135 cases of violence documented since Jan 1: WAD
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, November 24 2021: Women Action for Development (WAD) has revealed that 135 cases of violence against women and children were documented from January 1 to November 23 this year based on the reports published in local newspapers.

In a release, WAD programme coordinator Shaiphu Ringneiphun informed that out of the 135 cases, 29 were rape, one gang rape, six murder, five suicide, nine suspicious death, four molestation, 21 assault, 22 missing", two attempt to rape, two delivery death, one assault with delivery, one domestic violence, one abandoned, three life attempt, four attempt to child marriage, nine crowd control assault, one sexual harassment, five kidnapping, four cyber-crime and five medical negligence death cases.

Of these cases, 27 occurred in Imphal East, 27 in Thoubal, 11 in Bishnupur, 5 in Ukhrul, 2 in Kamjong, 2 in Chandel, 4 in Tamenglong, 3 in Kangpokpi, 8 in Churachandpur, 7 in Kakching, 2 in Jiribam, 3 in Senapati and 3 others outside the state, the coordinator added.

Pointing out that since 2003 WAD and other civil society organisations, NGOs and stake holders have been taking part in International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women which falls on November 25 to galvanise action to end violence against women and girls in Manipur, Shaiphu said that WAD is taking part on this international event this year too amidst the pandemic to address the burning issues.

On top of these issues, the age-old customary law has been a stumbling block in ensuring deliver of justice to the victims.

Hill districts are bound by customary laws which are not women friendly.

There are many rape cases where victims and their families were compensated by the culprits by offering a pig or a cow and the cases were closed after that.

There is, a need to reform the customary law with more women-friendly approaches, she stressed.

Although the voices of activists and survivors have reached the highest point that cannot be silenced or ignored, ending violence against women will require more investment, leadership and action.

It cannot be sidelined but must be part of every state response amidst this Covid-19 crisis, Shaiphu Ringneiphun said, and further urged the government to take bold actions and show commitments to end violence against women.

Comment