Senapati rallies
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 29 2013:
A mass rally was held at Senapati today against crime against women and children.
The rally was organized by Maria Bianchi Society Care Ministry (MBSCM) in collaboration with Senapati Karong Area Woman Welfare Association (SKAWWA), NGOs, CBOs, and POs of the district.
The rally was set into motion by Ex-MLA Awangbou, at the Senapati Village Ground.
The rally passed through the Senapati Toll tax Gate before converging at the Mini-stadium where a public meeting was held.
Around 100 women participated in the rally.
The Maria Bianchi Society Care Ministry (MBSCM) also submitted a memorandum to the Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde urging for the repeal of Arm Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA), 1958 so that security forces are answerable for their actions.
The grass root level NGO has backed their statement through statistical figures which said that 118 persons including 112 males and 6 females were reportedly killed by the security forces and the armed groups.
It further said that 42 women were raped, 16 cases of rape attempt, 2 cases of rape and murder attempt, burning of 3 women, molestation of 5 women and 9 kidnapped and 53 cases of trafficking during the period 2011-2013 .
It pointed out that no culprits were reported to have been brought to justice.
The society made 10 charter of demands including setting up of a working Group on violence against women and Children in the Legislative Assembly.
To constitute competent advisory Committee members, adequately, representing from various civil society, to check the prevailing situation in Manipur; to initiate special mechanism in each police station to check crime against women and to deliver justice in time are among others, included in the demands.
Addressing the gatherings, D Dailuru president of SKAWWA asserted that justice delayed is justice denied.
Athia Moro the ex-president of Naga Women Union in her address cited the society of Naga in the yesteryears of how women were respected even in times of war during the head hunting era.
She maintained that civilization of a society is based on respect of human rights and not economic boom or riches in the society.
Despite, many international conventions and social legislation, crime against women and children continue to rise while therefore appealing to all the women to be vigilant and bravely report any assault, harassment perpetuated by the male folk so that justice is availed rather than fear of social stigmatization.