Newmai News Network Imphal | August 8 Expressing deep concern over the increasing rate of crime against women in Manipur, Social Welfare and Cooperation Minister Nemcha Kipgen has said that there will be ‘Zero Tolerance’ towards crime against women in the state. The Minister stated this during an emergency meeting convened at her residence along with Manipur State Commission for Women, Chairperson Dr. K. Sobita Devi, MSCW Member Ranjita Golmei and Manipur State Social Welfare Board, Chairperson M. Priyomala Devi. The team under the advice of the Minister recently conducted spot enquiries into the deaths of a housewife named Sapam (O) Thounaojam Sumila of Utlou Mayai Leikai who was found dead on August 4 after consuming caustic soda; on the same day, Bedamani Devi, wife of Th. Hemanta Singh of Koutruk Maning leikai, was also found dead after she strongly disapproved of her husband sending their minor child to get liquor. Families of both the deceased women suspect foul play over the deaths. During the meeting, the team also drew to attention the custodial death of Mutum (o) Indira Devi wife of M. Ibohal Singh of Andro Khuman Leikai who was found hanging inside the toilet of the Andro police station earlier this month. On accounts of all these cases, the Minister stated that those involved in all such violence against women will not be spared under any circumstances. The Minister strictly advised the MSCW Chairperson to take up necessary steps to curtail the increasing rates of crime against women in the state and to look into these matters with grave concern. Condemning the incidents, Kipgen gave assurances that all possible steps will be taken to deliver justice without any delay. The Minister further urged the masses for full cooperation and bring to an end all forms of violence against women. With a view to curb crime against women, the Government of Manipur under the leadership of Chief Minister N Biren Singh, has already set up Fast Track Court to adjudicate cases relating to crimes against women and 181 helpline for women. As per the reports by MSCW, since June 2016, domestic violence tops the chart of the case registered in the Commission, having registered 18 in numbers (two in the year 2016 and 16 in the year 2017). The commission has solved 63 cases from the 78 cases registered.
