Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women ; High rate recorded in NE : Dr Ibocha
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 25 2015: North East region has registered a high rate of crime and violence against women in the country, said DIG Range-II Dr Soibam Ibocha while speaking at the opening function of International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women held at Hotel Imphal today.

The function was organised by Women Action for Development in collaboration with different NGOs, CBOs and POs.

Dr Ibocha said that this year, 37 rape cases had been recorded in Manipur till August.

The police officer said that a rape accused would be freed by the Court if the victim declares it was a consensual act and not rape.

However, this provision is allowed to the victims whose age is 18 years or above, Ibocha said.

Dr Ibocha said that every victim and her family may complain to any Judicial Magistrate if police refuse to file any rape and kidnapping case.

Police can't remain silent if the Magistrate issues an order, he said and added that victims may inform to the Magistrate if she is not comfortable to approach the police regarding any rape case.

As elopement is socially permitted in the State, police stations record huge number of kidnapping cases.

Many worried parents usually file kidnapping cases at police stations after their daughters eloped with their lovers, he said.

Dr Ibocha said that no woman can be summoned to the police station for questioning at night.

However, she can come on her own to register complaint or give statement regarding any case, she said.

Echel Express Editor Irengbam Arun said that recruitment of more police personnel and enactment of stringent laws alone can't guarantee curbing of crime against women.

He said that the observation of women towards the female members of the society needs a change to check the crime against women.

Arun further said that the outlook of female members of the society is broadening day by day with most women getting good eduction.

WAD secretary Sobita Mangsatabam said that as per media reports, the State had witnessed around 1308 cases related to crime against women between January 2005 to December 2014 .

Out of which 180 were rape cases, 32 rape and murder cases, 120 suicide cases, 129 murder cases, two molestation cases, 18 burn cases, 216 assault cases, 22 kidnapping cases, six threat cases, 368 missing cases and 15 abandon cases.

Between January and November this year, the State recorded around 265 cases related to crime against children and women including 28 rape cases, six attempt to rape cases, 11 attempt to murder cases, two attempt to suicide cases, two burnt to death cases, 16 suspicious deaths, four deaths during child delivery, two molestation cases, 83 assault cases, 58 missing cases, six kidnapping cases, five trafficking cases, eight cyber crime cases, one abandon case, two girl child abuse case and one force abortion case.

All Manipur Christian Organisation (AMCO) president Rev Prim Vaiphei, MU's Department of Economics Assistant Professor Dr Chinglen Meisnam, Advocate Ravi Khan and Lalthumching Women Society chairperson MC Wonmei also attended the function as presidium members.

Many victims of crime against women also gave their testimonies at the function.

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