Candlelight vigil observed for justice
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 04 2013 :
Seeking justice for all living and dead victims of crimes against women, as well as security and development of the surviving victims, Women Action for Development (WAD) together with a number of civil organisations and NGOs observed candlelight vigil in the office of the former this evening.
The observance started with a prayer session in memory of all those women victims killed in 2012 .
Speaking at the occasion, Centre for Social Development, human rights desk co-ordinator Babina Salam said that the candlelight vigil was observed seeking justice for all the dead and surviving victims of crimes against women, and also security and development for the surviving victims.
Since 2005, the year 2012 recorded the maximum number of crimes against women There were 302 reported cases of crimes against women in 2012 .
2012 saw 29 cases of rape, four cases of rape plus murder, 20 cases of suicide, 21 cases of murder, 12 molestation cases, one case of rape and murder attempt, one case of burning,
41 assault cases, four cases of kidnapping, 65 missing cases, two cases of intimidation, four cases of abandonment, 19 complaints and 81 cases oftrafficking.
These figures were compiled based on reports published in local newspapers.
It is possible that many cases remain unre-ported.
Babina said.
She demanded the State Government to frame a gender policy and also to modify school syllabus starting from primary level in order to change the existing mindset and sensitize students about gender and common related issues.
Babina also asked the authorities concerned to make public the exact number of crimes against women in the preceding years, the number cases reported to police, the number of cases against which charge-sheets were framed and the number of cases which are currently under investigation.
The candlelight vigil was also demanding proper and prompt investigation into all crimes against women and punishment of all those found guilty without delay.
Strengthening of the Manipur State Commission for Women, revival of the Manipur Human Rights Commission and establishment of a fast track Court in the State for dealing with crimes against women were other demands highlighted through
the observance.