Treat househelps with dignity and respect

The recent arrest of a student union leader for allegedly raping a young woman who was working as househelp in his house in Tigdo village near Doimukh is deeply disturbing. The alleged accused has been named as Mili Tachak, president of the All Kamle District Students’ Union. The victim hails from Longding district. Hope the police will properly investigate the case and ensure that justice is delivered to the victim. Rape is a heinous crime and no one should try to use their influence to alter the outcome of the case. This incident once again highlights how vulnerable househelps are in the state.

There are so many such cases, and the majority of them are never reported in the media. These househelps are most vulnerable. Many of them come from very poor economic backgrounds with no proper family support. The majority of them are uneducated and do not know their own basic rights. Often they become victims of rape and molestation at the hands of their employers. They have no support system to fight back and often suffer in silence. It is time for the Arunachal society to come out openly and take a strong stand against such atrocities. The civil society bodies and NGOs in particular can play an important role. The househelps should be treated with dignity and respect. They deserve much better treatment.