Demand for a state anti-rape law

Pothashang News Service: Imphal, April 16, 2018: Victims communities of sexual assault, various joint action committees against sexual assault and Youth Forum for Protection of Human Rights (YFPHR) today staged a sit-in at Pishumthong Ningom Leirak, Community Hall demanding for a Manipur State’s Anti-Rape Law for speedy investigation and trial against crimes against women.

Speaking to media persons, Wahengbam Premila Devi, a demonstrator said whenever the public took out protest against any crimes against women in the state, the government remained silent until the protests die out.

Premila also said the government should act without any biasness irrespective of what political parties they belong to award speedy punishment to the culprits who committed crimes on women and children.

The current punishment by the law against the culprits who have committed various crimes against women and children is unsatisfactory.

Laws are made by the government and a new law for the sexual assault should be put among the previous law for crimes against women and children so that the victims and their families can get the justice, she added.

At  Kangla western gate, too, similar protest was staged.  Merina Konsam, secretary women wing, YFPHR said though the state government has launched various public schemes, but fails to provide any safety for women and children.

Fifteen rape cases has been file since the beginning of 2018 but state government have not taken up any proper initiatives to provide justice to the victims and their families, she added.

Merina also said promising for various safety steps for women during the election campaign to woe votes and after vote not even considering is injustice for the women folk.

“Are the women of Manipur not women like other women of outside states? Is the “Beti Bachao, Beti Padao” scheme for the BJP led government is to rape women and children? Is our government waiting for our girls to be rape to take action?” Merina questioned.

Later, a protest rally was staged from Pishumthong Ningom Leirak, community hall demanding justice for the victims and to set up anti-rape law. They aimed to throng at chief minister’s office they were stopped by a large number of police at Moirangkhom and force them to turn back.