Manipur women groups demand stern action against atrocities

Imphal, Feb 12 (ANI): Manipur women groups have expressed concern over the increase of atrocities against women and children in the state and demanded that Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh to take firm actions to stop such crimes.

Increasing cases of rape, kidnapping, killing and women trafficking forced pro women groups to take to the streets to protest against atrocities.

On February 6, a mass rally was organized by Conflict Widows' Forum and other NGO's to protest against the recent murder of a widow and her teenage daughter after a possible gang rape.

Speaking to ANI, Women Action for Development Secretary Sobita Mangsatabam said: "In Manipur we have been experiencing such violations of women's rights. Especially women and children are suffering a lot. So because of these reasons many widows in Manipur are suffering because of conflict and crime."

"In Manipur we have been experiencing such violations of women's rights. Especially women and children are suffering a lot. So because of these reasons many widows in Manipur are suffering because of conflict and crime," she added.

Hundreds of women of all ages and from all walks of life joined hands in a mass rally to condemn the act and demanded justice.

The protest march started from the Basket Ball ground of Singjamei Chingamakha and concluded at Bheigyachandra open air theatre with a public meeting.

The protestors then submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh with their demands.

On February 4, another rally was organized by All Manipur Nupi Marup to protest against the attacks on women.

The protest march kicked from All Manipur's Nupi Marup office complex and ended at Keishampat with a public meeting.

"We know that women are very active socially and economically, but still crime is increasing against women ranging from violence, killing and kidnapping. So when such crimes are committed against women no society can develop," said Bimola Devi.

On January 12, two women of same family were killed and abandoned in a paddy field after two unknown miscreants abducted them. The victims were identified as Chanbi Devi and Abemcha Devi.

In another incident, Rajkumari Ratanmala of Khurai Chingangbam Leikai was raped and brutally murdered. She was then abandoned in the paddy fields.

Since the beginning of January nearly 20 cases of violence against women have been registered in Manipur. (ANI)