| 21 July 2023
In a shocking revelation, the National Commission for Women (NCW) Chairperson, Rekha Sharma, disclosed that she had reached out multiple times to authorities in Manipur over incidents of violence against women but had not received any response from them. The chairperson addressed the media's recent reports claiming that the NCW had received a complaint about the incident of two women being paraded naked in the ethnic violence-hit northeastern state on May 4 but had allegedly failed to take any action at the time.
Chairperson Sharma vehemently denied having received any such report and stated that she had only become aware of the incident after a video surfaced online on July 19. The disturbing 26-second video captured the harrowing ordeal of two tribal women being humiliated by a group of men from a different community, adding fuel to the already tense situation in Manipur.
According to the chairperson, the NCW took "suo motu cognisance" of the incident once the video went viral, and promptly sought an explanation from the authorities in Manipur. However, she also shared that she had previously written letters on May 18, May 29, and June 19, addressing other complaints of violence against women in the state, but unfortunately received no response from the concerned authorities.
Sharma emphasized that the authenticity of the complaints needed verification, as some of them were not even from Manipur, and a few were from outside India. Nevertheless, she expressed deep concern about the lack of action taken by the authorities and emphasized the urgency of addressing issues related to women's safety.
The incident of May 4 triggered a nationwide outrage after it came to light on July 19, following the lifting of an internet ban in the region. As per official sources in Imphal, four people have been arrested in connection with the incident. However, the violence in Manipur has been ongoing since May 3, when a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organized in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.
Manipur's demographic composition comprises Meiteis, accounting for approximately 53 percent of the population, residing mainly in the Imphal Valley. The tribal communities, including Nagas and Kukis, constitute around 40 percent and predominantly inhabit the hill districts.
Since the outbreak of ethnic violence, more than 160 lives have been lost, and several others have been injured. The situation in the state remains tense and requires urgent attention from both the state and central authorities to restore peace and safeguard the rights and safety of women.
Chairperson Sharma's efforts to address the issues of violence against women and her perseverance in seeking accountability from the authorities are commendable. However, it is evident that there is an urgent need for a coordinated and prompt response from the authorities to ensure the safety and security of women in Manipur and prevent further escalation of violence.
As the nation's focus turns to the NCW's inquiry and the actions taken by the Manipur authorities, it is crucial that justice prevails and those responsible for such heinous acts are held accountable. Additionally, this incident should serve as a stark reminder for the government to prioritize measures that safeguard women's rights and prevent violence against them in all corners of the country.
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