IMPHAL, February 1: Addressing media at a press meet, President of the State Platform of disabled People`s Organization, Manipur Jasowanta Sapam said that the state govt has neglected physically challenged people in the state. In the press meet held at the Manipur Press Club, he said that from 2009 to 2012 there had been 5-6 rape cases of disabled women and girls which led to HIV transmission in some cases.
He said that recently on January 19, a minor girl from Hayel Labuk Idiga Manak Village of Tthoubal was allegedly raped by Md Kora (70) of Manak Sangom Sang Village of Thoubal. An FIR has been registered with the Thoubal police station but the concerned PS has failed to apprehend the culprit, he alleged. He said a similar case happened at Itam Nungaoi Mayai Leikai under Lamlai PS on July 4 2009. He alleged further that the girl in question was raped by her own grand-father. He added that in another incident on Novemver 12, 2011 a minor disabled girl was allegedly raped by Thokchom Boge (30) at Kongpal Laishram Leikai.
Jasowanta said that justice is still a far cry for girls with disabilities following their rape . He added that many memorandums has been submitted relating to the casees without any response from the government side.
Today the organization submitted a memorandum to the Health Minister, the Disability Commissioner and Director social welfare. He further expressed the hope that the concerned department will surely come out with a positive response.