Shillong, July 10: The Meghalaya State Commission for Protection of Child’s Rights (SCPCR) along with women activists demanded immediate removal of rape-accused MLA, Julius Dorphang as member of two Assembly’s committees.

In a recent notification, Dorphang was appointed as member of the Privilege Committee as well as member of the Subordinate Legislation Committee of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly.

The appointment of Dorphang, who is still in judicial custody has triggered anger among the women activists, who met the SCPCR chairperson, Meena Kharkongor here on Monday.

The meeting was attended by leaders of Civil Society Women’s Organization (CSWO), Thma U Rangli Juki (TUR) and others.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Kharkongor said, the commission has taken a strong resolution to write to the Assembly Speaker and other members of the Committee to drop the accused MLA.

Condemning the appointment, she said, “There are other legislators whose name could have been taken instead of a person who has been accused of an offence under POCSO.”

Meanwhile opposing the decision, the Meghalaya State Commission for Women (MSCW) also lambasted the government for being “insensitive to the crime committed by Dorphang.”

“The Commission is utterly dismayed at this decision when charges have been framed against the accused, and the matter is sub-judice. How can the State Government take such a decision? This has greatly hurt the sentiments of women and girls in the State,” MSCW chairperson, Theilin Phanbuh said in a statement issued here on Monday.