When she lies dying

 

By: Bhavan Meitei

“The violence of rape and harassment offends human dignity; crushes and breaks human beings. It is time for people to stand up united and demand the amendment of the archaic rape laws in the country!”

Barely three months after the horrifying gang rape incident of a paramedical student in a public bus in New Delhi on December 16th, another incident has shocked the nation. And this time, it is the rape of a five-year old child.

When the news of the brutality meted to the five year old burst out, widespread protests and emotional outbursts spontaneously erupted across the nation again, with women and men demanding safety and protection of girls; a change in attitudes towards women; and a change of archaic gender laws and speedy justice to bring rapists to book. But, this is not the only incident after the December 16th case. In Delhi alone, around 350 cases were reported during this short span of time.

In the Northeast region, which is considered as a safer place for women (by history), reports of crime against women are rising in recent times. The Guwahati molestation case in the heart of city last year; alleged mass rape by a Manipuri insurgent group, molestation of an actress by a banned Naga outfit in public; rising rape cases in ‘matrilineal’ Meghalaya; and recent murder case of a lady doctor in Manipur shows the region is no different from the rest of the country. It seems that the moral wall which shields the  North-East States from the rest of the country when it comes to such incidence has finally been brought down!

Historically, the  North-East region has the history of  women’s waging war against the imperial British rule. The region also houses the only women’s market in Southeast Asia and incidentally is also the largest in the category. Unlike other states in the country there is little restriction in women participating in community services and musical concerts. But it has, and the people should admit that the region has the tendency to suppress the fairer sex, and it has all the vices that has come to define the country when it comes to women - the cases of female foeticide, domestic violence, mental and physical torture of women, dowry death or harassment, public humiliation and trafficking!

In the national scenario, since 2012, the National Crime Record Bureau statistics show crimes against women has increased by 7.1 percent. There has been a rise in the number of incidents of rape recorded too. In 2011, 24,206 incidents were recorded, a rise of 9 percent from the previous year. Further, the report said, more than half of the victims are between 18 and 30 years of age. The north eastern state of Tripura recorded the highest rate of crimes against women at 37 percent, compared to the national crime rate of 18.9 percent.

Crimes that include eve-teasing, harassment, heckling and sexual innuendoes against women in public places including streets, public transport and places along with the rape of minors and women in tribal and villages often go unreported and unrecorded. And, due to family honour many complaint files are withdrawn and in many cases the police do not give a fair hearing to these grievances.

In our society, ‘masculinity’ provides an ideological basis for impunity to be legitimised and practiced.  And crime against women comes that much easier because many people believed that to be truly masculine; men have to carry both a fear and hatred of the feminine close to their heart. And after most of the incidents, our leaders, politicians and the society in general often targeted the victims. There were many cases of mishandling and rape by the men in uniform.

It is time to stand up and demand an amendment to the archaic rape laws. The maximum sentence for a rapist found guilty remains unclear under prevailing laws. The maximum sentence includes seven years of imprisonment, or up to ten years.  For those guilty of gang-rape, rape of a pregnant woman and related offenses the maximum for the guilty is 10 years. Since the present laws seem to be no deterrent to the rapists, it is time to revisit the archaic laws to the extent of exploring the most harsh punishment which could give the judicial system a handle to beat such anti-social elements with.

Additionally, we need to inculcate the sense of respect for women. This may start right in the family where the male members need to show adequate respect to the females in the family. School may also serve as the correct platform to teach about gender equality and respect.

All this boils down to inculcating a correct attitude about women who lives in our society in various forms : mother, sister, grandmother and friend.  With these steps, India's  deep rooted traditions of patriarchy, misogyny and repressive attitudes that prevail across classes towards women will ‘hopefully’ decline.

(This article was published in the May issue of Northeast Today Magazine)

Man-made tragedy in women's paradise

 

There is a tremendous scaling up of violence against women since the 16 December 2012  rape case of a young woman in Delhi. Women of all ages have become victims of rape and murder. Whether it is the increase in reporting of violation of women or an actual increase in crime against the fairer sex is debatable.

However the fact remains that women have never been more vulnerable as they are today. This situation calls for a comprehensive step encompassing every aspects- judicial, social, psychological and the like. This situation calls for a comprehensive change in our attitude towards women. This is an idea whose time has come!

Like all over the globe, women in the Northeast region face violence in the domestic and public spheres. To add woes, conflicts across the region leave women particularly vulnerable to different types of violence, including sexual violence. In recent times, cases related to violence and crimes against women were rising tremendously. How many remain unreported one does not know.

These crimes against women are part of a wider change where reactionary forces are becoming dominant.  For women in many parts of the world, violence is a leading cause of injury and disability, as well as a risk factor for other physical, mental, sexual and reproductive health problems. Violence has long-term consequences for these women and their children, as well as social and economic costs for all society.

Crimes against women have become a matter of serious concern in Meghalaya. Government statistics reveal that in 2012, total 236 crimes were reported against women in the state that is traditionally known for its matrilineal society.

Rape is the highest reported crime in Meghalaya among the dominant tribes and victims of over 65 per cent of those cases were minors. Incidences of crime against women, especially rape, have been showing an upward trend and this is a matter of serious concern.  The total number of rape cases registered between April 2012 and March 31, 2013 was 179, out of which 118 cases (over 65 per cent) involved victims below the age of 18.

East Khasi Hills district recorded the highest number of rapes with 62 cases, followed by Ri-Bhoi district (32), West Khasi Hills (22), East Jaintia Hills (17), West Jaintia Hills (16), South West Khasi Hills and South Garo Hills (both eight) and West Garo Hills (six).

Among other districts, South West Garo Hills and East Garo Hills recorded three cases each, followed by North Garo Hills with two, the minister said, adding that charge-sheets have been filed in 52 cases so far. And, altogether 91 cases of molestation were reported in the state during April 2012-March 2013 period. There were also other crimes against women like trafficking, cruelty by husband and dowry. The local paper has a column on a daily basis which reports rape cases.

There are many factors at play here: from the collapse of social systems, under strain for decades by a deep sense of alienation, injustice, imbalance and confrontation and conflict. The semantic meaning of ‘crime against women’ is direct or indirect physical or mental cruelty to women. The alarming rate in the crimes against women can to a large extent be attributed to the lack of infrastructures for single working women who have to leave their families at an early age to work away from home.

On 9 July 2012, in Guwahati city a teenage girl was allegedly molested and manhandled by a crowd of approximately 30 men outside a bar, many of whom were subsequently arrested based on video footage of the event. The sordid sexual violence by a group of thugs has stunned people not just in India but across the world.

Tripura has been registering highest crime against women for last six years according to the National Crime Control Bureau and crime perpetrated against minor girls in Tripura is on a rapid increase.  In addition, a most disturbing set of silent social trends is emerging: we find that the ratio of girl children being born is falling in Assam and Manipur. We note that despite the government’s best efforts, the maternal mortality rate in Assam remains the highest in the country at 380 although this is a dramatic improvement, the best in the country, from the 480 per 100,000 births a decade back.

In Mizoram, crime against women during the last five years was generally dominated by a high figure of rape (Sec 376 IPC) and molestation, outraging modesty. It is reported that, a mix trend in the incidence of rape has been observed during the last five years.

Hardly a day passes without a case of rape being reported in Indian newspapers and media. Women belonging to low castes and tribal women are more at risk. Statistics from 2000 showed that on average a woman is raped every hour in India. Women’s groups attest that the strict and conservative attitudes about sex and family privacy contribute to ineffectiveness of India’s rape laws. Victims are often reluctant to report rape. In some cases, after proving that she has been raped, a victim is often ostracized from her family and community. This problem is exacerbated by the fact that rape laws are inadequate and definitions so narrow that prosecution is made difficult.

On 17th December, a Manipuri actress was assaulted by a member of banned Naga insurgent group, who identified himself as Livingstone Anal of NSCN (IM). It is reported that, Livingstone Anal was recently promoted to the rank of Lt Colonel in the NSCN (IM).

In another dimension of the issue, human trafficking has received increasing global attention over the past decade. In the Northeast Region also, the increasing rate of trafficking is alarming. Initially, trafficking of women and girls for forced sex work and, to a lesser extent, domestic servitude, were the sole focus of advocacy and assistance. Today, there is recognition that women, children and men are trafficked into many different forms of labour, and for sexual exploitation.

It is important to recognize that women, men and children are trafficked into many forms of labour and vulnerable to a range of occupational health risks, which vary by sector. The risks can include poor ventilation and sanitation; extended hours; repetitive-motion activities; poor training in use of heavy or high-risk equipment; chemical hazards; lack of protective equipment; heat or cold extremes; and airborne and bacterial contaminants. Exposure to such risk factors can result in exhaustion, dehydration, repetitive-motion syndromes, heat stroke or stress, hypothermia, frostbite, accidental injuries, respiratory problems and skin infections.

Further, to add woes to the region, Armed Forces Special Powers Act provides impunity for rape. A law like the AFSPA, impedes accountability for rape and sexual violence in conflict areas at every level, and, therefore has no place in our statute books. Manorama Devi, a 32-year old woman from Manipur, was allegedly raped and murdered by the armed forces in 2004. It is reported that, the Assam Rifles personnel came to the house at midnight without any woman cadre and entered after breaking down the door. They dragged her out from the bed and beat up the family members when they tried to intervene.

It is reported that after locking the door from outside with all the family members inside, the security personnel took Manorama at a corner of the veranda and thrashed her brutally for almost half an hour after blind folding and tying her hands and feet. In the morning, the body was found wearing with no proper cloth. There were not only scratching marks of fingers all over the body, but also a deep gashing wound probably made by a knife on the right thigh. There were also at least seven fatal bullet wounds on her back with one of them shot from upper buttock having pierced through her private part on the other side.

There were many incident of rape and violence happens in the affected area. Unless we protest against the AFSPA, and other similar laws, the entrenched impunity against rape and sexual violence will remain.

Major causes for violence against women include:

• lower levels of education
• exposure to child maltreatment;
• antisocial personality disorder;
• harmful use of alcohol;
• having multiple partners or suspected by their partners of infidelity; and
• attitudes that are accepting of violence and gender

Factors specifically associated with sexual violence perpetration include:

• beliefs in family honour and sexual purity;
• ideologies of male sexual entitlement; and
• Weak legal sanctions for sexual violence. 

        Violence against women is a major public health problem and a violation of human rights.

Violence against women” is any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or mental harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life.’

                                                                -United Nations Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women, 85^th plenary meeting, December 1993.

 SOCIAL AND CULTURAL NORMS THAT SUPPORT VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

  Studies from diverse settings have documented many social norms and beliefs that support violence against women, such as:

• A man has a right to assert power over a woman and is considered socially superior;

• A man has a right to physically discipline a woman for ‘incorrect’ behaviour;

• Sexual intercourse is a man’s right in marriage;

• A woman should tolerate violence in order to keep her family together;

• There are times when a woman deserves to be beaten;

• Sexual activity – including rape – is a marker of masculinity; and

• Physical violence is an acceptable way to resolve conflict in a relationship;

• Girls are responsible for controlling a man’s sexual urges

-          Understanding and addressing violence against women Publication, 25^th

November 2012, World Health Organisation.

 

 

Death of tourism in Northeast India?

 

As tourism industry is inextricably linked to the law and order situation, the volatile atmosphere in the region has done no good to this sector. Is there a prospect for improvement in the foreseeable future?

A decade ago, a foreign national, who came to investigate an NGO in Manipur, was kidnapped by an insurgent group based in Manipur. More than ten years down the line, the negative impact created by that incident has not faded one bit. There are reports that the NGO pulled out of its projects in Manipur. And that was not one off incident which can be push out of memory. That was what came to define the state in the eyes of outsiders. Kidnapping, extortion, murder- these have come to define the state and the region. As if not enough, people from outside the region have come to define the region in terms of obscurity and misinformation. The region is indeed shrouded in the web of misunderstanding!

The Northeast region, often term as ‘Paradise Unexplored’, has a great potential and unique spots for tourism. All the states in the region have something to showcase to the outside world. Indeed the region is a rich source of biodiversity where the beauty of nature is at its full glory. However, the ‘mystic, vibrant and unique’ culture and places in the region have lost their sheen due to the ongoing armed conflict. Besides the lack of infrastructure, the sense of insecurity and volatile law and order situation has proverbially killed the prospects of tourism in the womb of the nature. The loss in terms of both money and information is immense.

 It may do well to recount some of the incidents involving kidnapping and extortion of foreign nationals by insurgents. On 24th March 2003, a German national identified was kidnapped near Moirang Lamkhai in Bishnupur district of Manipur by Kuki Revolutionary Army militants. However, another kidnapping incident hit the final nail in the coffin of the state in so far as prospects of tourism in the state are concerned. In 2001 also, two Japanese agricultural experts were kidnapped but later released. This action led to the Japanese pulling out from all projects in the region.

The flip side of the story is that these incidents have done a massive damage to the region in respect of economy and tourism prospect. Those involved in the mindless actions seem to have forgotten the potential benefits which this sector could bring to the economy of the region. Besides helping in reviving the economy and providing employment opportunities, it will help in reducing migration to other states for employment opportunities.

The damage on social integration is equally telling. There is little or no social contacts with the people from outside the region which has further fuelled discrimination and prejudice towards the people from the region. Tourism promotes understanding of culture. When people visit the region, they learn new things about traditional tribes.  For example, the Khasi tribe of Meghalaya practices matriarchy system since time immemorial and in Manipur, holi is celebrated for five days. There are a number of vibrant and unique traditions across the region. Tourism activities will spread this awareness and will reduce the misunderstanding and cultural misconception that are face by most of the northeast people who reside outside the region.

These days some positive activity in promoting tourism is being seen. For instance, recently, Guwahati hosted the first international Tourism Mart which saw participation from 23 countries including ASEAN member countries, Bangladesh, Japan and the UK among others. With some states witnessing return to normalcy, vigorous attempts are being made to promote tourism prospects in the region. Concerted efforts from all the stakeholders are required for making the region a tourism hub in the near future. Besides infrastructure, supports from the government and visible improvement in the law and order situation in the region would be required to put the region on tourism map of the world.

Economic benefits :

Tourism   is one of the most effective ways of redistributing wealth. It brings income into a community that would otherwise not be earned. Economic benefits resulting from tourism can take a number of forms including:

Jobs

Employment may be associated directly, such as tour guides or managerial positions; or in supporting industries like food production or retail suppliers.

 Increased spending

Increased spending in the community generated from visitors or tourism businesses can directly and indirectly promote the viability of local businesses.

Economic diversification

Tourism operators can play a role in highlighting the broad prosperity that tourism can bring to a community and will contribute to a greater understanding and respect for the value of tourism.

Economic diversification is, for many communities, an insurance policy against hard times. By offering an additional means of income, tourism can support a community when a traditional industry is under financial pressure.

Infrastructure

Infrastructure including roads, parks, and other public spaces can be developed and improved both for visitors and local residents through increased tourism activity in a region.

Social benefits

Community identity and pride can be generated through tourism. A positive sense of community identity can be reinforced and tourism can encourage local communities to maintain their traditions and identity.

Environmental benefits

Providing financial or in-kind support for the conservation of the local environment and natural resources will enhance the reputation of any tourism business.  Tourism, particularly ecotourism, can place a greater focus on the conservation of natural resources through the recognition of their importance to visitor experiences and their economic value to the local community.

(This article was published in the April Issue of Northeast Today magazine)

 

In Dire straits?

Since 15^th November 2011, the government of Manipur has burnt down around eight hundred (800) floating huts of the fishermen in the name of cleansing the phumdis-(floating vegetation mass)- the signature of Loktak Lake.

By- Bhavan Meitei

Democracy, they said, is for the people. However, the conduct of those ‘chosen’ by the process of democracy is hardly democratic. The recent incidents in which the government of Manipur burnt down around 800 huts and displaced around 5,000 inhabitants  truly exemplifies the above situation. The fishermen’s communities whose lives are sustained by the lake have been left in dire straits. Against the backdrop of this unfortunate development and the reports regarding the burning down of equipment for fishing, the problem is going to worsen and will affect the lives of these fishermen for a long time to come.

The genesis of the problem goes back at least 20 years. When the hydel project was commissioned in 1984, it submerged the villages in and around the lake inundating nearly 80,000 hectares including prime agricultural land. The project led to an increase in the number of floating huts due to increase in water level and the loss of fertile land. These huts are used by the fishing communities who are dependent on the lake for their livelihood.

Adding insult to injury is the Loktak Protection Act, 2006 enacted by the government of Manipur that targets the fishing communities which depend on the wetlands for survival.

Rajen Oinam, the Secretary General of All Loktak Lake Fishermen’s Union, told North-East Today that the Act has caused enormous suffering to the fishing communities living in and around Loktak Lake due to the restrictions imposed on fishing. Section II of the Act defines the fishermen as Occupiers while Clause 3(4) declares the lake as protective zones and fishing is banned.

Since 15^th November, 2011, the Manipur government has burnt down homes of fishermen on Loktak Lake by offering them just Rs 40,000 as one-time compensation to leave their dwellings. The notice for eviction was published in newspaper and not even served to them. And the eviction took place prior to the date announced by the government. However, most of the villagers rejected this payment as the amount was too meagre and could hardly compensate for their livelihood and means of survival.

Moreover, many families were included in the survey but not in the approved list for compensation. And some families who were not in the survey were included in the approval list. As per reports, 1147 families were on the approved list and 519 families claimed compensation.  Rajen who is spearheading the agitation against the demolition drive has questioned the State government whether the amount offered will be enough to compensate for the loss.

He also pointed out that there was no provision for eviction in the said Act.

On 19th December 2011, a group of eleven women who were protesting against the forced evictions from Loktak Lake and demanding repeal of the Manipur Loktak Lake Protection Act, 2006 were injured. It is alleged that the state security forces charged at the women with batons during a protest at the Thanga Ithing Village in Chingjin in the Bishenpur District. The police also fired tear gas shells and about 200 rounds of ammo in an attempt to disperse the protesting women. There are reports that no woman policemen were involved in the crackdown on the protesters which mainly comprised women and elderly people.

The lake is considered to be an important symbol in the state due to its importance in the socio-economic and cultural life of the people. From the biodiversity point of view, the lake is home to 233 species of aquatic macrophytes of emergent, submerged, free-floating and rooted floating leaf types and different variety of vegetables.

The phumdies act as a catalyst to cleanse the water. The impact of Ithai Barrage, which led to devastation of Loktak wetlands ecosystem, loss of indigenous plant and fauna species, disturbance of the wetlands natural balance and cleansing system leading to pollutions, increasing siltation from the rivers etc have not been considered, and in fact, completely ignored. Oinam Ningthemba, the Executive Member of the All Loktak Lake Fishermen Union, said the Loktak lake project has led to extinction of endemic flora and fauna species from the lake. On a daily basis more than 71 metric tonnes of polluted water is deposited in the lake and the phumdies assist in controlling the polluted water. And if the phumdies are removed from the lake, then the water of the lake will be severely polluted and we won’t even be able to touch our largest freshwater lake of northeast after 10 years.

Ironically, the lake was designated as a Wetland of International Importance under Ramsar Convention in 1990.  However, the government failed to ensure participation of communities depending on Loktak wetlands flagrant violation of Ramsar convention. A vital aspect of this division is the ban on building huts or houses on phumdis inside the lake, planting athaphum, or engaging in athaphum-fishing in the core area, which will adversely affect thousands of people living in phumdis huts, as well as others dependent on Loktak Lake especially under Article 19 and 20 of the Act, which divides the Lake into two zones – a core zone comprising 70.30 sq km, which is a ‘no development zone’, or ‘totally protected zone’, and a buffer zone of other areas of the lake excluding the core zone. The arsoning process and targeting the indigenous people depending on the Loktak Wetlands for survival is a clear cut violation and undermining of the provisions of the Ramsar Conventions, in particular resolutions VII. 8 of Ramsar Convention’s Conference of contracting parties held in May 1999 at Costa Rica and Resolution VIII. 19 held in Spain in November 2002, which provides guidelines for establishing and strengthening local communities and indigenous peoples participation and to consider the cultural values of wetlands in the management of wetlands.

The life of the people depending on the lake and the lake itself is at the crossroads. Today the lake is a symbol of all the ills which have come to identify the State. The controversy surrounding awarding of the Loktak cleaning project to a ghost firm is still very fresh in the minds of the Loktak watchers. Perhaps the lake will go the Manipur way- dented and wasted.

PS: This article was published in the January Issue of Northeast Today Magazine. The original link is: http://www.northeasttoday.in/our-states/manipur/in-dire-straits/

Seeking Justice

Every year hundreds of widows are generated by the ongoing conflict. Many of them are still fighting for ‘justice’ as none has got satisfactory explanations regarding the killing and disappearance.

By- Bhavan Meitei

 It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that there is no life in Manipur beyond 5.00 P.M. One extra minute beyond it, fear is the only thing which reigns supreme. Fear is the only thing which keeps people behind closed doors. And fear is the only thing that defines life in this part of the country. However the fear stems not so much from absence of light as much from the sense of insecurity that darkness brings. In Manipur one would find an assortment of archaic laws and the consequences of its application in full force. Death is accepted as run of the mill stuff which does not deserve any attention. The sense of acceptance amongst the people is not because they have successfully achieved the Eriksonian’s “Ego Integrity” stage when a man welcomes death with open arms but because they are suffering from learned helplessness.

         However it is the man in the street that is caught in the cross-fire. They have learnt to take the hit from all sides: state and non-state actors. Here rules are observed more in violation than in obeying it. The law of the land is violated with impunity as accountability exists only in name. A guy with a gun in his hand is the man of the moment and his wish becomes the command of the victims. Here the only certainty is uncertainty of one’s life. One can never guarantee whether the man who leaves the house smiling would come back in safe and sound. Here the issue is not about meeting an unfortunate accident. Rather it is about falling to a stray bullet coming out of a gun irrespective of the identity of the shooter. So many incidents have taken place in the last couple of years which are too well known to repeat here. Such is the level of insecurity prevailing in the State.

But the issue surrounding the vexed problems is the impact on the fairer sex and how they cope with the social and economic consequences upon the death of their husbands. Every year hundreds of widows are generated by the ongoing conflict. Many of them are still fighting for ‘Justice’ as none has got satisfactory explanations regarding the killing and disappearance. In almost all cases young men attending to their daily chores were picked up randomly by security forces and killed in cold blood. In several of these cases eye witnesses, parents and neighbours were present who have narrated the cold established practice of picking up innocent young men and women by members of Assam Rifles and Manipur Police and gunning them down in the most condemnable manner. Some of the problems faced by the widows of the hidden war which takes place in the State on daily basis are:

•           ostracization by the relatives including in-laws and maternal family ;

•           Economic hardship due to lack of source of income; and,

•           Deprivations from enjoying state benefits normally given away to widows as their husbands were classified as anti-state.

      Amidst all the confusion, one Act which has come under heavy attack in the last three decades is the Armed Forces Special Powers Act commonly known as AFSPA. This archaic law has come under heavy attack from left, right and centre for its rather draconian provisions under which the perpetrators of heinous crimes have taken sheltered. However the larger issue is the impact on the common people who have become the unlikely victims of the conflicts. Today many of them have been left high and dry with no support coming from any side. With neither the society approving their existence nor the government of the day extending any support, these unfortunate women are in the proverbial no man’s land.

       The focus of this story is on the plight and initiative of the unfortunate women who are made the victims of the fall out of low intensity conflict in the region. One organization that has come into limelight is Extrajudicial Execution Victim Families Association known as EEVFAM. This organization was formed on 11 July 2009 by the mothers and widows of those killed by police and security forces.

Renu Takhellambam, President of the EEVFAM says: “some thirty of us got together, shared our stories and  cried the whole day on each other’s shoulders. On the other hand pouring out our pent up emotions and finding that we not alone was such a relief, we all felt considerably light at the end of the day. We wanted to build on this collective strength and fight for justice together”. The members of the association meet every second Saturday and share their day to day problems and stories. To save their organization funds, they contribute a little amount of money. They formed some self-help group and take loan from Just Peace Foundation, a civil society organization, in low interest. The loanee uses the money according to her own choice and convenience to improve their lives. Some are doing business in clothes, some weaving, some are running small grocery shops, yet others are farming or making detergents, etc.

      Recently a petition was filed by Extrajudicial Execution Victim Families Association Manipur (EEVFAM), with the help of Human Rights Alert in the Supreme Court demanding to set up a special investigation team to investigate the cases. The petition also demanded to declare that the sanction under section 197 CrPC and section 6 of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 or any other similar provision in any other law is not necessary to be obtained in cases of fake encounters and to pay compensations to the families of the victim. The petitioner placed before the Court details of 62 cases from 2007 to 2012 and also a list of 1,528 cases of extra-judicial executions, compiled by the Civil Society Coalition on Human Rights in Manipur and the United Nations.

     Taking cognizance of the matter, the Supreme Court issued notices to the Union and Manipur governments on the petition. However on 4th November, 2012, the hearing of the petition filed by the body seeking for a probe into cases of extra-judicial killings in the State was extended till 23rd November, 2012 following a request from the Manipur Government. The Government of Manipur requested to extend some more time for further inquiry and to cross-check the documents.

On November 23rd, the Supreme Court questioned the “orientation” of the Manipur government over extra-judicial killings in the state and reprimanded it for drawing a parallel with the states of Gujarat and Maharashtra, which are already under the court’s scanner over contentious encounters.

“What do you mean when you talk about Maharashtra and Gujarat? Are you saying that since people are getting killed there, so people will get killed in your state too?,” questioned a Bench led by Justice Aftab Alam, expressing its displeasure at the stand by Manipur in its affidavit. The Bench termed Manipur’s affidavit as “strange”. It also expressed displeasure over another submission pointing that militancy, and its difference from ordinary law and order problem, also necessitating a law like the Armed Forces (Special) Powers Act. The Bench once again granted time till December 3 to the Centre to respond on the plea for scrapping the Armed Forces (Assam and Manipur Special Powers) Act in Manipur.

     The petitioner documented 1,528 extra-judicial executions carried out by the police and security forces. It is alleged that the huge majority of the killings were in custody and in cold blood. This is a frightening situation that should shock the conscience of the entire nation. During the last decade, the torture and killings in Manipur of innocent civilians with no criminal records whatsoever, who are later on conveniently labelled as “militants”, has been widely covered in the print media and on television. In this way, it would appear to the people of Manipur that the Constitution and the Criminal Procedure Code have ceased to operate within the boundaries of this State. Hence the present petition for a direction to set up a special investigation team to investigate the cases; conduct disciplinary proceedings in all the cases listed, facilitate the giving of evidence by the family members and eyewitnesses to punish the guilty; pay compensations to the families of the victims and declare that the sanction under Section 197 of the Criminal Procedure Code and Section 6 of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958, or any similar provision in any law, was not necessary to be secured for prosecution in cases of fake encounters.

 However the larger issue is the impact on the lives of women who are sacrificed on the altar of societal scrutiny and the consequent economic hardship especially those who are not economically dependent. Given the volatile situation in the region coupled with lack of accountability, it is very likely that more could become victims with little or no relief. But the matter which deserves greater attention is how to prevent recurrence of such situation in future. So long there is no improvement in the level of insecurity which shrouds the lives of the people in the region and so long draconian laws are in force, nothing could be said with certainty about the lives of the people. It is high time the issue is taken seriously and efforts are step-up to ameliorate the lives of the victims. Nothing could demand better attention than this if we are to maintain a shred of humanity in this much troubled state.

Original Link:  http://www.northeasttoday.in/featured-on-northeast-today/seeking-justice/

THE RISING STAR

Mamta Devi Yumnam is the first and only Indian to win a medal in the World body building championship, making the country proud in international platform. However, the government is yet to recognise her achievement and struggles. 

 By: Bhavan Meitei

Winning a medal at an international level is every sportsperson’s dream. Any athlete would readily give up anything to win a medal! The achievement is unbound, if the achiever is a woman and if she is a mother. Against this backdrop, Mamta Devi Yumnam, the first and only Indian woman to a medal in World body building championship deserves a lot of accolades; however, the government is yet to recognise her achievement and struggles to reach at this level.

In Mamta’s state Manipur, people are trapped between the proverbial rock and a hard place. On one end of the spectrum are the militants who are allegedly fighting for independence, and on the other end are armed forces- both State and Central- who are leaving no stones unturned in taking out their anger on the people for casualities they have suffered in the hands of their armed counterparts. 

Despite these disturbances, Manipur supplies a number of top athletes to the country.

Mamta also bagged bronze medal in the 46th Mr Asia for Men & Women held at Tashkent in Uzbekistan. Her husband, Borun Yumnam was six times Mr. India, Mr Asia silver medallist in 2009. Mamta, the mother of three, urged other women interested in body-building to come forward and give a shot to bringing more laurels for the country. Mamta along with her husband had opened a gym called ‘The Impact’ since 2010 in New Delhi.

What motivated you to take up this profession?

Mamta: When my husband ( Borun Yumnam-six times Mr. India, and Mr Asia) went training for his job, I look after the gym. My first motivation to enter in this field was given by brother Dhiren. In 2011 December, when my husband came back, we discussed about it. He encouraged me. We make exercise chart and since then, I followed regularly.

When did you start participating in competitions? And how did it go?

I participated in national fitness competition for the first time, which was held on 18^th April, 2012 at Pune. I secured fourth position. However, some audiences and judges felt that the best physique award should be given to me. It gave me a ‘ray of hope’.  I sent a SMS asking in which competition I should take part…………to Sanjay More. He said that there is no competition in India; you have to participate in international level. Then, I participated in IFBB Asian Body Building and fitness Championship which was held at Tashkent, Uzbekistan, and I got bronze medal. And comes the 2nd Women's Body Building Championship 2012, Bangkok and here also I got bronze.

Are you happy with the facilities provided by the government?

I was optimistic about getting some support but its saddening to say that I didn’t get any facilities either from any organisations or from the government. The Manipur Gymnasium Association gave me Rs. 4000 and other than that, I didn’t get any aid or help. I wade through all the struggles with the support of my husband to reach this level. Moral support would have been invaluable.

What is your schedule of exercise? How much do you spend to maintain your diet?

I did exercise three hours in the morning and three hours in the evening everyday. In the competition season, I spend Rs.30,000 to 40,000 in supplement alone.

What do you want as a struggling sportsman? Any message to the upcoming players?

Mamta: I want other women interested in body-building to come forward and give a shot to bring more laurels for the country. Hope and aspirations is something that differentiates one human being to another. If you still believe women are bound to sit at home and cook, then you are wrong. Woman can do what all man can, so break the vicious circle of discrimination and prove yourself. 

North Today’s View

Doesn’t she deserve something from the country?

As she is the first women body builder who has won this title for the country, she will need assistance, as she is the one who have given the stepping stone or an example of what woman can achieved inspite of social stigmas?  As an Icon for fitness she should get sponsor from different health products and accessories so that she can inspire other budding bodybuilders. This will help her to meet her needs for preparing better and bring bigger laurels. She is paving the way for all the women from different corners of our country who cannot make this sport as their profession. Time for change!

Original Link: http://www.northeasttoday.in/sports-news/the-rising-star/