Sobita calls for curbing crimes against women
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Nomita Khongbantabam

Imphal, June 11 2012: Expressing serious concern over increasing crimes against women like rape, forced abortion and cheating by their husbands, President of Women Action for Development (WAD) Sobita Mangsatabam has called upon the concerned Minister and Department for taking up necessary measures to curb such illegal activities.

Talking to Hueiyen Lanpao, Sobita contended that most cases of crimes against women like rape and forced abortion went unreported especially in rural areas as the victims are apprehensive of social ostracism.

Poor family background and lack of education are also some factors that increase the vulnerability of women in rural areas.

Pointing out that cases of rape and forced abortion need to be acted upon promptly by the police, Sobita informed that the father of the main accused in the Khangabok case has been arrested by the police only after a press meet was called but the main accused is still at large.

Moreover, medical test was also conducted only yesterday.

Why should the police take almost a month to act on a case?, she questioned.

In connection with the Khangabok case, Sobita asserted that the accused Laishram Boy alias Dinesh (24) s/o Laishram Panchong alias Kumar of Khangabok Part-II Meisnam eloped the girl, who is just 17 years old and forced her to abort their 7 months old baby.

Afterward, he betrayed the girl and went back on his promise of marrying her.

So, there is no question why accused and the doctor who aborted the child should not be punished.

Sobita explained that in accordance to medico- legal terms, abortion under the advice of a medical doctor is allowed within 12 months of pregnancy.

Beyond 12 months, the advice of two doctors is essential.

If the would-be mother is a minor below 18 years and there are chance of serious complication that could lead to fatality, then abortion may be allowed and that too with the consent of the parents of the girl.

However, if the girl is above 18 years of age, then she has the right to take the decision.

Such cases of abortion should be performed in government hospitals and other clinics notified by the government and not in any private hospital or clinic nor at home by some doctors or nurses.

She also stressed on the need for stepping up awareness campaign among the people on the negative impact of advancement in technology.

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