SIPHRO

HSA, MZP, KSO and ZSF Joint Press Statement
Lamka, March 28, 2006

While appreciating the desperate attempt of the Threatened Indigenous Peoples’ Society (TIPS) to set up a Fact Finding Committee to look into the rape case of 21 Hmar women in Tipaimukh, we would like to make it straight and clear again that there is no confusion over the already established truth. The doubts and questions in the face of inhumane suffering is the biggest disgrace we could only afford so far. It would have done wonders if TIPS had visited the affected areas long time back to fact-find the serious issues of landmines, tortures, refugees, and not only the rape case.

It should be noted that a ‘fact finding team’ comprising representatives of Hmar Students’ Association (HSA), Rongmei Lu Pham (RLP), Human Rights Law Network (HRLN), Human Rights Alert (HRA) and Naga Peoples’ Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) conducted a six day study at Mizoram and the affected areas of Churachandpur from March 5, 2006. The fact-finding team, in their press briefing on March 23, 2006 at Imphal had also spoken out on the truth on the events of rape and mass displacement. Besides these organizations, the Sinlung Indigenous Peoples Human Rights Organisation, Hmar Inpui, Northeast Sun, Hmar Women Association, Churachandpur District Students’ Union, various Church organisations, media and civil society representatives from Manipur and Mizoram have already went to witness the same truth and reported the same truth. And this is not to mention the visit of His Excellency the Governor of Manipur, Dr. S.S. Sidhu and his meeting with the rape victims and the hearing of their testimonies.

It is unfortunate that TIPS questioned the credibility of these organisations that witnessed the truth of sufferings of the victims and are already in the process of aiding the severely affected peoples. Despite the macabre inhumane affliction, it is fortunate that we still have peace and harmony. The Hmar leaders should be appreciated for adopting a peaceful approach in situation like this and in a state like Manipur. If not for the mutual respect of traditional atmosphere of peaceful co-existence between the valley people and the hill people, such horrendous acts of crime and atrocities could have already shattered the fabric of peace and unity. The main intention of TIPS as was seen from its Press Statement also seems to be more on negating the core and basic issue of the wretched incident. If not, a team that tries to play such ‘an impartial role’ will not mention that, “the report of the rape had been filed after a gap of two months, there is still rooms of doubts and discrepancies on the actual number of rape victims”. It is unfortunate that TIPS not only doubt the truth on the mass rape but also even goes to the point of adding unnecessary communal colour, which is needless and uncalled for.

On the question of the late report of the rape and torture, it is imperative to understand that the affected areas has no law, order and governance which is further deteriorated by the reign of terror unleashed by the cadres of UNLF and KCP. One must understand that the situation is a crisis. Besides the absence of any media coverage, there are no police station, no transport system, no roads and no government machineries. Reason this and the context of the deprived and marginalized peoples; only then TIPS will be able to clear the shameful air of confusion. Did it ever ask why the thousands of Hmar villagers flee to Mizoram and to Churachandpur? Did it ever ask why all the above fact finding team, and even the Member of Parliament, Shri Mani Charenamai, who recently visited the forsaken villages had to go through Aizawl to reach this fear ridden villages of Manipur? Have we not reached a peak of shame? The helpless victims and the affected villagers have been bearing the brunt rather silently. But is has crossed the limit. What can be more extreme than these sufferings?

Regarding the number of rape victims, the reported and indicative number is 21 so far. The number is still expected to increases. However, some of the unfortunate victims are still married with children and family. How can we expect them to joyfully and eagerly speak out? Do we understand what involves for the victims to speak out? The above-mentioned organisations do went to the villages and met the rape victims as well as the refugees. The accounts are first hand.

TIPS should have gone to the affected areas long time back if it were really interested and genuine in its efforts to rehabilitate the rape victims, the refugees and the landmines victims. We will never allow anyone to contest the truth. It will be taken seriously as a contempt and disgrace to the sufferings of our peoples. Will you allow everyone to come to your house and let your sisters and daughters tell them how they were raped? The victims are vulnerable – from over-exposing, social stigma and intimidation from the perpetrators themselves. The whole attempt of TIPS is a guise to further deny justice to the already traumatized victims and the sufferings of our people. It is a disgrace.

One last point, it is disheartening to note why now words of concern for the rape victims and condemnation of the incident come from groups which are seen to be championing the cause of Human Rights and the oneness and integrity of the peoples of Manipur

(Ngurlienzo)
Secretary (External Affairs)
Hmar Students’ Association, Gen. Hqrs.

(Ricky Lalzawma)
General Secretary
Mizo Zirlai Pawl, Manipur

(Zilkhothong)
President
Kuki Students’ Organisation, Churachandpur

(S. Kapkhanmuan)
General Secretary
Zomi Students’ Federation