AIZAWL, Feb 2 � Chief Minister Lalthanhawla has apologised for the �loose governance� which has made it possible for the rape accused to roam about freely without any stigma.
Speaking as the chief guest at a seminar on �Rape and human trafficking� organised by the State Commission for Women and the National Commission for Women, Lalthanhawla referred to societal attitudes to rape and rapists. He said that he was very disturbed when he had recently heard of a young man nonchalantly telling his friend that he was on his way to the court to appear as accused in a rape case.
�Such a shameless attitude to this heinous crime shows up the laxity of governance. I am sorry for that,� he said, adding that rapists were encouraged by delayed justice and the general attitude of society to the crime.
�When punishment does not come immediately and heavily, these crimes gain leeway,� he said pointing out that the State recorded a high number of rape cases, including rapes of minors, which he termed as a slur on the image of the State.
He said he was glad that the Verma Commission Report had recommended some stringent changes in the law which would make rape and sexual violence easier to tackle by both the police and the judiciary. His government has already received the missive from the Union Minister of Law to set up fast-track courts to handle rape cases. He also referred to the spurt in rape cases in the national capital even as the public outcry continued.
