Sensitization program on women and child issue (VAW) at Khongman

Imphal, 25 August 2022

Sensitization program on women and child issue (VAW) at Khongman

A One day sensitization program on women and child issue (VAW) "Questioning the future of Manipur" was held at khongman Zone Ill Imphal East on 24th August 2022. The program was jointly organized by Khongman Gram Panchayat, Khongman Apunba VLF, Khongman Mangjil VLF, Ima Panthoibi VLF promoted by (Manipur State Rural Livelihood Mission) associated with( PRI,CBO) convergence project and women Action for Development and around 200 persons attended the program.

The presidium members of the program are:- Dr. Dhanabir Laishram, social Sciencetist, Sobita Mangsatabam secretary women Action for Development, advocate Kamala, Legal Assistant (WAD) and Moirangthem Nungsirei Devi Pradhan khongman G.P.

The program begins with the testimony sharing from Mrs. Radha (name change) from Imphal West District survivor's mother of sexual assault case of 2016 under (POCSO) Act, 2012. Mrs. Radha (name change) stated that her minor daughter who was 7 years old was sexually assaulted by her sister in — laws son who was also a juvenile during the incident occurrence.

She also said that the culprit was arrested by the juvenile Police and kept in the juvenile observation home. But he was release from the juvenile home after a month. On the other hand the accused family lodges a criminal case against the victim family for dismantling the house of the accused by organizing mob violence. She said that her husband and her relatives attend the criminal court on the charges file by the accused family.

Sensitization program on women and child issue (VAW) at Khongman

The victim family was frequently threatened by the accused family with some local goons. After some time her husband was found death hanging in a gate with a small rope which was tied on his neck she added. After the death of her husband Mrs. Radha return to her maternal home with her children. The survivor's mother is selling vegetable, living hand to mouth and she did not know the status of her daughter cases which was in the juvenile justice court from 2016.

She lamented that if the investigation was done properly from the initial stage like taking ossification test of the accused and other age related test the accurate aged of the accused would be able to know to punish him. She requested the concern Court to speed up the case related to sexual assault of her daughter and the criminal case to her family. The survivor's mother further stated that due to frequent intimidation from the accused family she was scare to go out for earning and even during visiting the court.

Secretary of Women Action for Development Sobita Mangsatabam as resource person during the program stated that there are altogether 104 cases of crime against women and children documented by WAD from the local newspaper from 1st January to 23rd August 2022.

Out of 104 cases there are 28 rape case (where 21 cases belong to a minor girl out of 28 rape case) , 2 gang rape, 1 suicide after rape, 3 murder, 7 suicide, 3 suspicious death, 3 life attempt, 25 missing etc. However, the sexual assault cases among minors according to Social Welfare Department are 150 within 4 months (1st January — April, 2022).

She expressed with deep concerned about the rape which is very unfortunate that a girl who was repeatedly rape by her own father from Thoubal District committed suicide by taking poison She stated the trends of violence and crime against women is very alarming. Delay and regular postponed of the case proceeding makes the victim and victim family more suffer and traumatized. She also appeals the state government to take initiative to protect the children, women victims by delivering justice without any delay.

Advocate kamla delivered her speech on Protection of Children from Sexual Offence Act 2012, protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 etc. She also cautioned to the public mainly women, parents to take care of their children from becoming victims or accuse in future.

Dhanabir laishram as resource person said stated that Men and women should share equal responsibility in the family with understanding and the contribution made by women socially, economically and politically towards the betterment of the society should be given due recognition in our society. As presidium member Pradhan Moirangthem Nungsirei ,Khongman zone Ill GP. Gave words of thanks and concluded the programme

(Aphun Saiphu) Program Coordinator
Women Action for Development (WAD)