PANJIM: Various women’s organisations, civil rights groups and concerned citizens on Wednesday demanded justice to the victims of Manipur violence and ensure that peace is restored in the north-eastern State.
They sought appointment with President during her Goa visit to end sexual violence, ethno-communal discord and women’s rights violations.
Addressing the gathering at Azad Maidan, Panjim, Adv Norma Alvares said that the entire nation became aware of the atrocities in Manipur after a video parading two women nude went viral.
She said that both Central and State governments did little to stop violence, stop desecration of religious places particularly churches. The conflict started between the two communities, i.e. Meitei and Kuki after the High Court directed the State government to consider whether the former community could be granted Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. When the Kuki community was protesting any move to grant any ST status to Meitei, they were attacked, causing violence, which escalated.
“The Manipur government was silent till Supreme Court swung into action after 10 writ petitions were filed by citizens groups praying for effective security measures to stop violence and measures to protect women, medical aid, food, etc, in relief camps. The Supreme Court observed that using women as instruments for perpetuating violence is not acceptable in a constitutional democracy,” Adv Norma said.
“The apex court was deeply disturbed by the visuals and expressed anguish over the manner in which women were subjected to great violence,” Adv Norma said.
She said that primary concern is FIRs as over 6,200 FIRs have been filed against the offenders and that 42 special investigation teams (SIT) are investigating in various districts across the State.
Activist Sabina Martins said that the meeting was to express solidarity to the victims of Manipur violence and demanded that violence be stopped and ensure that peace is restored in the strife-torn State.
