MSCW urged to probe security excesses, rape
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, August 11 2023:
The current conflict in Manipur has given rise to concerns about the safety and well-being of women and children caught in the midst of the turmoil.
The state has witnessed tragic incidents of violence and brutality, with over 200 lives lost.
In light of the distressing situation, a pressing request has been made for a thorough investigation into the atrocities committed against women by security forces, specifically the Meira Paibis of Manipur, and a reported rape case involving a Meetei woman by suspected Kuki militants.
In a petition addressed to Manipur State Commission for Women (MSCW), the Women's Wing of Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has called for urgent intervention to address the grave incidents that have transpired.
The petition highlighted the vulnerability of women in conflict situations and called for a comprehensive inquiry into these distressing events.
The petition highlighted one of the incidents that occurred on August 3 in the vicinity of Phougakchao Ikhai, situated in Bishnupur district.
On this day, around 90 Meira Paibis were injured during a protest.
The demonstration was in response to an attempt by the Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF) to conduct a mass burial of Kuki dead bodies at the disputed site of Torbung Bangla.
The situation escalated when a confrontation between the 9th Assam Rifles male personnel stationed in Phougakchao Ikhai and the Meira Paibis ensued.
The ensuing scuffle resulted in a distressing incident where these women were subjected to physical assault, including being beaten and even sprayed with chemical substances by the AR personnel.
The injuries sustained by the Meira Paibi members ranged from minor to serious, with as many as 90 women needing medical attention and hospitalisation.
This incident has been met with strong condemnation from the people of the state.
Another deeply troubling occurrence was the reported rape of a Meetei woman from Khumujamba Meetei Leikai in Churachandpur district on May 3, allegedly by suspected Kuki militants.
This horrific incident, reported in various media outlets, has sent shockwaves through the community and added to the growing concern about the safety and security of women in the region.
The COCOMI Women's Wing, representing concerned citizens of Manipur, also submitted a list of the names of 90 women who suffered injuries and were subsequently admitted to local hospitals due to the unfortunate incident involving the Assam Rifles personnel on August 3.In their plea to MSCW, COCOMI Women's Wing emphasised the critical need for a thorough investigation into both the reported rape case and the atrocities committed against Meira Paibis.
The women of COCOMI urged for swift investigation and delivery of justice at the earliest.