MSF concerned over growing number of crimes against women
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 05 2013 : Expressing concern over the growing number of rape cases and crimes against women, Manipuri Students' Federation (MSF) has warned the Government that it will not remain silent if the culprits are not punished.

In a press release, MSF said that the Government must not take the issue lightly but to chalk out a serious long term measure to check the menace.

The students' body expressed reservations over taking less concern by the MLAs of the State in this regard.

The press release alleged that the MLAs did not took the pain of discussing the issue in length although many cases of rape and crime against women were happening during the recently concluded Assembly session.

Saying that the responsibility of keeping the crime rate in check is with the State Home Department, the press release alleged that the State witnessed increase in the number of crimes against women due to negligence of the Department.

Regarding Yairipok rape case, MSF said that letting to go the culprit unpunished would encourage him to indulge in similar crimes in future.

The press release added that Tharoijam rape case happened when agitation demanding punishment to Yairipok rape case was in full swing.

Until and unless the Government chalks out a long term strategy to check such crimes, the State would witness many more similar crimes in future as well.

The Government must adopt a sincere approach in controlling the crime, the press release said and added that the State Police Department must be ready for the purpose as well.

The Government must take cognisance that increase in the rate of crimes against women has direct connection with rise in number of school and college drop-outs among girls.

Saying that the accused in Tharoijam rape case, Irom Bobo must be given befitting punishment, the press release suggested to try him in a Special Court to have a speedy trial under Protection of Children from Sexual Offence Act 2012 .

The State Government must also pay serious attention towards delay of trials due to lack of equipment and staff in Forensic Lab.

The concerned Department must also take up necessary step to bring back the victim, who is currently in trauma, to social mainstream.

She must be provided not only necessary medical and psychological assistance but also entitled benefit under the scheme of Relief and Rehabilitation for Victim of Rape.

The Government must also assist her to continue her studies, the press release said and added that MSF is ready to launch agitation in case the Government fails to heed the appeal of the students' body.

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