Chairperson of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Committee on Empowerment of Women, Santa Mary Shylla today said the Niriang domestic abuse case has left the community “horrified and disturbed” and asserted that the accused must be given severe punishment.
Shylla, who was accompanied by committee members Adelbert Nongrum, Wailadmiki Shylla and officials from the Assembly Secretariat, visited the home of the survivor in Niriang village, West Jaiñtia Hills district.
It may be mentioned that the horrendous case of domestic violence surfaced in November after more than a month when the accused, Dahun Dkhar, set his wife on fire on September 26, 2024. The woman in her 30s suffered third-degree burns covering 45 per cent of her body even as her over a year old child was also burnt.
The incident has sparked outrage and calls for greater community action against domestic violence in Meghalaya.
“This horrific act has left us all in shock and sadness,” Shylla said and assured the public that the committee, in coordination with the local MLA, is working diligently to ensure the victim receives the highest quality of treatment.
She said that the government is committed to supporting these efforts. “The extent of the damage inflicted upon her may take months or even years to heal, but we will stand by her side throughout this journey. To the other members of her household, please know that we are here for you at all times,” Shylla said.
The chairperson also urged the Police Department to carry out a thorough investigation into the incident, emphasising the severity of the crime. “The offender has committed a grave act, and justice must be swift and severe. He must not escape the full force of the law,” she stated.
Nongrum assured the public that the committee is committed to following up on the matter. He expressed confidence that both the government and the authorities will effectively fulfill their responsibilities. “Those who commit such heinous acts will face the consequences of their actions,” he added.
“In our community, we have a duty to watch out for one another. Silence in the face of such events is unacceptable. We must speak out to ensure that these tragedies are not repeated in our land,” Nongrum urged.
Wailadmiki highlighted several schemes offered by both the central and state governments that the survivor can avail, including Ayushman Bharat and the Victim Compensation Scheme.
“The Victim Compensation Scheme assists victims providing compensation ranging from Rs. 3 lakhs to Rs. 7 lakhs. I inquired about this before arriving here and consulted with the Legal Service Authority, requesting them to process it urgently for immediate support.” he informed.
