Northeast Desk, 10th May: On May 9, thousands of individuals from various organizations convened in South West Garo Hills, Ampati, to participate in a silent mass rally orchestrated by the Meghalaya Koch Students’ Union. The rally, originating from the Ghasura Cultural Centre and culminating at the Deputy Commissioner’s office, sought to address the appalling gang rape incident that shook Chenga Benga Mela on April 16, 2024.
Reports indicate that around 7,654 people representing diverse organizations, including the Meghalaya Koch Association, Meghalaya Koch Women Association, All A’chik Youth Federation, Meghalaya Hajong Welfare Association, Garo Student Union, A’chik Holistic Awakening Movement, and Achik Youth Welfare Organisation, joined forces in the rally. Their collective aim was to demand justice and advocate for enhanced women’s safety measures across the state.
Marching in silence, the participants carried placards and banners expressing their indignation over the incident and solidarity with the victims. Upon reaching the Deputy Commissioner’s office, representatives from the participating organizations delivered a memorandum urging swift and decisive action against the perpetrators, along with the implementation of stringent preventive measures to curb such atrocious crimes in the future.
The rally’s organizers and participants underscored their unwavering resolve to persistently raise their voices until justice is served and concrete measures are enacted to safeguard the safety and dignity of women in Meghalaya.