Ampareen seeks removal of NPP MLA from Assembly committees

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 2, 2021

Chairperson of the Assembly Committee for Empowerment of Women, Ampareen Lyngdoh on Wednesday sought the immediate removal of the National People’s Party (NPP) leader and chief adviser to the Chief Minister, Thomas Sangma as members of the different Assembly committees after he was alleged to be involved in a sexual assault case. 

This came a day after a woman has filed an FIR against the North Tura legislator with the East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police for allegedly sexual abusing her since January last year.

In a letter submitted to the Assembly Speaker Metbah Lyngdoh, Ampareen said, “…I urge you to follow the principles of fairness and accountability in the removal of the concerned member as Chairman of Assembly Committee on Estimates and as member of the Committee on Public Accounts until the police investigation and trial (if any) are complete.” 

She also cited that there is precedent in the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly for removal of members from Assembly Committees, as in the case of Julius Dorphang who was removed from Committees in 2017 by the Speaker AT Mondal after an FIR for sexual assault was registered. 

“I trust that you will consider my recommendation for removal of the concerned member and actively follow up in the investigation of the case with the Director General of Police of the state,” she added.

The Congress legislator from East Shillong said when a serious accusation of this nature arises against a member of this Assembly, it shocks the conscience of our society and puts a huge expectation on us as representatives of the people to ensure that principles of accountability are held in utmost regard. 

“Our criminal justice system has historically been titled against women, and it is for this sole reason that any rape victim must be entitled to a benefit of doubt when she raises an allegation of sexual assault,” she said