Shillong: A women’s group in Meghalaya has voice concern over the increase in crimes against women in the northeastern India state where multiple tribes practice matrilineal descent.
The Khun Khynthei Hynniewtrep Association, national awakening movement, condemned the recent cases of rape and murder in the state and demanded ‘life imprisonment’ for those involved in such heinous crimes.
The movement plans to organize a peace rally and signature campaign on March 18, the Shillong Times reported.
Addressing reporters on March 13 in Shillong, the state capital, activist Goldy Warjri urged the government to make strong laws to award life term for the guilty and deny them bail. “It’s futile for the government to hand out compensation to the family of rape and murdered victims when the life of an individual is no more.”
He observed that the series of rape and murder of young girls and women has instilled fear among the female populace across the state.
The activist also condemned the government for not taking up strong steps to end “the menace” despite continuous incidents of rape and murder. Warjri said the purpose of the peace rally is to oppose crimes against women in the state.
He further urged political leaders, legislators, NGOs and the public to join the rally.
Until mid-March this year, Meghalaya reported 25 cases of rape and sexual assault.
Meghalaya’s Khasi, Garo, and other subgroups are said to be among the largest surviving matrilineal cultures in the world. However, a report in 2004 indicated the tribes losing some matrilineal traits.
Matrilineality traces descent through the female line. It also correlates with a societal system where each person is identified with their mother’s lineage and entitled to her property and titles.
In Meghalaya, women play a dominant role in society. The youngest daughter inherits all ancestral property. After marriage, husbands live in the mother-in-law’s home. Children take the mother’s surname. When no daughters are born to a couple, they adopt a daughter and pass their rights to property to her. The birth of a girl is celebrated while the birth of a son is simply accepted.