Public meeting held
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 02 2016: A public meeting on the 'denial of speedy trial and insensitivity of the Government on crimes against women and children in Manipur' was held today at Manipur Press Club.

The programme was jointly organised by Women Action for Development (WAD), Conflict Widows Forum, North East Dialogue Forum, United NGOs Mission-Manipur, Humanitarian Justice Foundation, New Life Foundation, Village Women Co-ordinating Committee and other like minded NGOs and POs.

Rongmei Lu Phuam president Panti Golmei, Bishnupur District Child Line convenor L Pishak, CEDO secretary N Mandir and Advocate L Sadananda attended as the resource persons.

Speaking at the occasion, WAD secretary Sobita Mangshatabam said there has been marked increase in the number of crimes against women and children in the State.

In 2016 alone, a total of 83 such cases have been reported.

Today's public meeting was organised mainly to draw the attention of the State Government on the matter, Sobita stated.

She urged the State Government to discuss the rising issue of crimes against women and children in the ongoing Assembly session and adopt a policy that could ensure safety for women and children of the State.

Conveying her wish for the inclusion of the matter in the Gender budget, the WAD general secretary also appealed to the authorities to ensure speedy justice to minor and women victims of rape and violence.

Sobita Mangshatabam also expressed disappointment with the alleged indifferent attitude of Ministers and MLAs regarding the issue.

She said no Minister or MLA has till date came forward to fight for justice within their jurisdiction or outside.

Citing the recent rape and eventual death of a six year old girl at Chinikon, Rongmei Lu president Panti Golmei said the conduct of the rapist was beastly.

The unfortunate victim succumbed to her injuries at RIMS hospital while the rapist is shielded from penalty for being a juvenile.

No deserving punishment has been meted out to any rapist in the State till date.

This is perhaps the reason why such crimes against children and women are rising in the State, Panti Golmei stated.

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