CSOs warn stir against assault on human rights defender
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 15 2018: Strongly condemning the alleged sexual assault on human rights defender K Shannaidar Tontang by one Bronson Makunga, several civil society organisations have threatened to take up different forms of severe agitation in case the assaulter fails to tender an apology by March 18 .

K Shannaidar Tontang (50) d/o (L) K Koshang of Khangshim village was the focal person Chandel district for the data collection in pursuance to the Supreme Court's judgement in the EEVFAM v/s Union of India case.

Representatives of several civil society organisations paid a solidarity visit to the human rights defender's residence today and held a meeting wherein certain resolutions with regard to the incident were adopted.

The meeting was attended by Babloo Loitongbam, executive director of Human Rights Alert (HRI); Ph Sakhi Leima, president of Manipur Kanba Ema Lup; RK Radhesana, president of Khwairamband Nupi Keithel Semgat Sagatpa Lup; Lourembam Pramo, president of Apunba Nupi Lup, Bishnupur; Thingbaijam Ibeyaima, president of Nongchup Imphal Meira Paibi Apunba Lup; N Nonibala, convenor of Wing Manipur and volunteers of EEVFAM; Women & Youth for Peace and Development and Bridging for Sustainable Development.

They unanimously resolved to seek legal action against the assaulter if he does not apologise for his misbehaviour by March 18 .

Shannaidar Tontang recounted that she went out for having a coffee at Kakching Lamkhai when she saw a group people engaging in an altercation.

She said that she was trying to pacify them as an elder when suddenly Bronson Makunga allegedly sexually assaulted.

She said that an FIR against the alleged sexual assault was registered at Kakching police station.

She alleged that two women from the side of the assaulter told her not to go to the police station concerned.

According to her, Bronson Makunga instead of apologising asked her to withdraw the case which she filed in the police station.

After the meeting, representatives of the civil society organisations went to Kakching police station where they held a meeting with senior police officers in connection with the incident.

They urged the police officers to nab the assaulter at the earliest and take up appropriate action against him as per the law.

K Shannaidar Tontang is also the secretary of Weaker Section Development Council, convenor of Sustainable Livelihood Forum Manipur, management board member of Manipur State Cooperative Union, steering committee member of Women in Governance (Wing) and village authority of Khangshim village.

Comment