GUWAHATI, Aug 13: Four women’s organisations on Wednesday demanded a fast-track trial and exemplary punishment for those accused in the alleged gangrape and murder of a 15-year-old girl in Hailakandi, calling for speedy justice in the case. The Asom Mahila Sangha, Pragatisheel Nari Sanstha, All India Democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA) and North East Network jointly submitted a memorandum addressed to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma through the Kamrup Metro district administration. Referring to the August 1 incident, the organisations expressed deep anguish over the alleged gangrape and murder of the minor by five men and said the legal process should be expedited to ensure that justice is not delayed. The groups said that despite several laws and stronger legal provisions introduced over the years following sustained campaigns against violence against women, such crimes continued to occur. They alleged that inadequate implementation of laws, failure to register cases in some instances, slow legal procedures and political protection enjoyed by offenders had contributed to the persistence of crimes against women. Pointing out that the accused in the Hailakandi case have been arrested, the organisations urged the State authorities to ensure that the subsequent legal proceedings are completed without undue delay. They demanded that the case be tried through a fast-track court and that exemplary punishment be meted to those found guilty. They also called upon the government to take effective measures to ensure women’s right to live safely in both public and private spaces. The women’s organisations said crimes against women continued despite legal amendments brought in after the 2012 Nirbhaya case, underlining the need for effective enforcement of existing laws rather than merely strengthening provisions on paper. ByStaff Reporter