Panel concerned about rise in rape, murder cases

JOWAI, April 20: On a tirade against horrors meted out to the women folk in the state, the Assembly Committee on Empowerment of Women, on Tuesday, held rounds of talks with the West Jaintia Hills district administration at Jowai involving all line departments, particularly the district police, on the alarming rise of rape and murder cases in the district.
During the course of the discussion, the committee, led by its chairman Ampareen Lyngdoh, evaluated the issues related to POCSO Act, crimes against women, commercial sex workers and child abuse, besides schemes and projects meant for women and children.
Speaking to media persons following the meeting, Ampareen Lyngdoh highlighted the dangers of escalating HIV/Aids through commercial sex workers, the increasing number of drug users in the district and maternal and infant mortality rates due to early pregnancy.
She called for mechanisms to check these dangers in the society by concerned departments, NGOs and welfare organisations.
Moreover, the committee also expressed concerns about the linking of Aadhaar with ration cards which will deprive the deserving beneficiaries of the benefit.
West Jaintia Hills Deputy Commissioner Garod LSN Dykes, West Jaintia Hills Superintendent of Police, Bikram Marak, Block Development Officers from Amlarem, Thadlaskein and Laskein, officials from the district administration, Health department and Social Welfare department were also present during the meeting.