MSAD conducts discussion on 'Nupi Chenba'
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, December 31 2021: Manipur Students' Association Delhi (MSAD) on Thursday conducted an online panel discussion on the practice of 'Nupi Chenba' under the theme 'Elopement: Coercion or Consent' .

In a release, MSAD cultural secretary Shaanba Arambam informed that the session was presided over by three panellists Nonibala Narengbam, Thoibi Paonam and Shreema Ningombam through virtual mode.

The session deliberated extensively on the underlying nuances of the gendered classification of experiences and biases in the society.

'Nupi Chenba' as traditional phenomenon and the grey membrane between elopement and abduction were addressed at the event to facilitate a clearer aspect of the underlying injustices, it said.

The MSAD release mentioned that the speakers talked on the dilemmas of victims while accessing help legally or raising their voices which predominantly come through utmost position of vulnerability.

As victims of gender-based violence are often prejudiced and demarked in the social spheres, the paradigm of blame shifts from the perpetrators to the victims.

Violence and injustices against women are normalised and influenced through pop cultures and through movies, songs and other media.

The central foundation to all the gender-based issues such as misogyny, stereotypes and sexism are often traced at the families as an institution, it added.

The MSAD release continued that the panellists stressed on the importance of raising voices and sharing stories to inspire other victims to raise their voices against the injustices.

Consent determines the blurred line between 'Nupi Chenba' and abduction.

Jokes on abduction, romanticising of violence and objectification of women have major influence in inflicting such violence, the release noted.

It further conveyed that the discussion agreed on the need for sensitisation of the masses and conversations on the issue as urgent need of the hour.

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