HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, Dec 2: In a resolute display of solidarity and
resilience, over 5,000 women hailing from the Kuki-Zomi-Hmar-
Mizo communities congregated at Peace Ground, Tuibuong,
Lamka, Churachandpur in Manipur, launched the annual 16
Days activism on violence against women.
Orchestrated by the women of Lamka, the event was a fervent
call for justice and a poignant outcry against the distressing
instances of gender-based violence (GBV) that have plagued the
state.
Led by the indomitable Ngaineikim from Kuki Women
organisation for human rights, the programme’s inauguration
was a tapestry of impassioned speeches, stirring presentations,
and solemn moments dedicated to the victims. Distinguished
figures such as representatives from Women in Governance
(WinG) India, Kuki women Union and ZMA GHQ lent their
voices, echoing the urgent need to tackle GBV in conflict-
ridden state of Manipur
The concept note delineated the theme “UNITE: Invest to
prevent violence against women and girls,” underscoring the
imperative for global action against GBV. It painted a stark
picture of the harrowing aftermath of conflict-related sexual
violence, citing the distressing ordeals endured by tribal women
during Manipur’s recent crisis, including ghastly instances of
gang rapes and cold-blooded murders.
“This year’s theme calls on citizens to demonstrate their
commitment to ending violence against women and girls by
sharing actions for a world free from such atrocities,”
articulated Ngaineikim, president of KWOHR, highlighting the
essence of the 16 Days Activism campaign.
Amidst traditional attire and stirring musical renditions, the
event became a canvas for shared sorrow and unyielding
strength. Victim narratives were bravely shared, amplifying the
echoes of anguish and resilience that resonated across the
gathering. A poignant candlelight vigil illuminated the evening,
commemorating the lives lost during the Manipur conflict and
serving as a beacon of hope for a future devoid of such
tragedies.
Echoing the sentiments of the memorandum addressed to
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Women of Lamka appealed
for urgent intervention and redressal for the grievous violations
inflicted upon their community’s womenfolk during the crisis.
The memorandum lays bare the alarming atrocities, ranging
from ruthless assaults to heinous murders, beseeching justice,
expedited legal processes, and comprehensive support for the
affected women.
“We seek full justice for women who have been victimised
during the ongoing violent conflict in the state of Manipur at
the earliest,” read the memorandum, a poignant testament to
the collective anguish and ardent plea for swift action.
The document elucidated the distressing mental health toll on
survivors, many of whom grappled with fear and anxiety,
dwelling in dilapidated relief camps without adequate
healthcare facilities. It underscored the urgent need for
compensatory measures, rehabilitation, and a conducive
environment for the affected women to reclaim their lives.
Quoting Annie Raja secretary of the National Federation of
Indian Women (NFIW), the memorandum emphasised,
“Women have been used as instruments to exact revenge on
the other community, and all this is happening in a modern
society and this has to stop!”
Signed by numerous stalwarts of the women of Lamka, the
memorandum transcends mere words; it’s a powerful clarion
call for action, urging authorities not just to hear but heed the
anguished cries of justice and rehabilitation for women who
have borne the brunt of the conflict.
As the 16 Days Activism on Violence Against Women gains
momentum worldwide, the resounding voice of Manipur’s
women reverberates as a solemn reminder of the urgent need
to safeguard and empower women in conflict-ravaged regions.
It stands as a poignant plea to the nation’s leadership to take
decisive action and ensure a future where women are shielded
from the horrors of gender-based violence.
