United NGOS mass rally against violence on women by armed groups

Hundreds of women in Imphal took out a protest rally against militant groups for violating human rights of the common citizen.

By L C K Singh

Imphal, Apr 21 : Hundreds of women in Imphal took out a protest rally against militant groups for violating human rights of the common citizen.

The main objective of the rally was to spread a message for protection of human rights to all sections of society in order to save future generations.

The State Government was requested to take stern action against lawbreakers and criminals.

The rally was organized jointly by the Imphal East, Imphal West and Thoubal district women's committees of United NGOs Mission Manipur at the Hapta Kangjeibung Palace compound."It's very high time to join hand-in-hand and coming together from different ethnic groups and fight against these atrocities, harassment and torture. If it is not heard by these groups, the security forces, then we will find other options," said M. Sobita Devi, convenor, United NGO's Mission, Imphal East.

Kh. Shangnaidar Tontang, convenor, United NGO's Mission, Chandel, said, "They feel that by using these arms they hold their power. Civilians cannot speak about this because they fearful to speak about it. We know the truth, but we are not able to speak out because of fear of these armed groups."

The rally was also part of a protest against the recent violent incidents against women by the armed militant outfits, like the shootings at Heirok, murder of two Chandel women at Thoubal Khekman, rape of a minor girl in Churachandpur and a killing of a Muslim woman at Keirao.

A public meeting followed by the rally where speakers deplored the increasing violence against women as well as violation of rights of the people by the under ground groups in the name of protecting the interest of the people.

ANI