Women empowerment call marks AMKIL anniversary
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 08 2011: Issuing a clarion call for empowering women and fighting against corruption, the 11th foundation day of Apunba Manipur Kanba Ima Lup (AMKIL) was celebrated at Lamyanba Shanglen, Palace compound here today.

Chairperson of Manipur State Social Welfare Board RK Nayansana Devi and president of AMKIL Phanjoubam Sakhi Leima were respectively the chief guest and functional president respectively of the celebration which was also attended by RTI activist Joykumar Wahengbam and lecturer of Nambol L Sanoi College Sreema Ningombam as the resource persons.

Speaking at the occasion, Nayansana noted that Irom Chanu Sharmila has been fasting for over 10 years in pursuit of the public demand for scrapping Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1985 and ensuring protection of human rights of the people of Manipur.

This is a feat no one in the society would be able to achieve, she expressed and conveyed to all that Sharmila's selfless endeavour should be appreciated and supported by every section of the society.

Nayansana also recalled that when President Pratibha Devi Singh Patil visited Imphal last time, she met the President and took up five points or issues concerning Manipur for her (President's) necessary attention.

The public demand for scrapping Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1985 and the over 10 years long hunger strike of Irom Chanu Sharmila was among the five points/issues taken up during that meeting, she recounted.

Stressing on the need for empowering women, Nayansana pointed out that women have a great role to play in the development of the society.

Therefore, they should be empowered to understand their rights and duties.

She observed that many courageous Manipur women who fought against social injustice in the past have gone and there are many today who are carrying on the fight.

But many women still need to come out from within the confine of their homes and raise their voice to save Manipur and its people.

Today, the price of essential commodities has gone up and the women are feeling the impact because they are the ones looking after the day-to-day needs of the family, she noted.

RTI activist Joykumar Wahengbam called upon the people to stand up against corruption.

"We need to do something to stop corruption.

Because the fund being provided by the Centre for developmental works is being misused, thus depriving the benefit to the people," he said.

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