Crimes against women deliberated upon
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 29 2013 : As part of the International Fortnight Observation Protesting Violence Against Women, Women Action for Development (WAD), Centre for Social Development (CSD), United NGOs Mission-Manipur (UNM-M), New Life Foundation (NLF) and People Platform Secretariat (PPS) jointly organised a discussion session on the topic, 'United Nation's Mandate on International Criminal Court and AFSPA 1958' at Manipur Press Club today.

Speaking at the discussion session, Human Rights Alert Director Babloo Loitongbam said, UN Special Rapporteur Rashida Manjoo's recent visit to the State mainly focused on issues like violence by the State, violence by the community and domestic violence.

The Special Rapporteur looked into State actors' involvement in crimes against women, harassment meted out at community level and violence against women happening at their respective homes, he added.

Babloo further said that suppression of women under the cover of cultural norms and customary practices and law are obsolete in this developed and scientifically advanced world.

Babloo Loitongbam addressing

Speaking on AFSPA, Babloo said that the draconian law violates Article-14 (Right to Equality), Article-19 (Right to Freedom) and Article-21 ( Right to Life and Liberty) .

However, upholding the legality of AFSPA by the Supreme Court was a betrayal to the people of North East region.

He added that Manorama case does not witness any progress so far.

Although Justice Jeevan Reddy Committee had submitted its report on June 5, 2005, the Central Government has neither endorsed nor rejected the recommendations, Babloo added.

The Committee recommended the Government to immediately repeal AFSPA stating that the Act is not appropriate to impose in a civilized society.

Former Home Secretary GK Pillai and Justice Verma had also already given similar opinions, he added.

In her keynote address, WAD secretary M Sobita said, Manipuri women have been facing deeper concern with the prolonged imposition of AFSPA.

Although, many women have lost their husbands and many mothers their beloved sons and there have innumerable cases of involuntary disappearance, physical deformation and serious traumatization, the State and Central Governments have failed to investigate and punish the perpetrators.

Further hundreds of women and girls who are the victims of sexual assault, molestation and mental harassment are still enduring mental instability, she added.

She also mentioned about the mass killings of Heirangoithong in 1984, Operation Bluebird in 1987, RMC in 1995, Malom in 2000, Patsoi Langjing in 1980, Oinam Leikai in 1980, Tera Bazar in 1993, Ukhrul in 1995, Bashikhong in 1995, Nungleiban in 1997, Tabokpikhong in 1997, Churachandpur in 1999 and Tonsen Lamkhai in 1999 .

She also mentioned about Manorama case, Chungkham Sanjit and Rabina's killings etc.

Armed conflict victims Sunibala of Nongpok Sekmai and Ibemcha of Thoubal gave their testimonies at the discussion session.

UNM-M secretary U Nobokishore spoke at the discussion session on the topic, 'International criminal and Sudan's case' .