IMPHAL, October 21: Despite guidelines being in place for the safety of women in public places and the role of police personnel to take immediate action, a series of incidents that took place today reveals that in Manipur atleast, there is much that leaves to be desired. A woman serving as an employee in the Public Health and Engineering Department (PHED), Government of Manipur was reportedly stopped by a male security personnel attached with Sub Inspector of CID who frisked the woman in full view of the general public and the other security personnel in the area that also included female staff at the main entrance of the PHED office around 1 pm.
According to a copy of the complaint filed by the woman (name withheld) in possession of the IFP, the woman who was with another female colleague raised a hue and cry following the act of the security personnel, after which the male security personnel apologized and fled from the scene.
The PHED employee in her complaint also stated that she apprised the matter with her superior Officer, the Chief Engineer of the Department so that fitting action could be taken up at the earliest. However, when the same complaint was taken for further action at the City Police station, the Officer on duty not only refused to file a FIR but did not enter the case in the General Diary.
It may be mentioned that in the wake of the Nirbhaya gang rape and murder case and the subsequent amendments in laws with regard to the safety and violence on women after the recommendations of the Justice Verma Commission, police personnel on duty have been directed to take immediate steps with regard to the safety of women. Also, security personnel are meant to ensure the safety of women and not perpetuate crimes or to take the lead in molesting or abusing women by gesture, word or action. But clearly, there is still a lot of ground to be covered in Manipur.