FOCS clarifies
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 05 2022:
The Federation of Civil Society Organisations' decision to give monthly pension to surviving women of the 2004 Kangla nude protest was a gesture of respect for the 'mothers' and to show care for them in their later years, said the federation's president Th Manihar today.
The federation (FOCS) had no ill intention and disrespect for the mothers when it announced its intention to award monthly pensions.
The decision was taken out of sheer respect for the mothers and to show sincere gratitude for the sacrifices they have made for Manipur, said Manihar during a press meet held at the federation's office at Wang-khei Ningthem Pukhri.
Notably, this clarification from FOCS came after some of the surviving women, who took part in the Kangla protest, felt "disappointed" by the federation's announcement to give them monthly pensions of Rs 2,000 .
They had asked FOCS to apologize and had lamented that they were not consulted by the FOCS before taking the decision to award the pension.
The Federation of Civil Society Organisations (FOCS) had announced its decision to award monthly pension money of Rs 2,000 to the surviving women on October 26 last.
It may be mentioned that on July 15, 2004, 12 women had protested nude in front of Kangla Western Gate condemning the brutal killing of Thangjam Manorama.
Of the 12, there are at present seven surviving women.
Speaking to media persons at FOCS office today, Manihar said they were sorry for not consulting the surviving 'mothers' before taking the decision.
He clarified that the federation's announcement during a Ningol Chakkouba celebration it organised was meant to be a gift to the 'mothers' .
The contributions of the 12 mothers who protested nude in front of Kangla Western Gate on July 15, 2004 cannot be forgotten.
Without their historic protest that day, the Assam Rifles stationed at Kangla would have not moved till today, he said.
On the day of the recent Ningol Chakkouba festival, members of FOCS visited the houses of the surviving mothers to give them mementoes and gifts.
"During the visits, we met a mother whose family was facing a very difficult time [financially] .
We also found another mother hospitalised.
Seeing them we felt very sad and also felt the need to do something for them" .
"As their children, we felt responsible.
So we concluded that we should give them monthly pensions of small amount to help them cope with some of their hardships," Manihar said.
He appealed to the 'mothers' to understand their goodwill and repeated that FOCS had no intention to hurt the mothers' feelings or disrespect them in any way.
FOCS executive member BM Yaima clarified that the announcement of pension was meant to be a surprise Ningol Chakkouba gift to all the surviving 'mothers' and hence they were not consulted before.
He was also a member of the UCM when the Kangla nude protest took place, BM said adding he and the FOCS have immense respect for the 'mothers' .