By Sangzuol Thiek

Aizawl: Malini Bhattacharya, member of National Commission for Women (NCW) who has recently visited Lungthulian and Parbung in Tipaimukh subdivision, Manipur to conduct ground examination of the alleged mass rape of Hmar women was convinced that the atrocities committed against the Hmar women were a shocking revelation and said she would pursue the matter with her recommendations in New Delhi.

"Though no medical tests were had as a primary proof that these women were raped, but then the statements of the minors who were molested and raped could prove that inhumane damages were done by the UNLF and the KCP cadres," Malini Bhattacharya said.

"My heart is still heavy when I think of the people whom we have left behind," remarked Malini Bhattacharya emotionally as she recalled the statements given to her by the 21 Hmar women who were either raped or molested.

Malini Bhattacharya, member of the NCW in charge of eastern India had visited Lungthulian and Parbung village on 10th and 11th May.

"The matter is urgent, help needs to be reached these people urgently," Bhattacharya said.

"Even after four months from the incident, no rehabilitation schemes in accordance with the Scheduled Tribe/ Caste prevention of atrocities act has been decided upon," Bhattacharya said.

"Of the 21 women from Lungthulian and Parbung I recorded the statements of 21 women, minors who were molested and raped were too grief stricken to gave their accounts, their relatives told their horrendous tales, they were not only raped but also severely beaten up by the militants," Bhattacharya said.

"Among the two girls who have had medical tests one was found to be pregnant, even though it is not possible now to find an immediate or primary evidence that these girls were raped, we have gathered so many indirect evidences that they were raped and molested. Physical problems, menstrual problems, pain in their private parts were reported by the victims," Bhattacharya said.

"As per the Supreme Court order the statements of the minor victims would be regarded as a primary proof even though no medical examinations were had," Bhattacharya said.

This Independent Inquiry of the NCW has made immediate recommendations such as adequate food supply, permanent deployment of armed forces medical assistance to the rape victims, psychiatric treatment to the damage haunted victims.

"I will report my findings and recommendations to New Delhi and also the Manipur and Mizoram Government for immediate assistance to the affected people.

"Two or three girls told me that they might be able to identify the militants who had molested them, a hue and cry notice has been served by the Sub Divisional Police Officer of Tipaimukh that if any militant is caught they would organize an identification parade," Bhattacharya said.

"The girls who were raped and molested were still in a state of acute physical and mental trauma, they are completely without any medical treatment," Bhattacharya said.

Bhattacharya also said that Hmar refugees camped at Sakawrdai in Mizoram are reluctant to go back despite the Manipuri's Government assurances. "They told me that they won't go back unless security is guaranteed, they are afraid that unless there was a long-term security measures the militants might come back," Bhattacharya said.

Apart from her mandate as a women's rights activist Malini Bhattacharya outlined the deplorable living conditions of the villagers of Parbung and Lungthulian. "There is no civil administration, schools and other Government installations are completely null, even the minimum civic activities are not there in Parbung and Lungthulian, even the police station at Parbung has only one officer-in-charge without constables not to talk of security infrastructure, the Manipur Government has to act," Bhattacharya said.

The Independent Inquiry of the NCW will submit its report to the Centre as well as the state Governments of Manipur and Mizoram.

NCW's IMMEDIATE RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Armed Forces should stay as long as they're needed
2. Landmines should be removed
3. Adequate food supplies must be ensured. Food for Work programme
should be in place until the villagers can till their lands and cultivate
4. Immediate telephone and mobile connections must be ensured
5. Road repair and bridge across River Tuivai (Mizoram - Manipur border)
6. Damage haunts of the victims should be repaired
7. Open Public Health Centre at Parbung, doctors should be send there to attend to the medical needs of the victims
8. Training programme for rape victims so that they can stand on their own to pick up pieces of their broken lives
9. Payment of relief rehabilitation as per Scheduled Tribe/ Caste Prevention of Atrocities Act
10. Scholarship for student victims so that they can continue their schooling