The Civil Society Women’s Organization (CSWO) has condemned the men involved in the gang-rape of minors at Ummir.
CSWO president, Agnes Kharshiing and general secretary Evangeline Thabah demanded that the police arrested all those involved and hold them in jail till convicted. “The police have to arrest all those involved and bail should not be given especially when victims could identify, so that victims are assured and public at large will have confidence, as rape is on the rise especially of minors in the state of Meghalaya,” the press release said.
The CSWO statement also brought to the notice of the State police that as per their own investigation they had been told that “one of the accused has bragged that he is a cop” and that no one can keep him in jail for long. The police have to take note on his links so that these dreadful crimes are curbed and anyone helping such heinous crimes should not be given post in the police or in the government, the CSWO said.
The organisation also insisted that the government should provide vehicles to the victims of rape, for them to go for counselling, to give statements in court, and for medical check-ups when needed, so that the victims and their families do not have to spend from their meagre means as the people mostly targeted for rape are girls from the very marginalized, poor and most vulnerable sections of society. Compensation for the victims of such crimes too should not be delayed and the funds meant for compensation for survivors of rape and violence should not be siphoned off.
