'Manipur : Perils of War and Womenhood' Security forces shot dead 162 women between 1980 and 2012 : Book
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 12 2014 : Security forces shot dead 162 women between 1980 and 2012 in Manipur and raped 24 women between 1974 and 2013, says 'Manipur: Perils of War and Womenhood' released today at Nupi Lan Memorial complex here.

The book is authored/compiled by the Civil Society Coalition on Human Rights in Manipur and the UN.

The book is based on the memorandum submitted by the Civil Society Coalition on Human Rights in Manipur and the UN to the UN Special Rapporteur for 'Crime against women: Its causes and consequences' Rashida Manju who visited India from April 12 to May 1 last year.

The book gives a detailed account of the hardships being endured by women in Manipur within the larger frame of the protracted armed conflict situation.

According to the book, 24 women were raped by security forces between 1974 and 2013.Of the 24 victims, two committed suicide while two others were killed by security forces.

One was subjected to physical and mental torture after being raped.

Out of the 162 women shot dead by security forces between 1980 and 2012, six were aged between 2 and 18 years.

The book was jointly released by Thangjam (O) Khumanleima (mother of Thangjam Manorama), Irom (O) Sakhi (mother of Irom Sharmila), Poirei Leimarol Apunba Meira Paibi Manipur president Memchoubi, Sharmila Kanba Lup convenor Soibam Momon, Kangleipak Women Welfare Association president Memcha, Women Association for Civic Action Kangleipak president RK Tharaksana and human rights activist RK Sanahanbi.

Speaking at the occasion, convenor of the Civil Society Coalition on Human Rights in Manipur and the UN Dr Laifungbam Debabratta Roy said that the UN Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial, Summary or Arbitrary Execution visited India from March 19 to 30, 2012 .

A memorandum was submitted to the special rapporteur with a list of fake encounters.

Later, the coalition filed a PIL at the Supreme Court on behalf of 1528 people killed in fake encounters.

A similar PIL may be filed at the apex Court, Debabratta said.

The book highlights rape cases, murders and arbitrary detention committed in the shadow of the protracted armed conflict situation and under impunity guaranteed by AFSPA as well as lapses in police investigation and failure on the Government to respond to appeals/complaints made by victims, Debabratta said.

HRA executive director Babloo Loitongbam said that the UN Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women: Its Causes and Consequences visited Manipur and directly collected accounts of the hardships and perils with which Manipuri women have been living.

Rashida Manju could not hold back her tears when Manorama's mother narrated how her daughter was dragged out from home only to be raped and murdered in the most brutal manner.

Rashida Manju would tabled her findings and reports about her visit to India including Manipur in the United Nations' Human Rights Council in June this year, Babloo said.

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