NGOs open special cells
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 23 2014 :
Taking serious note of the rising incidence of crime and violence against young girls, Women Action for Development and New Life Foundation have opened special cells at Palace Compound and Moirang Konjengbam Mamang Leikai respectively.
People may contact the special cells through mobile nos 9612515106 and 9862948678 or [email protected] and [email protected] .
Speaking at a function held at Manipur Press Club today which marked the opening of the special cells, New Life Foundation secretary L Pishak said that number of girls under 18 who have access to mobile phones, internet and websites like Facebook has been multiplying rapidly.
Many of these girls have been using these gadgets/networks for unnecessary purposes which often landed them in trouble.
Taking advantage of their naivety and gullibility, they are misled and deceived by either boys of their age or married men.
Many a great time, they are made victims of rape and molestation.
When they are thus victimised, they don't know where to lodge their complaints or from whom they should seek help, Pishak said.
Again, they do have courage to disclose to their own parents what happened to them.
Threats and black-mailing through mobile phone and internet apparatuses make the girls stressful and terrified.
When the situation worsens, many girls think about committing suicide.
All these problems and difficulties faced by young girls cannot be taken lightly.
It was with a view to help these troubled girls that the special cells were opened, Pishak elaborated adding that all cases handled by the cells would be kept confidential.
The cells would remain open from 10 am to 4.30 pm everyday except Sunday.
WAD secretary S Sobita said that the special cells would take up necessary measures to give counselling to all victims so that their anxiety and trauma is reduced to manageable level before initiating legal steps.
She also appealed to all victims of crimes against women, parents, relatives and friends to take help from the special cells.
Rape, assault and beguiling of girls under 18 is punishable under Indian Penal Code as well as the Protection of Children from Sexual Offence, Sobita said.
She also appealed to all police stations to take up suo motto cases within 24 hours of learning about any crimes committed against girls.