IMPHAL December 5: The three minor orphans of late Shanti K Awungshi wife of late Hormi K Awungshi, who was gruesomely murdered after being allegedly raped in June this year are still left wanting without any justice and assistance as assured by the government to the JAC formed in connection to the killing.
The two elders are presently looked after by their relatives while the youngest of the three stays in a private orphanage.
Speaking to a team of media persons and representatives of NGOs, the children said they anticipate a fair trial of the perpetrator, mason Jukeshwar Thounaojam of Laikhompal, who was arrested in the aftermath of the rape and murder of their mother.
The team had made the visit as part of the ongoing ‘fact finding on Crime Against Women’ the 16-days activism on Gender based violence of the Women Action for Development.
“The family has no information regarding the case. It is unfortunate that the trail is proceeding in such secrecy” said the victim’s daughter Anandi.
Their mother was the sole bread earner and the State government had assured befitting justice and explicitly pronounced providence for the three surviving orphaned minors towards their education and livelihood. However, we are shocked at the apathy that follows, lamented Anandi.
The children were equally helpless in their yearning for justice.
The eldest daughter said, “Initially our MLA promised us befitting justice and educational support. I have passed in second rank in my class; however, I doubt that I would be able to continue my studies next year”
The lone village school namely Ramrei Primary School under the Ukhrul Autonomous District Council degraded to Class VII, owing to lack of Science and Mathematics teacher, according to the villagers.
The children’s future still loom in uncertainty in the absence of any assistance even from those who had assured six months back.
Neither has the District Child Welfare Committee, District Child Protection Officer nor the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights visited the children and assess their needs till date.
40 year old Khongrei Awungshi Shanti’s body was found at Ramrei Ato village with tell-tale signs of rape on June 24 after she went missing for two days. KA Shanti is from Ramrei Ato Village under Ukhrul district, Litan Police Station and is survived by her three minor children namely Ngachanphy, 14, Ramphungmi, 13 and Shangmaya, 11.
A case was registered on June 24 under FIR No. 6(6) 2015 Litan Police Station under Section 302/34 IPC through the Officer in Charge, Inspector Manikanta.