IMPHAL, Dec 19: Decrying the myriad cases of crime and violence against women of the state, a mass rally was taken out today by a large number of women under the aegis of Women Action for Development.
The rally was flagged off by Rose Mangshi Haokip from Chingamakha basketball ground and passed through the Indo-Burma road, Moirangkhom, Bamon Leikai, Palace Compound and finally assembled at Hapta Kangjeibung for a public meeting.
Speaking at the public meeting, the secretary of Women Action for Development, Sobita Mangshatabam stated that the rally has been organized in continuation with the international fortnight observation of violence against women which was observed from November 25 to December 12. Various NGOs, civil society organizations and students’ bodies have rendered valuable help and cooperation towards making the observation successful. The main objective of the fortnight observation is to make the people aware of the violence against the women and thereof prevent such cases in view of uplifting the status of women in the society, she noted.
The armed conflict in the state has posed serious threats to the women of the state. The day-to-day crime and violence against women are related to this conflict which has kept the state in unrest. The woes and sufferings of women can be healed only when there is peace and the law enforcers fulfill their responsibilities, Sobita said.
The increasing number of cases of crime and violence against women need to be taken seriously by all sections of the society and be proactive to prevent such unwanted cases in the interests of women empowerment in the state, she enjoined.
The state law enforcing agencies have failed to control such violence and as a result many women have become victims of torture and harassment committed by their male counterparts. The state government too has become defunct dealing with the issues of women in the state. There is no agency which can guarantee safety and rights of the women who are often overlooked in the society, the secretary of WAD asserted.
The failure and inefficiency of the government have made the society insecure for women and as a result the women have become easy prey for unprincipled men who want to exploit women as much as they can. The cases of rape and sexual assault right at the National Capital City New Delhi are a clear example of women’s insecurity which the government has failed to address, Sobita said.
The Women Action for Development is investigating the cases of violence against women in various districts of the state and it is hopeful that the organization will soon bring out a report on this matter to achieve the common goals of making, she added.
The public meeting was also attended by Rose Mangshi Haokip, president of Kuki Women’s Union, Moikham of All Tribal Women’s Organization, Chandel, Nurjahan of Manipur Muslim/Pangal Women’s organization, Sami of Joint Women’s Organization, Churachandpur, Nobokishore, secretary of United NGOs Mission Manipur and social activist Dhanabir Laishram and actor Sadananda Hamom.
