law enforcing agency in dealing with the “heinous crime”, Phanbuh said, “If we want better representation, better governance and better laws to govern us, we must ensure we have better (public) representatives.”
Stressing on the need to report such cases, the Women’s Commission chairperson said there need not be any compromise between the rapist, whoever be it, and the victim and “anyone who tries it will be an abettor to the crime”.
Meanwhile, IT Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh also echoed similar views while speaking at the programme.
Lyngdoh, who had on Friday defended the silence of the women legislators even after several rape cases came to light, said on Saturday they are vigilant.
“We will not allow any lapses and ensure that women are safe and protected,” she said.
