SHILLONG: ICARE, a city-based NGO, has condemned the “irresponsible” statement by Chief Minister Mukul Sangma and chief advisor to the government D.D Lapang in the minor girl’s rape and trafficking case in which Mawhati MLA Julius Dorphang is the main accused.
Both Sangma and Lapang, instead of condemning Dorphang even after he confessed to raping the 14-year-old girl twice, had said unless proven guilty, the law of the land should be allowed to take its course. The ICARE public meeting, chaired by president Toki Blah, at the conference hall of St Anthony’s College on January 21 discussed its course of action in the wake of rising cases of sexual assaults.
The NGO called for compulsory sex education in schools starting with training of teachers to tackle this subject.
It also resolved to push for strengthening the helpline for women and children survivors of violence.
The low number of female police officers, delay in filing charge sheets owing to absence of a forensic laboratory in the State and low rate of persecution were among the issues that ICARE has decided to highlight.
In the age of technology, the NGO focused on the role of social media for spreading awareness on gender issues. The need to make people aware of the fact that rape is a crime and not a social stigma was also felt.
ICARE stressed on the need for an alliance of like-minded groups and NGOs working for women’s welfare and safety.
The organisation felt that traditional institutions and faith-based bodies play a crucial role in creating awareness on laws dealing with rape. Family too plays an important role in addressing such issues.
ICARE also resolved to take up the issue of numerous pending cases in courts.
In this regard, the NGO felt that the High Court judgment that said cases of rape involving tribal women and tribal men be transferred to the District Councils needs to be revisited since hundreds of cases are pending in the District Council Court.
It decided to take up the issue of setting up fast track and special courts with the Chief Minister.
Other organisations which were part of the conclave included Meghalaya Womens’ Alliance, Meghalaya Women’s Commission, North East Network, Faith Foundation, Unitarian Church White Ribbon Movement, Manbha Foundation, Grassroots, Lynpung Ki Seng Kynthei, KSU and FKJGP.
