SIPHRO

Addie Chiphang

Ukhrul, June 03, 2006: Notwithstanding lack of primary evidence, member of National Commission for Women Malini Bhattacharya said based on secondary evidences like mental trauma, physical ailment, depression and lingering fear reflected on the victims it could be concluded that 25 women of Lungthulien and Parbung were raped and molested.

While talking to reporters today at Manipur Press Club, the NCW member cited Supreme Court decree that validates claims of rape when such complaints are made by the victims themselves even if primary evidence are not available.

The independent enquiry by the Commission was undertaken following complaints by two Hmar civil organisations of 25 Hmar women including minors raped by cadres of UNLF and KCP on January 16 night this year at Lungthulien and Parbung.

Malini Bhattacharya together with representatives of Hmar Women’s Association and Hmar Students’ Association as a part of the enquiry visited Sakarwdai refuge camp in Mizoram on May 11 and 12 in addition to Lungthulien and Parbung on an earlier occasion.

The copies of the recommendations submitted by NCW to the Centre, Governor Dr SS Sidhu, Chief Minister O Ibobi and Chief Secretary Jarnail Singh did not however, give any account of the rape.

Nevertheless, it recommended immediate opening of Parbung primary health centre and to send doctors there so as ensure treatment of the rape victims.

Other recommendations include conducting vocational training programmes specially for the victims, scholarships to economically backward student victims, a total rehabilitation package in conformity with provisions of SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and establishing trauma and depression counselling centre.

According to the NCW recommendations, security forces should be stationed in the area as long they are needed, all land mines neutralised and adequate food supply ensured under the Food For Work programme until the villagers can tend to their fields in addition to provision of telephone facilities.

Even though State Govt is not bound by any statute to fulfil its recommendations, Malini sought action taken report from the State at the earliest.

To a question, she clarified that the recommendations of NCW would not influence in any way the ongoing inquiry being undertaken by retired Justice Rajkhowa and disclosed that she had had an informal talk with Rajkhowa yesterday.

Source: The Sangai Express