GUWAHATI, Oct 26 – Sensitive dowry prohibition officers must be activated by the government and all related laws effectively implemented to counter increasing dowry deaths in Assam. There must be adequate resources in support services and budgetary allocations to assist victims and their families to fight cases of this nature. This demand has been made by some NGOs, including North East Network, after another dowry death took place, this time in Cachar district.
According to reports, a 30- year-old woman, Ruma Dev, died on October 21 in Natun Bazar area. News about dowry demands, harassment and deaths are increasingly becoming commonplace in Assam, NEN stated.
In 2009 alone, according to Assam Police, there were 159 dowry-related cases. These figures break the myth that there is no dowry menace in the State, and unless society and law enforcement agencies work together to end the practice, the number of victims will continue to grow, NEN added.
Original Story: The Assam Tribune
