DyCM moots stringent law to shield women

IMPHAL, Dec 29, 2012 : In the backdrop of unrest over separate cases of molestation, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam vehemently condemning the Chandel and Napetpalli incidents claimed that strong instructions have been given to all the police stations to remain strict vigil for preventing recurrence of such incidents.

Insisting that any attempt to outrage modesty of womenfolk/girls will not be tolera- ted, Gaikhangam, who also holds the Home portfolio opined that a strong and vigilant police force has become inevitable to thwart devilish acts of anti-social elements.

Responding to queries from newspersons on the sidelines of the 156th birth anniversary celebration of patriot Bir tikendrajit at Congress Bhavan here today, he described as both unfortunate and regretful that crime against womenfolk including rape and molestation frequently taking place not only in the State but throughout the world.

The birth anniversary celebration organised by Mani- pur Pradesh Congress Committee was also attended by Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh and his council of ministers as well as CLP members.

Noting that in some middle east countries, rapists are promptly given death sentence, the Deputy CM strong- ly mooted that a stringent legislation to check or discourage crime against women is needed in the State.

asserting that the Government is determined to tackle crime against women in an effective manner, Gaikhangam confided that relevant official procedures to enact such a law is already under process.

Hinting at framing an effective law that would deter crime against women, he pointed out that law enforcement agencies have an im- portant role to play to protest modesty of the womenfolk in the State.

To another poser on steps to free the National Highways from frequent bandhs/blockades, the Home Minister maintained that consequent to the Supreme Court ruling against bandh/blockade the State Government too is against disruption caused to vehicular movement.

Informing that CRPF units are being stationed at various strategic points of the National Highways to prevent highway sabotage, he exuded confidence that in case the Government's plan to recruit about 2000 State forces materialises security environment along the National Highways would significantly improve.

The fresh recruitment, if successful, will enable the Government to deploy/station State security forces in all the hill district headquarters and effectively sanitise the highways from disruptive elements as well as provide logistic support for expeditious completion of ongoing projects such as rail-line construction and Loktak Downstream programme, explained the Deputy CM.

Conceding that hill district police stations are facing shortages of security force man-power, Gaikhangam said in some of these police stations security personnel are not provided arms due to apprehension of being overpowered by armed insurgents.

In other to address existing law and order problems and boost the security mechanism all out efforts are being made to recruit more State security force personnel despite financial problems besetting the State Government, he said.

With regard to the ongoing tussle in the Imphal Municipal Council on the issue of removing the Council Chairperson, the State unit Congress chief confided that meetings with individual Councillors are underway to assess the situation and consider their respective viewpoints.

Inspite of hinting that a change of guard is inevitable, Gaikhangam declined to comment on who the new incumbent would be.

Meanwhile, Newmai News Network quoted the Deputy CM as saying that two freedom fighters from Manipur - Bir Tikendrajit and Rani Gaidinliu - have been selected by the All India Congress Committee to honour them in connection with the 127th anniversary of the Indian national Congress.

Two freedom fighters each from every state of India has been selected by AICC to pay respect to the late freedom fighters by the respective state Congress parties, he informed.

Both Bir Tikendrajit and Rani Gaidinliu fought against the British to safeguard Manipur, he said and added Gaidinliu was imprisoned for 14 years in jail for being repellent against the British.

MPCC observes the birth anniversary of Tikendrajit to pay homage to him, Gaikhangam said, adding birth anniversary of Rani Gaidinliu will also be observed by MPCC in January next year.