IMPHAL | Dec 17 : Best reporter award on crime against women from gender perspective was conferred to The People’s Chronicle reporter, Sagolsem Bigyan and Huiyen Lanpao’s Bijoy Laishram today. The award carries with it a cash prize of Rs. 30,000.
The award ceremony was held as part of closing the ceremony of 16 days activism protesting gender based violence and book release function held at Classic Grande, Chingmeirong. It was organised by Women Action for Development along with United NGOs Mission Manipur, Centre for Social Development and Youth Forum for Human Rights.
Secretary of WAD, Sobita Mangsatabam in her keynote address said that the women of the state are victimized as rape and crime against women is very much prevalent.
She cited that it is because of the implementation of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 in the state. The act itself victimise women and gave all kinds of impunity by the armed personnel.
She acknowledged the steps and measures taken by the state government in handling crime against women by instituting a fast track court and women helpline. However she demanded that helpline should not just be a referral point but should extend it to give actual help to women victims.
She also asked the media fraternity to allot a separate reporter to cover crime news related to women and children, as she sees most media firms with no special scribe allotted for this field.
Law and legislative minister, L. Jayantakumar attended the function as chief guest. In his speech he stressed that crime against women is an important issue and need to be deliberated from every angle, especially from the police side, from the perspectives of men more.
He said that the main causes should be chalked out and accordingly find solutions for the problems of crime against women. He suggested that it would be pertinent to involve the social welfare department, law department and police so that with collective effort, problems and the recent trend of crime against women in the state can be minimized.
As part of the function, prizes were also distributed to the winners of painting, slogans, debating competition held on December 8, on the topic of ‘Khunai Ashida Thengnariba Cheitheng’ in connection to the 16 days activism protesting violence against women.
Source: Imphal Free Press
