In yet another shocking incident, a 13-year-old girl was allegedly raped in Yazali. In response to this, the Lower Subansiri police have arrested one Honi Helly for the alleged rape. The arrest came after the victim’s mother filed an FIR at the Women’s Police Station in Hapoli, accusing the individual of raping her daughter.
The rising incidence of crimes against children in the state is a matter of grave concern. Day by day, reports of such crimes emerge from various parts of the state. The people of the state are still grappling with the horrific rape and abuse of several children in a school at Monigong in the Shi-Yomi district.
This latest incident of the alleged rape of the minor girl once again highlights the vulnerability of tribal society. It calls for a need for debate and introspection. Arunachal Pradesh, once known as one of the safest places for women, is increasingly becoming unsafe for them. In addition to improving policing and ensuring that those involved in such heinous crimes face punishment, tribal society must take action. Such criminals should face social boycott, and no clan or community-based organizations should lend their support. Often, when affluent and influential individuals are involved in such crimes, a section of the population tends to support them, setting a troubling trend that must be avoided. If we want to make Arunachal Pradesh safe for women, everyone must come together and take a strong stance against criminals, regardless of tribe or religion.