Mass appeal to punish rapists immediately

A mass rally spearheaded by the Core Committee formed by various civil society organisations against April 14 Faknung gang rape of two school students by seven persons was witnessed in Imphal today.
The rally raised slogans to give quick justice against the gang rape and give befitting punishment to the rapists. The rally was set off from Khunthok Hanbi Ima Ibemma Sanglen Complex, Thangmeiband passes through Khoyathong, North AOC, Dewlaland, Dingku Road and turned back after reaching Khurai Lamlong. After the rally a gathering was held at Khunthok Hanbi complex.
The protestors hold placards embed with different slogans one of which was “Rape is rape, no more excuses”.
Rose Mangse Haokip, advisor to Kuki Women Union Manipur said, Manipur is known as Sanaleipak Manipur and we have not been accustomed to witness such crimes in Manipur for the past many decades, but now with the advent of the 21st century these crimes are occurring one after another. Women of Manipur are strongly against such crimes as recent case of April 14. So we the people despite of caste, creed or religion come together to show solidarity against such crimes so that it should not be repeated, added the woman activist.
“The culprit should be given befitting punishment and lifetime imprisonment if appropriate” said Rose Mangse.
Sobita Mangsatabam, another woman activist said the recent gang rape has marked an ugly image in the society and befitting justice should be given quickly. We are also submitting a memorandum to the chief minister and the governor today, added Sobita.
The core committee against the April 14 gang rape was formed by a composition of more than 20 organisations including those from the hills and I am very happy to see the support and solidarity shown by the organisations including the AMSU and UCM, said Rose Mangse.
On Tuesday Thongam Sadananda Singh, 22, son of late Th. Shamu of Moirang Kampu, the only adult accused in the gang rape of the two juveniles were produced at the court of district Session Judge of Imphal East.
The accused counsel submitted a plea for bail to the judge maintaining that Sadananda was implicated wrongly in the rape case. The bail petition would be heard in the next hearing scheduled to be held on April 8.
The accused was remanded to four days in police custody. As he was brought to the court, some women activists shouted slogans, others tried to mob him with water bottles.
The other six accused in the rape case were at the Juvenile Home, Takyelpat. Their case was scheduled to be heard by the Juvenile Justice Board yesterday.