OLD GOA
Several women representing various organisations, activists, and concerned individuals gave a call to the public to participate in the protest against sexual violence on women in Manipur.
Addressing reporters in Panaji, on Friday, the activists said that the protest will be held at Azad Maidan on August 12 at 3.30 pm.
Speaking on the occasion, activist Sabina Martins informed that whenever they stand up for the rights of women and protest the acts of violence, they are exercising pressure on the government to put mechanisms in place to prevent violence against women and ensure human rights.
“The Manipur sexual violence has jolted us at the horrendous crime against women, gross violations of human rights, the large involvement of people using sexual violence against women as a tool to settle scores, violence against minorities and the complicity of the State administration in escalation of crimes leading to rapes, death, burning of homes, businesses, schools, churches, places of worship, etc,” she added and urged students, women, organizations, civil society members to participate in the protest so that the violence is stopped and peace prevails.
Martins further stated that they want the Supreme Court to appoint a body to register complaints, provide all support to victims for speedy justice and protect human rights.
“We also demand the implementation of the SC guideline on ensuring communal harmony by forming committees to carry out the tasks,” she stated while urging for the intervention of the President and the SC to ensure governance as the Manipur State government has failed to stop violence and crimes against women.
Adv Caroline Colaco said that the intervention of the SC has brought in some relief but said that unless the Manipur government doesn’t show interest in bringing the culprits to book, such cases of violence against women will continue.
“Also, the charge sheets need to be watertight so that it leads to conviction of the accused,” she added while informing that the situation in Manipur is such that the fear and uncertainty still continues.
“The relief camps are filled and the women and children are deprived of basic necessities like baby food, sanitary napkins, lack of privacy, inadequate water supply, etc,” Adv Colaco stated.
Patricia Pinto stated that the guidelines issued by Ministry of Home Affairs in 2008 are very clear in maintaining communal harmony and safety of women in situations prevailing in Manipur.
