Imphal, March 6, 2006: Allegations of rape in the Tipaimukh area of Churachandpur district being levelled against a non-tribal underground group of the state continue to persist.
The All Women`s Association, Churachandpur district, in a statement, reiterated that during the period of November 2005, and February 2006, when underground groups were holding sway in the Tipaimukh area, apart from many other atrocities, individual and mass rape was committed on helpless women and girls, some of whom were 13 years old.
This heinous crime was committed with such impunity that the victims feel guilty and get into denial syndrome, the statement said, adding that fear of reprisal from the perpetrators and stigmatization had discouraged the victims from reporting and seeking justice. Only some victims who were desperate for medical attention had approached some NGOs, it said.
Altogether 21 unmarried girls between the ages of 13 and 24 have come forward to give their names and accounts of their ordeal, it said, though no married women have done so as of now. There were also reports of attempted rape, it further said.
The All Women`s Association while condemning the atrocities in the strongest terms, sought the support of all sections for the victims in their critical hour of need. Only a handful of them have so far received proper medical examination and trauma counselling, it said.
The association further sought the public`s support and appealed to all sections who still believe in justice for support in pursuing justice for the victims, and to offer help in their rehabilitation.
Source: The Imphal Free Press