The opposition, United Democratic Party (UDP) today said that rise in crime against women could jeopardise 'Brand Meghalaya' and affect the state's economy with over 700 rape cases reported since 2013.
"How do we sell Meghalaya as a brand outside with such reports of rape in the state?" UDP legislator Paul Lyngdoh asked while moving a special motion on the issue in the Assembly here.
"Delhi has been hit since foreign countries have issued advisory to travellers. I don't want Shillong to figure in such an advisory," UDP legislator Paul Lyngdoh said.
Stating that the state has recorded a staggering 700 cases of rape from 2013 till date, he said that this has created a deep sense of insecurity among women and parents.
"This year from January 1 to February 23, a total of 23 rape cases were reported. It has become a daily affair," he said.
He also pointed out the incident of arrest of a sitting legislator for allegedly raping a minor, in which, the name of the home minister HDR Lyngdoh has been dragged.
He also pointed out the former Governor's alleged involvement in a case of misconduct towards women.
In his reply, home minister HDR Lyngdoh denied involvement of a guest house owned by his family in a sex racket involving a 14-year-old girl last year.
"It is not a fact that the rape committed by an MLA took place at the guest house," Lyngdoh said amid the opposition demanding him to step down.
"Therefore it is very wrong to say that I should step down as I have done no wrong," he said and assured that stern action will be taken against anybody whi is found guilty even if they are his relatives.
Earlier, demanding that the home minister should step down, Hill State Peoples Democratic Party MLA, Ardent Basaiawmoit said that former governor V Shanmuganathan had resigned from his post after he was accused of turning the "Raj Bhavan into young ladies club".
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content
