NH-2 blocked for 4 hrs in protest over rape
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, February 16 2012: Condemning the brutal act of raping a teenaged-girl and attempting to murder her, a sit-in-protest was staged at Senapati Bazaar today blocking the NH-2 for 4 hours, thus affecting vehicular traffic along Imphal-Dimapur road.

The sit-in-protest which started at around 10 am was preceded by blocking of NH-2 near Senapati Excise Gate and at Mount Zion Higher Secondary School.

The sit-in-protest continued till 2 pm.

Placards and festoons which read, "We want total extinction of Rapist from Manipur", "The culprit should not be given bail under any circumstances", "Rape is alien to our culture", "Book the Rapist", "Inhuman discrimination should be stopped", "Rape of a child is rape of our Motherland" and "Give befitting punishment to the rapist as per law of the land", etc, were used during the protest demonstration.

After the sit-in-protest, a public meeting was also convened at Senapati bazaar by the JAC formed in protest against rape and attempted murder the teenaged-girl.

VS Joseph, Convener of the JAC, RK Joseph, Co-convener, LT Hoi, Vice President SOSA, Dakho, Vice President, Naga People's Organisation, Senapati, Lolia, President, SDWA and Mrs Sana, Social Worker were among other public leaders who attended and spoke in the meeting.

Womenfolk blocking NH-2 in protest against the rape and attempted murder of a teenage girl

Highlighting the resolutions adopted, the JAC later submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister through the Senapati District Commissioner.

The demands of the JAC include arrest of the culprit identified as Ngangom Shantikumar and giving him befitting punishment as per the law of the land; extension of financial assistance towards meeting the medical expenses of the victim and to provide a suitable government job to the victim or to any member of her family.

Speaking to media persons, VS Joseph Vemai said that the JAC strongly condemned the brutal act of raping and attempting to murder the teenaged- girl.

To show resentment over such inhumane and to show solidarity towards fighting for the cause of justice to the victim, the sit-in- protest was staged at Senapati Bazar.

Joseph warned that the JAC would take recourse to various intense agitations if the state government fails to arrest the culprit and give him befitting punishment before February 18 .

Chairperson of Manipur State Commission for Women, Dr I Ibetombi, who came there to meet the JAC members, told reporters that crimes against women in the society has been the rise in the state.

The latest incident is really unfortunate.

She also assured that the Commission would press the DGP and the Chief Secretary for taking up necessary measures in this regard.