By Sangzuol Thiek
Aizawl: Malini Bhattacharya, member of National Commission for Women
(NCW) who has recently visited Lungthulian and Parbung in Tipaimukh
subdivision, Manipur to conduct ground examination of the alleged mass rape
of Hmar women was convinced that the atrocities committed against the
Hmar women were a shocking revelation and said she would pursue the
matter with her recommendations in New Delhi.
"Though no medical tests were had as a primary proof that these women
were raped, but then the statements of the minors who were molested and
raped could prove that inhumane damages were done by the UNLF and the
KCP cadres," Malini Bhattacharya said.
"My heart is still heavy when I think of the people whom we have left
behind," remarked Malini Bhattacharya emotionally as she recalled the
statements given to her by the 21 Hmar women who were either raped or
molested.
Malini Bhattacharya, member of the NCW in charge of eastern India had
visited Lungthulian and Parbung village on 10th and 11th May.
"The matter is urgent, help needs to be reached these people urgently,"
Bhattacharya said.
"Even after four months from the incident, no rehabilitation schemes in
accordance with the Scheduled Tribe/ Caste prevention of atrocities act
has been decided upon," Bhattacharya said.
"Of the 21 women from Lungthulian and Parbung I recorded the statements
of 21 women, minors who were molested and raped were too grief stricken
to gave their accounts, their relatives told their horrendous tales,
they were not only raped but also severely beaten up by the militants,"
Bhattacharya said.
"Among the two girls who have had medical tests one was found to be
pregnant, even though it is not possible now to find an immediate or
primary evidence that these girls were raped, we have gathered so many
indirect evidences that they were raped and molested. Physical problems,
menstrual problems, pain in their private parts were reported by the
victims," Bhattacharya said.
"As per the Supreme Court order the statements of the minor victims
would be regarded as a primary proof even though no medical examinations
were had," Bhattacharya said.
This Independent Inquiry of the NCW has made immediate recommendations
such as adequate food supply, permanent deployment of armed forces
medical assistance to the rape victims, psychiatric treatment to the damage
haunted victims.
"I will report my findings and recommendations to New Delhi and also
the Manipur and Mizoram Government for immediate assistance to the
affected people.
"Two or three girls told me that they might be able to identify the
militants who had molested them, a hue and cry notice has been served by
the Sub Divisional Police Officer of Tipaimukh that if any militant is
caught they would organize an identification parade," Bhattacharya said.
"The girls who were raped and molested were still in a state of acute
physical and mental trauma, they are completely without any medical
treatment," Bhattacharya said.
Bhattacharya also said that Hmar refugees camped at Sakawrdai in
Mizoram are reluctant to go back despite the Manipuri's Government
assurances. "They told me that they won't go back unless security is guaranteed,
they are afraid that unless there was a long-term security measures the
militants might come back," Bhattacharya said.
Apart from her mandate as a women's rights activist Malini Bhattacharya
outlined the deplorable living conditions of the villagers of Parbung
and Lungthulian. "There is no civil administration, schools and other
Government installations are completely null, even the minimum civic
activities are not there in Parbung and Lungthulian, even the police
station at Parbung has only one officer-in-charge without constables not to
talk of security infrastructure, the Manipur Government has to act,"
Bhattacharya said.
The Independent Inquiry of the NCW will submit its report to the Centre
as well as the state Governments of Manipur and Mizoram.
NCW's IMMEDIATE RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Armed Forces should stay as long as they're needed
2. Landmines should be removed
3. Adequate food supplies must be ensured. Food for Work programme
should be in place until the villagers can till their lands and cultivate
4. Immediate telephone and mobile connections must be ensured
5. Road repair and bridge across River Tuivai (Mizoram - Manipur border)
6. Damage haunts of the victims should be repaired
7. Open Public Health Centre at Parbung, doctors should be send there
to attend to the medical needs of the victims
8. Training programme for rape victims so that they can stand on their
own to pick up pieces of their broken lives
9. Payment of relief rehabilitation as per Scheduled Tribe/ Caste
Prevention of Atrocities Act
10. Scholarship for student victims so that they can continue their
schooling
* This information was provided by ZOZAM
They can E-mail them at [email protected]
This was webcasted on May 15th, 2006
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