SHILLONG, Jan 3 - Several women�s organisation today demanded immediate arrest of Mawhati MLA, Julius Dorphang, who is absconding following registration of a case for allegedly exploiting a child sexually.
The women�s organisations � Civil Society Women�s Organisation and Thma U Rangli (TUR) and others � demanded that the police issue a red corner notice so that the absconding MLA can be traced by the police with the assistance of the people.
The women�s organisations also resolved in a meeting that they would take out a rally on January 11 to demand swift action against the guilty by the government.
Although the police have booked Dorphang under Protection of Child from Sexual Offences (POCSO) they, however, said that Dorphang could not be traced so far, but efforts are on to nab him.
The women�s organisations are also unhappy with the police�s �slow reaction� in the case, which involves the former militant-turned lawmaker and also the Home Minister HDR Lyngdoh. The women�s organisations also demanded that the Home Minister be sacked immediately for a fair trial.
�We demand that a red corner notice be issued against the accused and the Home Minister is removed for a free and fair trail into the case,� Agnes Kharshiing, president, CSWO said.
The organisations also blasted Chief Minister Mukul Sangma, who, they claimed, has been silent on the issue. They said the Chief Minister should take action against his Cabinet colleague and also Dorphang, an Independent supporter of the present Congress-government. �The Chief Minister cannot remain silent on such a grave issue. He must take action,� Kharshiing added.
Moreover, it also decided to urge the government to frame rules for guest houses. Presently, the guest houses here do not send daily report of guests to the police station, as is the case with hotels.
These mushrooming guest houses in the State have become de facto brothels, where women and children are exploited. The guest house run by the Home Minister�s wife, Marvelene�s Inn and another in Motinagar, were used to exploit a minor based on which the case has been filed, they said.
