Imphal, June 4, 2006 (PTI): The National Commission for Women (NCW) has claimed that an enquiry conducted by it has found “ample circumstantial evidence” for the panel to assume that some girls were “raped or molested” by militants in Churachandpur district of Manipur in January.
NCW member Malini Bhattacharya told reporters here there was “lack of primary medical evidence” suggesting rape, molestation and physical harassment of the girls, but added, “It was very clear that something had happened.”
Based on ample secondary evidence and statements given by the victims, the Commission had “assumed” that some girls were “raped or molested”, she said.
She said she had found the victims in a traumatic condition. They were physically weak and some were suffering from psychiatric problems.
The NCW conducted its inquiry into the alleged mass rape following a request from the Hmar Women’s Association and Hmar Students Association.
Bhattacharya said she had briefed Manipur Governor S S Sidhu and Chief Minister Ibobi Singh on the issue before submitting the NCW’s recommendations to Chief Secretary Jarnail Singh yesterday.
She said she had visited two villages on May 10-11 and Sakawrdai camp on May 12 and interviewed 19 “victims”, some of them minors.
Source: The Hindu
See also:
- Environmental Clearance of Tipaimukh Dam by MoEF (October 31st, 2008)
- Chakka bandh on Sep 18 against Tipaimukh dam (September 17th, 2008)
- 1 lakh Manipur villagers hit by bamboo flowering (September 2nd, 2008)
- Heavy security to be deployed on 99 km stretch of road to Tipaimukh dam (July 29th, 2008)
- Army launches Tipaimukh vigil (April 30th, 2008)