Manipur, embroiled in violence for 18 months, shows no signs of returning to normalcy, with over 60,000 people still displaced in relief camps across the state. Fresh violence erupts biweekly, resulting in casualties that frequently make headlines. Curfews and national highway blockages have further eroded livelihoods, leaving the populace abandoned with no resolution in sight. Women’s and children’s rights to life are severely threatened, becoming new targets of violence, including recent reports of three women and three children allegedly abducted by Kuki militants.
Relief camps, meant to provide safety, are failing to meet even basic needs, with reports of diseases spreading due to poor conditions and inadequate healthcare. An alarming number of women have resorted to the flesh trade for survival, and in a tragic case, an elderly woman in a relief camp committed suicide. With over 500 births since May 2023, the health risks for mothers and infants remain largely unreported.
Armed conflict has exacerbated discrimination and violence, dismantling Manipur’s social and economic fabric. Security protocols impose constant surveillance, significantly impacting women’s mobility and liberty. Meanwhile, men’s dominance through arms has increased vulnerabilities for women. This environment of extortion, fraud, and social mistrust has uprooted community values.
The situation remains largely invisible to policymakers, with women underrepresented in public and political spheres. This systemic terrorization needs urgent redress to ensure women’s well-being and empowerment. Comparisons to conflict-affected regions like Afghanistan highlight severe socio-economic and health challenges. The Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) continues to have adverse effects, compounding women’s struggles for resources and safety.
Despite the presence of human rights organizations and peacekeeping mechanisms, Manipur remains a humanitarian catastrophe. To truly honor democratic values, India must act to secure the freedom from fear, violence, and indignity for those affected, particularly women and children.
Original Story https://www.indiatodayne.in/opinion/story/women-and-children-living-with-armed-conflict-in-manipur-1121893-2024-11-16?utm_source=rssfeed
Category :
Tags:
Publish Date: 2024-11-16 17:14:00
