Husband rebuffs domestic assault allegations, WAC condemns
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 21 2020:
Kshetrimayum Shantakumar of Singjamei Wangma Kshetri Leikai has clarified that the allegations made by his wife Waikhom Surjalata, former Indian hockey captain and Arjuna awardee, that he physically abused her for not giving dowry, is false and baseless.
Speaking to reporters at Manipur Press Club, Ksh Shantakumar said that he has never made any demands for dowry as it is not a custom of the Meitei community.
He further clarified that other allegations which claim that he started torturing her ever since their wedding and that he beat her after tying her hands and legs and stripping her, are all false.
Mentioning that he and his wife have been married for a long time and have two children, Shantakumar said that there have been times when they had arguments/fights but he did not specifically tortured or harassed her to such extreme degrees.
As such, all the allegations charged by his wife in the electronic and print medias are wrong, he said.
On the other hand, Women Against Crime has expressed strong concern at the various crimes against women which occurred in Manipur this year.
Speaking to media persons at Organisation For Indian Women Against Crimes at Canchipur today, its secretary Arambam Robita said that even though 2020 just began, there have been numerous crimes against women in Manipur.
Lamenting the sorry state of affairs, Robita strongly condemned the alleged assault of hockey player and Arjuna Awardee Waikhom Surjalata.
Pointing out the various cases of crimes against women, she said that in January, a minor was raped by a neighbour, who was a married man with children of his own, at Kumbi Boryangbi.
From Imphal West, one victim was raped by her own father.
Another lady was brutally murdered at Yairipok Tulihal.
Then, in February, a girl was sexually assaulted at Phoubakchao Ikhai.
On the other hand, a woman was slashed on her face by a man at Thoubal Charangpat.
A women was hacked on her head by her own husband at Ningol Lanmeidong, Wangu Naomakhong.
And lastly, a woman was beaten up by her ex-boyfriend at a garden at Changangei, she added.
Robita continued that at a location under Keibul Lamjao PS, a girl was sexually assaulted by a married man.
A woman was taken advantage of and even robbed of her money by a man at Kakching Tengjang Khunou.
Moreover, during these two months, there have been some cases of women committing suicide, she claimed.
Stating that the women organisation is hurt at such incidents which occurred just two months into the new year, Robita appealed to the women to be ever alert and cautious.
She also appealed to the parents to properly monitor their girl child so as to prevent any unwanted incidents.
She recommended them to know who their daughter is friends with and are in a relationship with.