Indigenous Women's Rights and Situation in Manipur
- Nongpok Keithelmanbi, 28th March 2025 :: Centre for Research and Advocacy Manipur -

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Meitei women call for Protection of women rights - Keithelmanbi Nongpok 28 March 2025

A one day consultation on Indigenous Women’s Rights and Situation in Manipur was organized by the Ima Leisembi VLF, Nongpok Keithelmanbi I/E, Legal Aid Clinic, Nungbrung and Centre for Research and Advocacy, Manipur at Nongpok Keithelmanbi, Imphal East District, Manipur on 28 March 2025.

Ms. Shadokpam Ranjana Leima, President, Ima Leisembi VLF, Nongpok Keithelmanbi, Ms. Lourembam Ashapurna Devi, Advocate, Vice-President, All Manipur Lady Advocate Association, Ms. Nameirakpam Ibetombi Devi, President, Drubatara CLF Top Chingtha deliberated as resource persons.

Ms. Kiranmala Laishram, Researcher, Centre for Research and Advocacy Manipur shared that Indigenous women has been heavily impacted by armed conflict and pursuance of unsustainable development processes in Manipur. The persisting conflict has displaced thousands of communities, including women, young girls and children. Violation of indigenous women’s rights despite laws to protect women.

An advocate sharing on Legal rights of Indigenous women - 28 March 2025

Ms. Nomita Takhenchangbam, Women Right Activist shared that laws are framed to protect women and to prevent violence against women. However, institutional barriers and challenges persist in seeking and delivering justice for women affected by conflict and unsustainable development.

Ms. Ranjana Kangabam, Ngamukhong shared that the persisting conflict and subsequent militarization further aggravated the suffering of indigenous women, affected by Mapithel dam in downstream areas, viz, Nongpok Keithelmanbi, Nungbrung etc.

The Thoubal Rivers, once blessed with pristine water is now muddy and contaminated due to Mapithel dam. People living along the River are forced to buy water. The government should review the Mapithel dam and ensure alternative livelihood for affected communities.

Ms Kiranmala Lashram sharing on Indigenous womens rights at keithelmanbi

Ibecha Moirangthem, Nongpok Keithelmanbi, shared any development process should uphold the interest, needs and rights of indigenous peoples and desist from destroying their livelihood and future. The Government should uphold the right to fundamental rights, especially the right to life and livelihood of indigenous peoples, affected by conflict and unsustainable processes, such as Mapithel dam.

Ms. Lourembam Ashapurna Devi, Advocate, Vice-President, All Manipur Lady Advocate Association shared that Manipur has witnessed increased violence against indigenous women. The conflict situation, patriarchy and advancement of digital technology further abetted violence against women. Implementation of laws framed to protect women’s rights is crucial.

Ms. Ibecha of Nongpok Keithelmanbi sharing on impacts of Mapithel dam in her village 28 Mar 2025

Ms. Ibetombi Nungbrung, President, Drubatara CLF Top Chingtha Cluster, Imphal East District shared that the Government should uphold the rights of indigenous women, Ms Satyabati Sanasam, a women activist shared the rights violations under AFSPA, 1958 impacted indigenous women in Manipur.

The participants generally urge upon the government to protect indigenous peoples’ rights and life and to recognize their livelihood dependence over their Rivers, land and forest. Review and rethink unsustainable development push, such as Mapithel dam over the Thoubal River.

Stop all forms of violence against indigenous women and to deliver justice for violence on indigenous women. Ensure all criminal and security laws comply with the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and CEDAW.

Ms. Ranjaan of Ngamukhong sharing on hardship of women due to conflcit and Mapithel dam - 28 March 2025

(Sanaton Laishram)
President
Centre for Research and Advocacy Manipur