BJP chief asked to retract statements
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, February 01 2022:
UNM Women Committee convenor M Sobita has urged BJP Manipur Pradesh president A Sharda to retract her statements of selecting the new chairperson of Manipur State Commission for Women (MSCW) from amongst the intending women candidates of BJP who failed to get the party's ticket for the upcoming polls, while adding that the Commission is not a political rehabilitation centre.
Addressing a press meet held at UNM's office at Chingmeirong on Tuesday, Sobita questioned if those male candidates who failed to get the ticket for BJP would be appointed as chairpersons for other commissions, just as what is intended to be done for MSCW.
She continued: "MSCW was established on September 6, 2006 after protracted struggle and efforts by various NGOs and CSOs of the state.
As the commission is a statutory body, demands have always been made to appoint a woman chairperson with years of experience and capability to work for the welfare of women and children.
"The state is presently witnessing rising number of crimes against women and children.
Amid such a tense situation, it is unfortunate that attempts are being made to transform the Commission into a political rehabilitation centre.
What's more unfortunate is that the statements were made by a leader of a political party," she remarked.
Urging for withdrawal of statement at the earliest, Sobita said that if an individual who lost the race for the party ticket were to be appointed as the chairperson of the Commission and a BJP member were to commit a crime, there will be questions on the integrity and sanctity of the commission.
Moreover, the efforts of the NGOs to reduce the crime rate would come to naught, which is deeply worrisome, she stated.