IMPHAL, March 7: The MLAs of the State seem to be more interested in saving the Manipuri pony than women, said Women Committee of United NGOs Mission Manipur convenor Sobita Mangsatabam.
Sobita was speaking during an International Women’s Day observation at the Lamyanba Shanglen today, organised by the Women Committee of UNM-M.
The observation was held under the theme “Planet 50-50 by 2030: step it up for Gender Equality” and “Victim’s in Focus: Grave Situation in Manipur”.
Sobita said during the span of the recently concluded Budget session, there were 45 cases of crimes against women and children reported in the State.
However, none of the MLAs deemed it fit to raise the issue of CAW during the Assembly session, although a few of them raised the issue of decreasing population of Manipuri ponies, she lamented.
She elaborated the 45 cases which were reported during the span of Assembly session which began on February 19 and concluded on March 4, were one rape case, one rape and murder, three suspicious deaths, two life attempts, three missing reports, 32 women and child trafficking cases, one assault and a cyber-crime.
During the function, several victims of armed conflicts, CAW and family members of victims also provide their testimonies.
They are Mema (name changed) mother of differently abled girl who was sexually assaulted; arm conflict survivor from Chandel district Chinneihhing Aimol, arm conflict survivor from from Senapati district Nengneichong, Armed conflict survivor from Tamenglong district P Guimanlu, armed conflict survivor from Churachandpur district Kungi Hmar, armed conflict survivor from Bishnupur district Tababi, domestic violence victim from Ukhrul district Ruth L Shimray, domestic violence victim from Thoubal district Khumukcham Manglembi and conflict (force disappearance and bomb blast) survivor from Imphal East Meena Katun.
They spoke on how they have been striving against all odds despite being widows.
Encouraging their effort and struggle, the UNM-M also felicitated them with small tokens of appreciations which include Rs 10000 each, handed over by social activist Dhanabir Laishram.
Meanwhile, the other highlight of the function was a candle lighting ceremony to end Crime against Women and Children accompanied by a collective rendition of “We shall overcome.”
Recommendations adopted during the observation included demand for special policy and budget for free and compulsory education to girl children till 20 years; awarding pensions to the people above 55 years who have only daughters; widow pension at the age of 30 years; creation and implementation of gender budget effectively in the State; special attention and policy on drug abuse and drug trafficking; special and safe transport facilities for women and girl children; raising awareness and collective voice to CBOs and CSOs on gender issue; in time sanctioning for better implementation of women and children in the state; framing gender base violence survival policy immediately; repeal of Armed Forces Special Power Act 1958.