Bodies flay Govt inaction on rape case
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 26, 2012:
Lack of Government initiative to punish the culprits involved in the rape of ***** inspite of over four-months since the beastly crime was committed is infuriating tribal bodies, who cautioned that intense agitation against the Government of Manipur would be launched in case the accused persons at not given exemplary punishment.
At a joint press conference held today at the Langol Tarung office of Rongmei Women's Organisation representatives of Zeliangrong Baudi (Manipur), Naga Women's Union, AH Zeliangrong Students' Union, Zeliangrong Students' Union Manipur, Zeliangrong Youth Front and Rongmei Lu Phun (RLP) grimly noted the fact that till date no chargesheets have been processed against the ac cused persons.
Speaking on behalf of the organisations, RLP president Panti Gonmei listed one IRB Havaldar and rifieman,and two other civilian companions of the former duo as perpetrators of the criminal act against housewife ***** at a Keinou area in the wee hours of March 22, 2012 when the woman trader was on her way to Imphal in a truck along with her brother-in-law.
Maintaining that the organisations, had been closely following the case, Panti regretted that inspite of media reports about the Government assuring that relevant measures would be initiated against the culprits, even chargesheets have not been processed till date.
Observing that such indifferent attitude of the Government amounts to justifying crime against women, Panti also demanded that Sub-Inspector Tiken too should be held responsible for the incident with the assertion that he (Tiken) was the mastermind of the criminal act.
Further demanding that the rapists should be given exemplary punishment without any delay, the RLP president reiterated that strong agitation would be launched against the Government.
Joining the media briefing, the victim's husband Ngampoklung Kamei opined that inaction by the Government against the culprits is akin to rubbing salt to the wounds.
Claiming information about the Social Welfare Department initiating relevant process to extend financial assistance to the victim with the only impediment being non release of fund, Ngampoklung, who is a physically challenged person, highlighted that the family also comprising of four children are enduring severe hardships to sustain livelihood.
Through her trading in chilly, **** had been the only person in the family that kept the hearth burning but since the day she was subjected to the beastly act ensuring two square meals a day has become an arduous task, the husband lamented.