SHILLONG: Chief Minister Conrad Sangma called for a change in people’s attitude towards women and children as well as tourists.
Replying to the debate on the governor’s address on Friday, he called for a concerted effort of all stakeholders, including NGOs, to tackle crimes against women.
He observed that the society needs to change their mindset when it comes to safety and security of women and children in the state.
Citing the instance of Kenya where one in every four women was raped, he said that he watched a video where awareness programmes were being held in schools where girls were taught self-defence and boys were taught to respect women. “It is the mindset that we have to change and it is not just the government but the society as a whole should participate. If the mindset changes, I can assure you that we do not need so many laws although they are required but the mindset is the most important part.”
Sangma said a number of measures have been taken by the government to ensure safety and security to women and children, which include women helpline 181, anti-human trafficking units in four districts – Ri Bhoi, East Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills and West Khasi Hills.
“There are also women police stations in seven districts and there is another proposal for creation of more women police stations in four new districts,” he added.
As for the Forensic Science Laboratory, Sangma informed that there are two personnel in the laboratory having adequate technical qualifications.
Speaking about changing mindset to boost tourism, he said, “Every tourist is important, there should be respect for tourist, it should be realised by our citizens because tourists add to our economy. When the tourists go back, let them spread the notion that people in Meghalaya are good.”
Infiltration a by-product of Indo-Bangla trade
Stating that infiltration is one of the top priority issues of the state government, Sangma said the challenge of infiltration comes with a balancing act of economic development.
He observed that the government needs to come out with policies and measures to ensure that economic development and infiltration are balanced so as to minimise the effects of infiltration.
Turning to the Anti-Infiltration Directorate, he said that there are 223 posts – 117 posts in the first phase and 116 in the second.
“These steps have been taken to detect infiltration across the international border and inter-state borders,” Sangma said.
He added that special police forces have been conducting regular anti-infiltration checks in collaboration with district authorities and that 11 district task forces have also been set up.
Sangma said the government’s efforts are on to check influx and illegal entry into the states by referring to the anti-infiltration gate at Byrnihat, Ri Bhoi.
He added that the government is considering the creation of facilitation centres in various entry/exit points in various inter-state borders with Assam.
He informed that the committee identifying sites, location of facilitation centres, including entry/exit points submitted its report on August 19, 2014.
“The issue of infiltration is something that we are very concerned about, especially with increased trade with Bangladesh and with different border haats coming up and Land Custom Stations that are created to facilitate trade,” Sangma said, adding that with the increase in trade infiltration will become a problem hence adequate mechanisms should be in place to address these challenges.
