By IANS,
Shillong : Expressing concern over the growing crimes against women in Meghalaya, Home Minister Roshan Warjri Wednesday said the government has taken steps to combat the trend.
“Crimes against women have become a matter of serious concern,” she said while replying to a cut motion in the state assembly on the style and functioning of Meghalaya Police.
Government statistics reveal that in 2012, total 236 crimes were reported against women, of which 158 were rapes, in the state that is traditionally known for its matrilineal society.
Warjri, the state’s first woman home minister, said the government has instructed the 11 district police chiefs to review all pending rape cases for effective probe.
“In order to improve the quality of investigation, the government circulated standard operating procedures (SOPs) on crimes of trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation,” she said.
Women police stations have been notified in seven districts, Warjri said, adding that steps are being taken to set up similar facilities in other districts.
Admitting that the internal security situation was still a matter of concern, the home minister said: “Efforts are being made to improve the intelligence network and enhance our capabilities.”