WAD bats for girls
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 25 2016: Asserting that Women Action for Development (WAD) and its counterpart NGOs have been actively participating in the observance of "International Fortnight Observation Protesting Violence Against Women" which was held from November 25 to December 10 every year since 2003, WAD, Women's Committee United NGO's Mission, Manipur and its counterpart NGOs have appealed to all to make free and proper education accessible to the girls in the State.

In a statement, the committees said that the women of the State have been at the receiving end of the impunity granted under AFSPA.

Citing that many women in the State have been brutally raped, widowed and forced to endure other forms of crime, the organisations said that crimes against women have shot up to 325 cases officially this year.

Reminding that Irom Chanu Sharmila who fasted for 16 years was imprisoned while demanding repeal of AFSPA, the bodies remarked that AFSPA gives the security personnel the license to do whatever they want.

The organisations went on to say that while the non-violent protests of Mahatma Gandhi and Anna Hajare have been eulogised, the non-violent struggle of Sharmila has been brushed aside, because she is a woman and also due to racial discrimination.

While condemning crimes committed against women, WAD also said that mob justice and acts of vandalism accused are violations of law.

Informing that this year's theme for the observation is "Education for all", the organisations appealed to all to ensure that educational facilties are accessible to the girls.

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