UNLF to resume action against rapists
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 25 2012:
Expressing solidarity with the suffering of a gangrape victim, the proscribed United National Liberation Front has pledged that it would initiate strong punitive action against perpetrators of the inhumane act.
In a statement issued on the matter by its senior publicity officer Ksh Yoiheiba, the UNLF asserted that even though the four accused persons managed to wriggle out of the situation through legal assistance it will ensure that the guilty ones are punished in a befitting manner.
The outfit, however, stated that if the four accused persons claim to be innocent or wish to explain their respective positions, UNLF would also ensure that justice will not be denied to them.
Observing that rate of atrocities against women had been gradually rising in Manipur inspite of various measures adopted by the global fraternity to protect the rights of women, Yoiheiba alleged that efforts to elevate status of Manipuri womenfolk are being marginalised and negated by Indian security forces.
He also contended that some rape accused escaping prison terms in the past many years is a testimony of the 'puppet' Government of Manipur not upholding rights of the Manipuri women.
Pointing out that in the 1990s the UNLF had vigorously campaigned to punish rapists and other anti-social elements, the senior publicity officer affirmed that UNLF will initiate punitive action against such criminals with the same intensity.
Quoting newspaper reports, the outfit identified the four accused persons as Laikhuram Rojit of JN Hospital Porompat Road, 1st IRB Hav Chungkham Ibomcha alias Agiya of Thongju Boroi Makhong, Salam Bijen of Uripok and 1st IRB rifleman Kshetrimayum Kenedy alias Dungi of Kongpal Chanam Leikai.