NCW asks Meghalaya to study violence against women

Shillong, Oct 11 (UNI) The National Commission for Women (NCW) has asked the state government and women groups to conduct an in-depth study on the increased violence against the fair sex in Meghalaya, the only matrilineal society in the country.

Addressing officials of the Department of Social Welfare and Women's organisations yesterday, NCW member Wansuk Syiem expressed dismay over the recent violence against women in the state.

She said the NCW was shocked to hear the recent spate of crime against the fair sex across the state.

According to official data, the state police have recorded 1120 cases in different police stations from January to June this year.

'' There is an urgent need for the state and NGOs to conduct a study and find out the root cause of the crime against women,'' Ms Syiem said.

The NCW member said unless women become more literate and economically independent, the discrimination and violence against them will continue.

Urging the state government to play a proactive role in bringing legal awareness among women, Ms Syiem said the government must come forward to assist the women folks to redress their grievances through pre-litigation services and facilitating speedy delivery of justice to them.

'' The government must review the existing provisions of the Constitution and other laws affecting women and recommending amendments thereto, any lacunae, inadequacies or short comings in such legislation,'' Ms Syiem stated.

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