Hetauda, August 14 Speakers in a meeting of Province 3 Assembly today drew the provincial government’s attention towards the increasing cases of rape and natural disasters in the province. Speaking at the meeting, NCP (NCP) PA member Suresh Nepal expressed concern about the increasing cases of monsoon-related disasters such as floods and landslides and asked the provincial government to come forward with relief for the victims and show its presence. Nepali Congress PA member Prabhat Tamang, on his part, asked why there was no discussion on the commitment proposal on earthquake victims in the Provincial Assembly. While he vented his ire at the apathy shown to the families of the victims of Rasuwa landslide that claimed nine lives, he also drew the provincial government’s attention to the need to resume the customs office in Rasuwa. Another NC PA member Bijula Verma sought stern punishment for rapists. “The increasing cases of rape has raised a serious question about our culture and society, so we must bring strict punishment, either life imprisonment or capital punishment to deter people from committing such heinous crimes,” she observed. A total of 15 PA members had spoken during special time at the Provincial Assembly today.