Mokokchung, 25 July (MTNews): Stating that women’s rights are human rights, the National Socialist Women’s Organization of Nagalim (NSWON) has condemned the “nightmarish situation” in Manipur where women’s rights, dignity, and livelihoods are under severe threat. In a condemnation note issued by its chairperson Hosheli Achumi, the NSWON stated that it is deeply disturbed by the heinous acts of violence perpetrated against women and girls in the ethnic conflict between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities.
The NSWON expressed its profound grief over the brutal incidents, including the horrific B Phainom village incident where women were paraded naked, fondled, and tortured. Citing other incidents of violence against women ever since the Manipur crisis unfolded, NSWON said they were equally gruesome and horrifying. The organization emphasized that such crimes against women are crimes against humanity.
NSWON said that gender-based violence at such an extreme level demands a united condemnation from all societies and organizations, transcending boundaries, adding that it is lost for words to condemn such acts of savagery and depravity meted out against women and girls.
The organization called for strong measures to be taken against those who perpetrate such atrocities, emphasizing that rapists and murderers of women and girls have no place in a civilized society.
Stating that women’s rights are fundamental human rights and must be protected at all costs, NSWON cited international agreements and conventions that uphold a woman’s right to live free from sexual violence. It urged respect for women’s rights as a crucial indicator of a society’s progress and civilization.
“On the contrary, it is difficult to imagine when rape is used as weapon of war or tactic of terrorism against women as witnessed today in Manipur’s ethnic violence,” NSWON said.
In the face of this tragedy, NSWON said it stands in absolute solidarity with the victims of the ethnic conflict in Manipur and extends its sympathies to all those affected. The organization emphasized the urgent need for louder slogans against rape and a commitment to respect the bodies, emotions, and well-being of women and girls.
NSWON called on all parties involved in the armed conflict to ensure humane treatment of women and girls. “Women and girls must be especially protected against rape and any other form of indecent assault and degrading treatment,” it maintained.