SHILLONG: Special cell for women and children was inaugurated on Friday at Sadar Police Station by State Commission for Women Chairperson, Theilin Phanbuh.
The Special cell in Shillong has been established by the National Commission for Women and Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai.
Its services were started on June 14, 2016 post training of social workers at TISS. It was informed that the Shillong special cell has intervened in over 48 cases of violence and registered 12 cases of violence.
Speaking on the occasion as Chief Guest, she pointed out to the traditions observed by the Khasi-Pnar matrilineal society in which the father is the head of the house and the uncle is the head of the clan. “If this culture continues to be observed by the people a lot of things will take a different shape. A wise mother will take the responsibility to nurture her children,” she said.
Expressing concern at the present situation in the state, she said, “We do feel unhappy and shameless due to the atrocities faced by the people.”
Stating that the Commission has limited powers, she added, “We are short of staff and counsellors. We need to work together with social workers.”
She advocated that documentation needs to be done in order to help women get justice.
Other dignitaries present were .R. Mawthoh, DIG, Eastern Range, W. Diengdoh, Member Secretary of Meghalaya State Legal Services Authority, M. Kharkrang, Superintendent of Police, East Khasi Hills.
