THE Maharashtra Government has given Rs. one lakh as compensation to the Mumbai attack victim Leishichon Lenchen Shaiza.Maharashtra Chief Minister Vuilasrao Deshmukh handed over the cheque to the bereaved family members. The compensation came five days after the gruesome murder of Leishichon Lenchen Shaiza at   the Gateway of India, Mumbai. Manipur Education Minister  Francis Ngajokpa and representatives of the Mumbai’s NSF unit were also present on the occasion.

However, the gesture shown by the Maharashtra Chief Minister has failed to satisfy the relatives of     the deceased. Citing the instance theat two years ago, when a women died after being pushed out of a train in the city, the family  reportedly told that the compensation was a pittance.

Lenchen Shaiza’s friend Ngakuimi Raleng is recovering from her wounds in Bombay Hospital. Ngajokpa and former defence minister and NDA convener George Fernandes visited the Bombay Hospital.

It may be mentioned here that Maharashtra Chief Minister has promised to take full care of Raleng‘s treatment. Mr. Deshmukh has also assured to take preventive measures for students of NE studying in Mumbai, particularly from Manipur. Meanwhile, Manipur Chief Minister O. Ibobi Singh has contributed a sum of Rs. 30,000 for Raleng‘s treatment.

While visiting Ngakuimi Raleng, George Fernandes said, “I have come here because any problem concerning the Manipuris concerns me.” Fernandes further added that he to see Ngakuimi to assure her that things would return to normal. Dr AK Tiwari, PRO, Bombay Hospital informed that all expenses related to Ngakuimi`s treatment would be borne by the hospital.

Meanwhile, in a condolence message, Dr. Thokchom Meinya, the MP from Inner Manipur said, “I am shocked to learn that Ms. Laeshichon Shaiza from Ukhrul District has been gruesomely murdered in broad daylight and her friend, Ms. Ngakuimi Raleng, brutally assaulted at the Gateway of India, Mumbai by Junaid Patel on 13th Aug., 2005.

My deepest condolences to the family of the deceased and fast recovery of Ms. N Raleng.

The safety of women in some metropolitan cities in the country has, of late, become a cause of concern for everybody. It reflects the growing insensitiveness of the society towards ensuring the security of women.

The Zomi Human Rights Foundation, Delhi Cell has also condemned the incident. The Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) has expressed shock over the incident..

“While expressing our deepest condolences to the families of the deceased, we would like to point out several factors which led to the murder of Laeshichon Shaiza. Who would have imagined that going for an evening stroll in the Gateway of India would unfold into such a tragic end?

Firstly, we wonder as to what the spectators were doing besides being mute observers. Had they reacted quickly there were chances of the girl surviving the attack! Mumbai has witnessed such responses from its citizens in the past and the fact that no one came to help for more than 15 minutes shows them in a pitiable light.

Secondly, the safety of women in Cities like Delhi and Mumbai are fast becoming a major cause for concern. It is reflective of the growing insensitiveness of the society towards ensuring the protection of women in particular.

We urge upon the concerned authorities to bring the perpetrator of the murder to book and ensure effective security for women in and around the major cities.

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