SIPHRO

Sangzuol Thiek

Aizawl, May 15, 2006: Malini Bhattacharya, member of National Commission for Women (NCW) who has recently visited Lungthulien and Parbung in Tipaimukh subdivision, Manipur to conduct ground examination of the alleged mass rape of Hmar women was convinced that the atrocities committed against the Hmar women were a shocking revelation and said she would pursue the matter with her recommendations in New Delhi.

“Though no medical tests were had as a primary proof that these women were raped, but then the statements of the minors who were molested and raped could prove that inhumane damage were done by the UNLF and the KCP cadres,” Malini Bhattacharya said.

“My heart is still heavy when I think of the people whom we have left behind,” remarked Malini Bhattacharya emotionally as she recalled the statements given to her by the 21 Hmar women who were either raped or molested.

Malini Bhattacharya, member of the NCW in charge of eastern India had visited Lungthulien and Parbung village on 10th and 11th May.

“The matter is urgent, help needs to be reached these people urgently,” Bhattacharya said.

“Even after four months from the incident, no rehabilitation schemes in accordance with the Scheduled Tribe/ Caste prevention of atrocities act has been decided upon,” Bhattacharya said.

“Of the 21 women from Lungthulien and Parbung I recorded the statements of 21 women and minors who were molested and raped were too grief stricken to gave their accounts, their relatives told their horrendous tales, they were not only raped but also severely beaten up by the militants,” Chattacharya said.

“Among the two girls who have had medical tests one was found to be pregnant, even though it is not possible now to find an immediate or primary evidence that these girls were raped, we have gathered so many indirect evidences that they were raped and molested. Physical problems, menstrual problems, pain in their private parts were reported by the victims,” Bhattacharya said.

This Independent Inquiry of the NCW has made immediate recommendations such as adequate food supply, permanent deployment of armed forces medical assistance to the rape victims, psychiatric treatment to the damage haunted victims.

“I will report my findings and recommendations to New Delhi and also the Manipur and Mizoram Government for immediate assistance to the affected people.

Apart from her mandate as a women’s rights activist Malini Bhattacharya outlined the deplorable living conditions of the villagers of Parbung and Lungthulien. “There is no civil administration, schools and other Government installations are completely null, even the minimum civic activities are not there in Parbung and Lungthulien, even the police station at Parbung has only one officer-in-charge without constables not to talk of security infrastructure, the Manipur Government has to act,” Bhattacharya said.

The Independent Inquiry of the NCW will submit its report to the Centre as well as the state Governments of Manipur and Mizoram.

NCW immediate recommendation:

1. Armed Forces should stay as long as they’re needed
2. Landmines should be removed
3. Adequate food supplies must be ensured. Food for Work programme
should be in place until the villagers can till their lands and cultivate
4. Immediate telephone and mobile connections must be ensured
5. Road repair and bridge across River Tuivai (Mizoram - Manipur border)
6. Damage haunts of the victims should be repaired
7. Open Public Health Centre at Parbung, doctors should be send there to attend to the medical needs of the victims
8. Training programme for rape victims so that they can stand on their own to pick up pieces of their broken lives
9. Payment of relief rehabilitation as per Scheduled Tribe/ Caste Prevention of Atrocities Act
10. Scholarship for student victims so that they can continue their schooling

Source: Hmar.net