Remove present State Women Commission Chairperson

11th December 2019

MORE THAN 200 SIGNATURES FOR REMOVAL OF PRESENT STATE WOMEN COMMISSION CHAIRPERSON

A collective of 226 concern individuals, organization representatives, women, LGBT and men have put in their signature in a letter sent to the Chief Minister of Manipur seeking for a replacement of the present Chairperson of the State Commission for Women, Dr.M Binota Devi , today 11th December 2019. This signatures are collected with 2 days.

This outpour has come in the aftermath of a public statement given by the Chairperson to the media in the state recently. The chairperson had stated that the “morality” of women in Manipur have degraded and that she would like to see married, unmarried women and men to uphold the social norms and laws of the land. She went on to state that “women do not feel any moral scruples even if they have eloped two/three times and some of them have even adopted elopement as a means of earning big money”. That such immoral” women needed to be brought back to the “right path”.

The Chairperson’s irresponsible remarks and statement is unbecoming of the Chair that she currently holds. This is questionable and the esteemed institution that the current Chairperson is leading has been downgraded under such irresponsible leadership. It is unfortunate for the citizens of the state at large and the women in particular.

As such the signatories (appended below) are deeply concerned about the functioning of the State Women Commission. In a situation where the head of the institution has no qualms about raising the issue of “morality” according to her own standard, the public statement of the Chairperson of the Women Commission is extremely regressive.

While the State Commission for Women is mandated to defend Human Rights and work towards women empowerment, take up matters regarding rights violations, its Chairperson has done exactly the opposite. Rather than be a Commission that provides legal help and stand as a human rights defender for women, the Commission has turned into a ‘kangaroo court’. In its present state, the Commission for Women is not serving the section or community it is meant to serve.

The Letter to the Hon'ble Chief Minister, Government of Manipur is to seek a replacement for a better, more mature Chairperson with integrity, a person who is well aware, is informed and understand issues that affect the personal and political integrity of women.

On Behalf of the Signatories
Sonia Nepram & Ninglun Hanghal

( Letter and Signatories appended below)

To
Shri. N. Biren Singh
Hon’ble Chief Minister
Manipur

Subject: Concern over functioning of Manipur State Commission for Women & Seeking of replacement of present Chairperson.

Dear Sir,

The citizens of Manipur at large, women in particular and the signatories appended below are extremely concerned over the present functioning of the State Commission for Women under the current leadership of its Chairperson.

We are shocked and disturbed over the recent statement made by the Commission’s Chairperson Smt. Dr. M.Binota on “morality, social norms, laws of the land”. You may refer to media reports of 3rd December 2019, wherein the Chairperson was quoted to have stated that the “morality” of women in Manipur have degraded and that she would like to see married, unmarried women and men to uphold the social norms and laws of the land. She had even went on to state that “women do not feel any moral scruples even if they have eloped two/three times and some of them have even adopted elopement as a means of earning big money”. Such a statement does not reflect the maturity that is required of a Chairperson of the Women Commission for it lays blame on young women in the state.

This sweeping statement not only shames young women but can instead lead to more victimization and exploitation of young women in the state with men being given a clear chit.

We respect and place the State Commission in high esteem. But the recent acts and statements by its current Chairperson is very unfortunate and not only brings down the status of the Commission but also has revealed its lack of integrity. This is unfortunate for the women folk of the state in particular and the general public at large.

The Women Commission as represented by its Chairperson has done exactly the opposite of what it is supposed to do. Rather than be a Commission that provides legal help and stand as a human rights defender for women, the Commission had turned into a ‘kangaroo court’. In its present state, the Commission for Women is not serving the section or community it is meant to serve.

We wish and seek that State Women Commission work towards achieving it stated mandate (Section -10, National Commission for Women Act, 1990 Act no.20 pf 1990 of Govt of India).

We look forward to your intervention and ensure that the State Commission for Women function as per its stated mandate and work towards emancipation of women’s right.

Towards this, we sincerely request you to replace the current serving Chairperson with a more qualified person who is sensitive and politically aware about women issues. This need not be in terms of academic qualifications but a person who has the integrity, the understanding, the know-how; a person who is well versed, experienced and someone who can strengthen the Women Commission and not downgrade it.

We hope for your speedy action for the betterment of the women in the state of Manipur and the overall welfare of the general citizens of the state at large.

Sd/

LIST

1. Ninglun Hanghal, Journalist
2. Santa Khurai, AMANA (All Manipur Nupi Manbi Association)
3. Sonia Nepram, Filmmaker
4. Thempi Khongsai, SAHEI Foundation CCPur
5. Dr Akhu Chingangbam, Imphal Talkies
6. Damudor Arambam, Research Scholar JNU
7. Meena Longjam, Filmmaker
8. Hoinei Misao, Imphal
9. Mayamglambam Merina, Journalist Imphal
10.Vandana Mutum, Imphal
11.Nongthombam Elizabeth, Imphal
12.Pukhrambam Rebecca Devi
13. Grace Zamnu, Churachandpur
14.Tinjakim Khongsai, Imphal
15.Dr. Laifungbam Debabrata Roy, Imphal
16.Khamlenthang Khongsai, Manipur
17.Samuel Hmar, Manipur
18. Lalengzam Gangte, Manipur
19.Janglal Baite, Manipur
20. Ngamlen Haokip, Manipur
21.Tingbem Khongsai, Manipur.
22. K. Esther, Churachandpur
23.Mary Beth Sanate, Churachandpur
24.Shanti Salam, Imphal East
25. Jackson Ningthem, New Delhi
26.Seram Korounganba, Singjamei Wangma Kshetri leikai Student
27.Elizabeth Nongthombam , Khurai Thangjam Leikai, News Reader/Reporter, TOM TV
28.Rebecca Pukhrambam, Lecturer , Kwakeithel Akham Leikai
29.Akoijam Malemnganbi , Research Scholar, Singjamei Ningthoujam Leika
30.Priya Moirangthem, Khongman Moirang Pandit Leikai, Imphal , Student
31.Sunanda Keisham ,Singjamei Chingamakha Liwa Road. Project JRF, IBSD
32.Khundrakpam Ranson , Khangabok Keithel Student
33.Sushmita Yumkhaibam,Majorkhul Student
34.Rubani Iqra Yumkhaibam Researcher
35. Chitra Ahanthem, New Delhi
36. Pampak Khumukcham Keishamthong Elangbam Leikai Clinical Psychologist
37. Asha Heigrujam Singjamei Chirom Leikai Graphic Designer
38.Riki Chingangbam Khurai Thangjam Leikai Sub-editor, ISTV News
39. Rebecca Pukhrambam, Lecturer
40. Alina Rajkumari,Singjamei Sapam Leikai
41. Tarun Samurailatpam, Research Scholar, Jamia Millia Islamia
42. Olivia Lourembam, Sagolband
43. Kulajit Maisnam, Research Scholar
44. Dr Thongam Bipin, Manipur
45. Thokchom VeeWon Research Scholar
46. Joyshree Heisnam, Thanga
47. Biju Leishangthem, Thangmeiband
48. Malemnganba Chingakham, Wangkhei
49.Victoria Leimapokpam, Khoyathong
50. Korimayum Joneyziaur Rahman , Yairipok Changamdabi, Student
51. Suchitra Devi Potsangbam, Imphal
52. Maheshkiran Elangbam , Greater Noida Uttar Pradesh
53. Bachaspatimayum Vimi Devi, Imphal
54. Javed Mehedi, Vice President, Manipur Students’ Association Delhi Yairipok Ningthounai, Imphal East.
55.Chinglembi Kangabam, Jiribam Student
56.Alish Warepam,Haobam Marak Student
57. Milanda Sinam , Jiribam Student
58. Anamika Heirangkhongjam,Kakching Student
59. Borun Thokchom, Filmmaker
60. Dr. L. Rimasri Devi, Noida, U.P (Singjamei, Imphal)
61.Md Anash Khan, Delhi. President, Manipur Students' Association Delhi
62. Silva Thangjam, Yaiskul
63. Yaiphathoi Sagolsem Research scholar, Assam University
64.Arun Shamurailatpam Kwakeithel
65. Ritu Konsam, Filmmaker Tera Tongbram Lekai
66. Anita Konsam, Tera Tongbram Leikai
67.Rima Konsam, Tera Tongbram Leikai
68. Meenakshi Laishram, Delhi Trainer
69. Jinine Laishramcha, Suwon University,South Korea
70. Omen Achom, Research Scholar Hyderabad University
71. ETA - Empowering Trans Ability
72. Darngam Nangsha Khaling , Chandel
73. Vijayalakshmi, Uripok Tourangbam Leikai
74. Samananda Khangembam, Thangmeiband
75. Brinda Loitongbam, Imphal
76. Teresa Ningthoujam, Imphal
77. Romeo Naorem. Yairipok
78. Maisnam Arnapal, University of Delhi
79. Nonibala Narengbam Imphal
80. Laishram Rebika Devi, Khangabok,
81. Laishram Sangeeta Devi, Khangabok
82. Laishram Bidya Devi, Khangabok
83. Elangbam Asha Devi, Khangabok
84. Keinoumayum Sakil Ahmed, Golapati MA, Punjab University
85. Priyanka Nameirakpam, New Delhi
86. Makakmayum Furkan Sharief ,Yairipok Manipur University
87. Jessica Tuboi, Palace Compound Wangkhei
88. Deepak Naorem, University of Delhi
89. Adison Moirangthem, Manipur
90. Dr Jayanti Thokchom, Leicester UK
91. Marco Athokpam, Manipur
92. Nirjanta Laishram ,Yaiskul
93. Parinita Heisnam, Malom
94. Golmei Lanchamei Monica, Research Scholar, Imphal West
95. Thajaton Thokchom, Jiribam
96. Dr Sumitra Thoidingjam New Hampshire, US
97. Thokchom Venus, Lamlai Imphal East Visual Artist
98. Shinata Irom, Uripok Student
99. Nengcha Khongsai, Imphal East
100. Bonita Pebam, AMANA, Imphal
101. James Mayengbam, Keishamthong
102.Thoudam Jomita, Research Scholar, University of Hyderabad
103.Moirangthem Ishanou, Khangabok
104.Khundrakpam Victoriya Devi, Khangabok
105.Thokchom Bijiya Devi, Khangabok
106.Laishram Tamoha Chanu , Khangabok
107.Laishram Asha Devi, Khangabok
108. Apollo Kshetrimayum Singjamei Kshetri Leikai
109.Huidrom Nongdamba Meitei Yairipok Huidrom leikai, Thoubal
110. Thoudam Rojina Devi, Imphal
111. Thoudam Neerupama Chanu, Singjamei Kshetri leikai
112.Priyanka Kshetrimayum, Research Scholar, JNU/Old Lambulane
113. Alim Khullakpam,Yairipok Student
114. Dolaipabam Muhammad Ali, Manipur
115.Khundrakpam Aruna, Khangabok
116.Moirangthem Thajamanbi,Khangabok
117. Laishram Ranjana, Khangabok
118. Laishram Bimola, Khangabok
119.Laishram Newpremi , Khangabok
120.Ningthouja Bidya, Khangabok
121. Laishram Ranjita, Khangabok
122.Laishram Kiranmala, Khangabok
123. Thokchom Madhubala,Khangabok
124.Ningthouja Renu, Khangabok
125. Thokchom Thoibi, Khangabok
126. Laishram Rosan, Khangabok
127.Renuka Sagolsem, Thoubal
128. Laishram Rosila, Khangabok
129. Khundrakpam Nungshi, Khangabok
130.Laishram Nirupama, Khangabok
131. Laishram Neha, Khangabok
132.Laishram Roshni, Khangabok
133. Thokchom Memicha, Khangabok
134.Thingnam Anne, Research Scholar, JNU, New Delhi/Imphal
135. Vidyalakshmi Sapam Keishampat
136. Kenny Ngairangbam Visual Artist & Creative head of Kok Designs
137. Yumnam Bidyalaxmi Devi, NERIST Campus Itanagar
138. Lanngambi Thounaojam, Student, NERIST Campus, Itanagar
139. Yumnam N) Leishangthem (O) Chintam Devi, Laipham Khunou , Chingmeirom
140. Zawed Ahamad Sangaiyumpham part II
141.Dr Irina Ningthoujam Mizoram University
142. Minerva Thounaojam,AIR Imphal, Yumnam Khunou
143. Nameirakpam Veronica Keishamthong Laisom Leirak
144. Md Samir, Thoubal Student
145. Tutu Chanu Thokchom, Thangmeiband
146: Takhelmayum Sangita, New Delhi
147. Essille Heisnam, MAC MUA Bangalore/ Keisamthong
148. Thokchom Sanathoibi , Khangabok
149.Laishram Pushpa, Khangabok
150. Khundrakpam Bandana, Khangabok
151. Pravina Saikhom, Khangabok
152. Linthoingmbi Chungkham, Thoubal
153.Keisham Sunita, Canchipur
154. Rajkumari Kebisana, Singjamei
155. Leimajam Matouleibi, Langthabal
156. Yumnam Langlen, Langthabal 157. Leimajam Kethoi, Langthabal
158. Elangbam Memi, Samurou
159. Kharibam sarju, Charangpat
160.Moirangthem Suniti, Khangabok
161.Ningthoujam pinky, Khangabok
162.Laishram Milan, Khangabok
163. Geetanjali Heigrujam, Singjamei Chirom Leikai Sub-editor IMPACT TV
164. Ajijur Rahaman Basei, Manipur
165. Beyonce Laishram, KAKWA
166.Rava Khangembam, SINGJAMEI
167. Kiran Maibam, JIRI
168.Eliza Ngangom, KHURAI KONGPAL
169.Banky Thangjam, PANGEI
170.Beauty laishram, HARAOROK
171.Scarlet Nameirakpam, KHUDRAKPAM
172. Rame Ngasepam , Pangei
173. BEBE NONGMAITHEM, HARRAOROK
174. KISHAN SAIREM, LANGJING
175. Surmi Irungbam, LANGJING
176. Kenny Thingujam, KYAMGEI
177. Tampha Elangbam, MAYANG IMPHAL
178.Bela Longjam, URIPOK
179. Mexy Tonjam, URIPOK
180. Elangbam Ranjita, Keishamthong Moirang Ningthou Leirak. Occupational therapists/Thoubal Hospital
181. Tara Manchin Hangzo,Kwakeithel, Sangaiprou
182. Khaidem Sundar Singh Khundrakpam
183. Jasmine Okram, New Delhi
184. Kshetrimayum Diana, Ningomthong, Online Content Creator
185. Khangembam Binika, wangjing
186. Narengbam Pareihnbi, wangjing
187. Laishram Bishwoya, Khangabok
188. Laishram Premi, khangabok
189. Khundrakpam Sarita, khangabok
190.Laishram Sandhyarani, Khangabok
191.Moirangthem Sunanbibi, Wangjing
192. Dr.Dharmeshwari Lourembam, Assistant Professor, Uripok, Imphal.
193. Rose Soram ,Sagolband
194. Dilani Laimayum, Yaiskul
195. Dr. Guddi Laishram, MD Maharashtra
196. Dr. Micky Hijam,Medical officer, Imphal East.
197. Dr Janet Konthoujam, Imphal
198.Kh. Surjaya, Imphal
199.Pundalillia Waikhom Sharma, Kahilipara, Guwahati
200. Atom Rajiv Singh, Research Scholar,Manipur University,Imphal
201. Dr.Shitalmala, RIMS road
202.Akoijam Sophia, Research Scholar, Mayang Imphal
203. Ak. Pramo, thoubal.kiyam
204.Oinam Thoibi, Lamding Khumanthem Leikai,
205. M. Ibechaobi, Umathel,
206.S. Debajani, Khongjom Sapam,
207. W. Kalpana Phoudel
208.S. Chanchalkumari Singjamei,
209. M. Ibemcha Langathel,
210. S. Sobita kairembikhok
211. L. Ranabala, Khurai,
212. Sagolsem Memcha Wangjing Sk Leikai,
213.Sanatombi Devi. Wangjing Hodamba
214. S. Ingocha Singh, Khongjom,
215. Ng. Robin Singh Wangjing Sk Leikai,
216.Athathoi Tayenjam , Keishamthong,
217. Nepram Kenedy, Lamgathel
218. Dr.Shitalmala Th, RIMS road
219. Aribam Bharati, Khagempalli Co-founder at Itute Learning App
220. Dillu Khumukcham, Singjamei Chanam Pukhri Mapal
221. Surjibala Khoirom, St. John English High School Nambol
222. Leimapokpam Ranjita, Imphal
223. Suparna Das Haobam, Imphal
224. Ningthoukhongjam Rajesh Editor, The Citizens'News
225. Grace T Shatsang, Ukhrul
226. Letkhogin Mate, Manipur