Imphal, September 21: Chairperson of National Commission for Women, Dr Poornima Advani has stated that exemplary punishment should be given to those involved in the alleged rape and murder of Thangjam Manorama Devi.

Talking to reporters at the conference hall of State Secretariat this afternoon before leaving for New Delhi, Poornima Advani said exemplary action should be taken up against those responsible for the death of Manorama after she was picked from her own house.

However, she said that since both the State Government and the Army authorities have instituted inquiry panels to probe into the circumstances leading to the crime 'we will wait the reports and act accordingly under the rule of law'.

Before wrapping up their three-day visit to the State to assess the overall situation concerning women's issues, Dr Poornima Advani accompanied by Nafisa Hussain, another NCW member, visited the bereaved family members Manorama at their Bamon Kampu Mayai Leikai and hunger striker Irom Sharmila Chanu at JN Hospital security ward.

Reacting to the statement made by Army Chief General NC Vij that Manorama was not raped while in the custody of 17 Assam Rifles, the NCW chief said the statement was sub-judice.

'It is not proper to spell out such words when the investigation is underway', she said.

While encouraging the Manipuri women to continue their efforts towards safeguarding society and boost the economy of the State, Dr Advani called upon all concerned including politicians' and bureaucrats for understanding the hurt sentiments of the womenfolk.

Acknowledging that Manipuri womenfolk are in the forefront in the current agitation against prolonged imposition of AFSPA, she observed that the authorities should take up steps to ensure safety and security of women.

She also urged upon the Government for setting up a commission for women in the State for dealing with the problems being faced by the womenfolk.

Currently there are 21 State Women Commissions in India out of which 19 are autonomous bodies.

During their sojourn, the NCW team met various women activists to under the issues confronting the womenfolk of the State.

Dr Advani expressed happiness over the fact that there is no dowry system and dowry related deaths are not rampant in the State.

There is no woman life conduct and no prisoner convicted more than 3 years in the State prison and that immoral trafficking is also not rampant; she added.

Nevertheless, she called upon the Government to strictly implement Immoral Trafficking Prevention Act by appointing a nodal officer and to set up a Committee on Sexual Harassment on Women at Work places.

She also demanded appointment of one nodal officer each to check spread of HIV/AIDS infection in every district of the State.

On, education sector, she noted that 45 percent of the total number of Government teachers are women.

However, the Government should fill up the required teachers in the hill districts, he said.

Dr Advani, who had also paid a visit to the historic all women Kwairamband market, saidthat the traditional values of Ima Market should not be distorted but its infrastructure should be upgraded.

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