RPF calls for women's participation in freedom struggle
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, March 07 2013:
On the occasion of International Women's Day, the proscribed UG organization, Revolutionary People's Front (RPF) has called for participation of women community in the ongoing freedom struggle to get an equal status in the society.
In a statement signed by its Secretary Publicity Roben Khuman, RPF observed that International Women's Day is a day to recognise the contribution of women community in the development and formation of the society as well as to highlight the need for providing equal status and security to their lives against different forms of violence.
United Nations observed the first International Women's Day in 1975 which was the International Women's year.
But there is a popular belief of the origin of women's movement tracing back to 1857 when workers in industries of New York City organised a mass protest against the then labour system and wages.
However, some historians contended that the incident never occurred and the history of International Women's Day begins with the mass movement of European women demanding equal rights with men in 1907.Besides, there are numerous occasions when women in different countries and cities organised mass movement demanding their rights after the 1907 incident.
On the other hand, India is a land in which women have a low social status.
Since olden times, Indians have always discriminated their women and domestic violence has been a part of Indian society.
It is a land, where men bow and pray to Cow but look down upon women, burn them for dowries, sacrifice them in the name of Sati and even killed them inside their mother's womb.
But the status for women in the Manipuri society is far above Indian women.
Since times immemorial, women have been given important role in Manipuri society and they have almost equal status with their male counterparts.
Unfortunately, Manipuri women are suffering a lot today under the colonial rule of India.
In the name of counter insurgency, the Indian security forces are killing, raping and assaulting Manipuri women.
Even though, women of Manipur bring laurels to the country in sports and education sector, the Indian government and the people of mainland India are not paying any attention towards the contribution of the women of the state.
A Manipuri woman, Irom Chanu Sharmila has been on fast for more than 12 years now demanding repeal of AFSPA but none is paying much attention to her movement.
On the other hand, the Indian government promptly responded Anna Hazare within few days of launching a fast.
This shows the differentiating outlook of Indian Govrnment towards the people of Manipur in comparison to mainland people.
It is the time for the Manipuri women to recognize, who are their friends and foes.
They should not take part in any of the Civic Action Programme of the Indian Army and the deceptive electoral politics of Indian government.
It is time to raise their voice for a free Manipur where they can enjoy their true political rights and freedom, RPF stated.
The statement further appealed to the women community of Manipur to come forward and take active participation in the ongoing freedom struggle.
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