Letter:
It is fortunate that cases received by the State Women’s Commission are declining and very unfortunate that there are still some cases that say otherwise despite the fact that women constitute nearly half of the entire Indian population. The condition of women in Sikkim is somehow miserable due to; illiteracy, poverty, backward social values and household drudgeries.
I am referring to an assault case ''with a cursory glance'' that was lodged at a Police Station near Gangtok [location details withheld] exactly a year ago. Following the complaint the Police were swift in bringing justice, they beat the crap out of the husband and the victim’s wife had her front tooth replaced. Nevertheless she entered into yet another unhappy marriage, this time after mentally torturing her, the husband deserted her and left with another woman. Prior to this incident there were widespread rumours of the husband having an extra-marital relationship.
Ironically, we talk about Panchayats being responsible for bringing democracy to grassroots level but in this case the Panchayat was none other than the victim’s mother-in-law.
By virtue of constitutional amendments the maintenance rights are guaranteed but limited to those equipped with adequate knowledge and support systems only. Therefore follow up policies like personal counselling require to be mandated, a hot-line may bridge the gap. Once the justice is delivered the victim may need further necessary assistance from the concerned authorities.
In the above mentioned case it is apparent that the husband played tit for tat, but the magnitude of asperity the victim had to face is absolute injustice.
Wrecked and worn out by her earlier marriage, the victim sought refuge in the second husband leaving her home and child, which, of course also did not turn out as she had expected. I once asked her about the unfortunate series of events in her life and in a suppressed voice, she replied “it is like living for dying”.
Is our tranquillity thriving on the misfortune of those; innocent, semi-educated, backward class rural women of so called privileged Sikkim or are all those; titles, honours, accolades, recognition, esteem and respect conferred upon us self proclaimed?
Karma Bhutia [recvd on email]
A very thot provoking letter!! The sikkimese society is like an eternal ostrich, which hides its head but the whole body is left exposed to danger!!! We refuse to accept the various ills of the society!! The saddest part it those given power to rectify these ills sweep it under the carpet,. If the CM of the state were to come down heavily on thses instances of societal ills then every one would wake up and nod their head and agree to it coz we are all maibaaps , who believe really seriously in the maxim - the boss is always right!!!!!"
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