IMPHAL, December 9: In connection with the observance of the International Fortnight Protesting Violence against Women, a mass rally cum public meeting on Save Sharmila was organized today at Moreh.
According to a press release of the Women Action for Development, the rally cum public meeting was jointly organized by United NGOs Mission-Manipur, Women Action for Development, North East Dialogue Forum, Conflict Widows’ Forum, New Life Foundation, Resource Upliftment Centre for Human Interest and Social Action for Social Development.
It said the public meeting was held at the Ima Kondong Lairembi Haraobung Moreh.
Jamang Haokip, president Hills Tribal Council, Tomba Singh vice-president Meitei Council Moreh and Lukhoi vice-president, All Community Development Organization, Moreh graced the function as presidium members of the meeting.
Delivering the key note address, U Nobokishore secretary United NGOs Mission- Manipur stated that under the Counter Insurgency Operation and AFSPA, 1958 women in Manipur and the north east have been facing the violence and crimes being committed by security forces and armed opposition groups for a long period, the statement said.
The statement further continued that Sobita Mangsatam lamented on the increasing cases of violence against women and children and human trafficking in Manipur and the lack of concerted efforts by the concerned authority to prevent the crimes.
Jamang Haokip, president Hills Tribal Council further called upon the men folk to respect women and the women to behave responsibly, the statement said.
Further according to the statement, a mass rally was taken out from Ima Kondong Lairembi Haraobung passing through National Highway-2, Moreh Bazaar, Fire Brigade Road, Lorrain English School Lane, Tamil Sangam, Prem Nagar, Gate No. 2 Road, Tali Road and back to Ima Kondon Lairembi Haraobung. The Mass Rally cum Public Meeting was participated by about 300 people from different ethnic groups- Meitei, Kuki, Nepali, Muslim and Tamil.
The rallyist displayed slogans such as, Implement the Justice Verma Committee’s recommendation specifically on rape and other sexual crimes in the context of armed conflict, Open women police cell at all police stations, Stop Genocide, Make charge sheet of all cases related to crimes against women and children within a period of six months, identify and investigate all corrupt officers from the police stations, Repeal AFSPA, 1958 and Save Sharmila, Reform Indian Judiciary System, Establish special session courts for dealing with crimes against women and children, Don’t kill women and children, Punish people who kill women and children and We demand Justice.