SHILLONG, Dec 29: Matrilineal Meghalaya today witnessed women folks taking to the streets their mourning over the death of the Delhi gang-rape victim even as they demanded justice and safety to women community in the state and the country in particular.
Women and social activists also observed a candle-light vigil at the famous Don Bosco Square in Shillong before taking out a silent procession.
Besides, the candle-light vigil was also staged in solidarity with a young girl, who was the victim of a gang-rape at Williamnagar in the Garo Hills of the state recently.
Stating that the system has failed women community, the women in their placards demanded that “immediate session of parliament to make strong rape laws” besiThaThnks a lotdes “medical report be immediately be given to rape victims or their immediate family” and speedy justice for rape victims.
Taking part in the vigil mourning the death of the victim was young Emie Sunn, a 10 year old boy who demanded that those who committed crimes against women should be hanged.
His demand rooted to the popular demand aired on TV by protesters in Delhi and out of frustration as his parents were glued to the news channel all the time with the news of the gang-rape victim, denying him his cartoon programs.
NGO leaders, feminists, housewives vehemently demanded stringent rules be put in place to deter an offender from committing such crimes in the future.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mukul Sangma, who also condoled her death, said a thorough look into the system to address the menace is the need of the hour.
“A thorough look at the prevailing system to address this menace is the need of the hour, he said adding that a comprehensive action plan is required which should involve the government and the people as any change that we want can only take place when the people themselves involve in the process.
While admitting that crimes against women in matrilineal-Meghalaya is also sky rocketing, Mukul said, “This problem is serious and we all need to concertedly strive towards a permanent solution.”
Governor R S Mooshahary had on the other hand rued that despite the improvement in the literacy rate (66 – 67 per cent), the society continue to face “deteriorating” moral character which resulted in “bulging crime rate” against women, humanity and property.
While pleading for a moral-based education, Mooshahary had said that unless we are able to build up people of good character, “no matter how high the literacy rate gets, it will be of no use.”
An Assembly committee report on the crime against women pending investigation until December 31 last year was at 696 which include 337 rape cases, 135 kidnap and abduction cases of women and girls, 127 molestation and 18 sexual harassment cases.
Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/rally-taken-out-at-rally-at-meghalaya/
