IMPHAL, December 20: The assault on popular Manipuri film actress Momoko by an NSCN (IM) cadre at Chandel has been condemned by various women associations with calls for the three sitting women representatives in the State Assembly, namely MLA of Kangpokpi A/C Nemcha Kipgen, MLA of Khangabok A/C O Landhoni Devi and Social Welfare and Corporation Minister AK Mirabai Devi to take action on the issue.
Renowned Manipuri film actress Momoko Khangembam was allegedly molested and beaten up by a man identifying himself as an NSCN (IM) cadre during a music concert held on December 18, 2012 at Chandel High School Ground, organised by the Mahamani Women Society, Chandel.
Speaking at a press meet today at the office of Women Association for Civic Action Kangleipak (WACAK) its president Soubam Ibetombi urged the concerned authorities to grant befitting punishment to the NSCN (IM) cadre Livingstone. “Such an act is a challenge to the women society. The women associations will not remain silent on the issue,” she said.
She further said that the organizers of the concert should take responsibility for the incident and maintained that the government should arrest the accused Livingstone and hand him over to the public. She also condemned the police personnel who remained as mute spectators during the incident.
The said press meet was attended by representatives of WACAK, Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba Manipur, Apunba Manipur Kanba Ima Lup, Chingtam United Women Association, Kanglei Ima Lup, Kangleipak Women Welfare Association, Kabui Mothers Association, All Manipur Women Social Reformation Development Samaj, Tami Chingmi Apunba Nupi Lup Manipur, Rongmei Women Organisation (Assam, Manipur, Nagaland), Momnu Irik Khombi Lup, Chanura Lamjinglen Kangleipak, and Kangleichal.
Speaking at the press meet, President of Kabui Mothers Association, Kakomlunglu Kamei said, “Such an act of torturing a girl in full public view cannot be beared by us, the mothers. Men should take women as their own mother or sister and discipline should be maintained.” She further said that the culprit should be given appropriate punishment.
Meanwhile, taking a serious note of the incident, the All India Youth Federation Manipur State Council (AIYF/MSC) has condemned it in its press note, asking for a clarification. Calling for a befitting punishment of the said person behind the incident, it appealed to the government to take appropriate action before intense unwanted incidents come up from the furious public.