IMPHAL, December 13: The observation of the ‘International Fortnight Observation Protesting Violence against Women’ organized by the Women Action for Development (WAD) which began from November 23 concluded today with a simple function at the Royale Conference Hall, Classic hotel.
The closing function was attended by Manipur Legislative Assembly speaker, I Hemochandra, eminent playwright MM. Manaobi, AIR programme executive, Vijaya Yumlembam as chief guest, functional president and guest of honour.
Speaking at the function, the Manipur Legislative Assembly speaker noted that crime and violence against women has been gradually increasing in the state.
However lauding the effort of the WAD in spreading awareness and supporting the victims of crime against women, the speaker stated that WAD has been extending care and support to the victimised lot.
He further appealed to the general public to take active role in the fight against such gender violence and to uproot it from the soil of the state, which is what the WAD and other like minded organizations have been promoting in the state.
Further during the valedictory function, WAD also distributed best gender journalist award 2011 and also for best lyricist, slogan competition.
The WAD also submitted a memorandum with charter of demands to I.Hemochandra.
The demands included setting up of women cell in every police station without delay, establishing working committee of Legislative Assembly for Protection of Women and Children from violence, to ensure effective implementation of gender budgeting policy with one third allocation of resource for women and also cases pertaining to violence against women and children should be allowed to handle by the IOs who are trained and gender sensitive.
The WAD further mentioned to launch ‘Helpline Centre’ for the victims of Violence Against Women (VAW) and punish those police officers who could not file the charge sheet for the case of VAW in time besides “criminal investigative award” for those discharging their duties for the cause of women and girls.
It further demanded to scatter CJM courts which are concentrated in Imphal to their respective districts for easy access and implementation of Protection of women from domestic violence Act properly and effectively.