NCW panel slams alleged mass rape in Manipur

Aizawl, May 16 (UNI) The National Commission for Women (NCW), which recently visited Lungthulian and Parbung in Tipaimukh subdivision of Manipur to conduct an independent inquiry into the alleged mass rape of Hmar women by militants, observed that the ''atrocities'' committed against women were a ''shocking incident''.

Talking to the reporters here at the state guest house here after coming back from Parbung and Lungthulien villages in Manipur the NCW panel headed by Malini Bhatacharya said, ''Though there were no immediate medical examinations, we have enough evidence of the mass rapes''.

''The NCW would take up the issue immediately with New Delhi, Mizoram and Manipur'', she added.

''A few rape victims are minor girls,'' the NCW member said, adding that ''in case of minor girls, their mere statement that they had been raped could be accepted as true by the court according to a recent Supreme Court order''.

Ms Bhatacharya further informed that she had interviewed 21 of the 25 alleged rape victims, 13 in Lungthulien and eight in Parbung, during her visit to the area.

The NCW is to shortly submit its reports to the Centre wherein it made several proposals to uplift the living conditions in this area, she said.

The NCW member, accompanied by officials of both Mizoram and Manipur, also visited Hmar refugees at Sakwrdai refugee camp.

The Commission's proposals would also be submitted to the Manipur government.

At least 25 women, including six minor girls, of Lungthulien and Parbung villages were allegedly raped and sexually molested by some underground oufits in Manipur in January this year.

Many have fled their homes following the incident to take refuge in Mizoram.

UNI SNR TJP RD 1005