IMPHAL, Apr 27 : Core Committee Against the Phaknung Gangrape today took out a mass rally in Imphal area demanding exemplary punishment for the 7 persons involved in the April 14 gangrape of two minor girls.
The protest march took off from Thangmeiband Khunthokhanbi and passed through Khoyathong, North AOC, Khongnang Anikarak, Dingku Road, Khuman Lampak, Lamlong bridge, Khurai Telipati, Minuthong, PTCC DM College before culminating at Khunthokhanbi Shanglen where a public meeting was held.
The rally was organised under the initiative of CSOs, student organisations, NGOs and Meira Paibi Lups.
At the public meeting, N Jibanmala, convenor, Core Committee Against the Phaknung Gangrape, said that the incident should be strongly condemned.
She also lauded the various organisations, NGOs and Meira Paibi Lups for initiating the protest march.
“The only rape case where the Manipur Government had initiated right step was that of the Umorok seller. No appropriate and stringent action was initiated in other rape cases. As such, justice was denied to rape victims. Rapists should be undoubtedly punished in befitting manner. Apart from extending social support to the victims, counselling should also be provided,” she said.
Sunil Karam, vice president, UCM said, “People of the State irrespective of community and religion should stand united against any crime and issue that poses a threat to society. Numerous rape cases have taken place in the past. Such heinous crime keep repeating because rapists were not punished befittingly.”
Unless an exemplary punishment is awarded, this type of inhumane incident will keep on taking place. Therefore, it is the responsibility of both the State Government and Police Department to handle rape cases appropriately, he said.
L Deban, president, AMUCO said, “It has been observed that State Government is always slow at responding to any issue of the State. Partial handling of issues should be stopped.”
In the rape case of Umorok seller, then Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam took up stringent steps. As a result, justice was delivered to the victim. Similarly, the new State Government should not take the present issue lightly, L Deban asserted.
Expressing shock over the gang rape incident, he said, “Youth, these days, seem to have no ethics. Despite organising awareness programmes by NGOs and local organisations, rape incidents have failed to decrease and this is not at all a good sign. Parents have a crucial responsibility in educating their children on morals and ethics.”
Valley Rose Hungyo, editor, The Aja, said that the only solution to rape case is to award befitting actions against the culprits by the State Government.
Sitara Begum, president, All Manipur Muslim Development Organisation stated people belonging to various communities have joined hands together to demand justified steps against the rapists. The State Government, without hesitating, should take up prompt action to put an end to this heinous crime.
On the other hand, a sit-in against the gang rape was also staged by the Meira Paibis of Khurai Angom Maning Leikai at Yumjao Lairembi today.
Source: The Sangai Express
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