IMPHAL, June 13 � As many as 18 rape cases were reported in Manipur in the last five months as per news- paper reports, according to Women Action for Development (WAD), an Imphal-based NGO.
WAD strongly condemned the alleged repeated rape of a 13-year-old student of Government Ideal Blind School, Takyel near Imphal on April 14.
�It is very unfortunate that women and girls of the State are frequently subjected to rape, murder, torture, etc,� said WAD coordinator Thuithung Aphy. �We strongly oppose these increasing crimes and would initiate appropriate steps deemed fit for prevention and elimination of the crimes against women and girls�, she added.
The women�s body, however, appreciated and acknowledged the steps taken by Social Welfare minister AK Mirabai and police in arresting the prime accused school chowkidar Him Bahadur Thapa alias Kansa. They also demanded immediate investigation into the incident and punishment to the culprit. The authority should also come up with measures to prevent such heinous crimes, the WAD said.
The Social Welfare Minister had recently assured that action will be taken up against the accused watchman of the blind school as per the law of the land.
As per information from the school the child molester was suspended from the school. An action committee consisting of four persons has also been formed and investigation is on in connection with the incident.
