Imphal, January 07: In view of the existing contradiction between the statutory laws and the customary laws, there is the urgency to study and understand the customary laws of various tribal communities living in Manipur, Chairperson of Manipur State Commission for Women Dr Ch Jamini has stated.

Addressing the 67th foundation day function of All Manipur Nupi Marup held at Nupilal Memorial complex here today, Dr Jamini pointed out that rights of the women guaranteed by the laws enacted from time to time in the country are being negated by the customary laws.

Though the rights of married women are being safeguarded under the Hindu Marriage Act, some of the provisions of the Act contradict the existing customary laws of various tribal communities living in Manipur, thereby denying their rights under the Indian laws, Dr Ch Jamini observed.

So there is the need to study and understand how far the rights of the tribal women are being protected or curtailed under the existing customary laws, she said.

Dr Jamini further pointed out that despite incidence of domestic violence in Manipuri society, the same is being overlooked as an accepted social norm.

So many of the victims do not come out to lodge complaint against such violence and crimes.

Assuring necessary assistance for getting justice, she also called upon victims of domestic violence to come out instead of suffering silently and lodge their compliant with the Manipuri Women Commission.

It is for the sole purpose of safeguarding and ensuring the rights of the women that the Commission has been set up, the Commission chairperson explained, adding that a person who commits domestic violence may be either jailed or fined under Domestic Violence Act.

The Commission can also sponsor legal awareness programmes for women in Manipur.

However, due to lack of adequate staff, fund and other essential infrastructures, lots of works are lying in front of the Commission, she lamented.

Chairman of Control Commission, CPI Moirangthem Ibohal Singh, patron of All Manipur Nupi Marup M Kadambini Devi, president of All Manipur Nupi Marup Y Ibeni and State in-charge of All Manipur Nupi Marup A Lala were the presidium members of the function.

General secretary of All Manipur Nupi Marup S Sorojini informed that the Lup was one of the oldest women's body not just in Manipur but also in India and it was set up on January 7, 1940 by the womenfolks who participated in the Nupi Lan of 1939.Established under the nomenclature of Manipuri Mahila Samiti, the women's body changed its name to All Manipur Nupi Marup on January 7, 1973 and has been working for the rights of the Manipuri women apart from full participation in any important issues of the State, she said.

Speaking at the occasion, president of All Manipur Nupi Marup Y Ibeni expressed reservation against observance of commemorative function of the Nupi Lan as Nupigi Marup.

Nupi Lan was one of the unique and rare movement launched by the Manipur women and organising commemorative function of such an important historical event as Nupigi Numit is misleading, Ibeni said.

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