22 kms from Imphal Irong Khunou is still in the stone age Bereft of all basic amenities

Irong Khunou in Wabagai A C an island like village situated at the border of Imphal West and Thoubal district surrounded by Imphal River and Thoubal River is still in the stone age era at a distance of only 22 km from Imphal Source Hueiyen News Service

Irong Khunou in Wabagai A C an island like village situated at the border of Imphal West and Thoubal district surrounded by Imphal River and Thoubal River is still in the stone age era at a distance of only 22 km from Imphal Source Hueiyen News Service

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NSCNK decries

The NSCN K or NSCN GPRN has strongly condemned the reported quit notice served on the Meeteis living in the Naga inhabited districts of Manipur by the so called Naga Crusaders recently Source The Sangai Express

The NSCN K or NSCN GPRN has strongly condemned the reported quit notice served on the Meeteis living in the Naga inhabited districts of Manipur by the so called Naga Crusaders recently Source The Sangai Express

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State government should make it clear to Centre on ‘alternative arrangement’ RB Koijam

State government should made it clear with the Centre about the ‘alternative arrangement’ in the proposal of UNC in the ensuing tripartite talk which is to be held between the Government of India, Manipur Government and UNC, said MLA Radhabinod Koijam …

State government should made it clear with the Centre about the ‘alternative arrangement’ in the proposal of UNC in the ensuing tripartite talk which is to be held between the Government of India, Manipur Government and UNC, said MLA Radhabinod Koijam today Source Hueiyen News Service

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Gaikhangam for ADC offices at district headquarters ADC completes 1 year in office

It’s high time civil societies, NGOs and public leaders join hands and work together to create a conducive atmosphere in which Autonomous District Councils can function from their respective district headquarters , stated MPCC president Gaikhangam …

It’s high time civil societies, NGOs and public leaders join hands and work together to create a conducive atmosphere in which Autonomous District Councils can function from their respective district headquarters , stated MPCC president Gaikhangam Source The Sangai Express

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‘Let’s conserve our rich traditions for future’

It’s high time to conserve the rich culture and tradition of the state for the future generation, said Sapam Bheigya, Superintendent State Archaeology today in a discussion function held at the Manipur Press Club Imphal Source Hueiyen News Service

It’s high time to conserve the rich culture and tradition of the state for the future generation, said Sapam Bheigya, Superintendent State Archaeology today in a discussion function held at the Manipur Press Club Imphal Source Hueiyen News Service

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Manipur tribal body seeks info on tribal subplan

All Manipur Tribal Union AMTU has filed a petition to the Chief Secretary seeking information on the tribal sub plan in Manipur and the discrepancy in its execution Source Hueiyen News Service Newmai News Network

All Manipur Tribal Union AMTU has filed a petition to the Chief Secretary seeking information on the tribal sub plan in Manipur and the discrepancy in its execution Source Hueiyen News Service Newmai News Network

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Manipur win it all – Calcutta Telegraph

Calcutta TelegraphManipur win it allCalcutta TelegraphImphal, June 26: Manipur claimed both the men's and women's titles of the 8th East Zone Baseball Championship held at Khuman Lampak sports complex. In a rain-drenched men's final, Manipu…


Calcutta Telegraph

Manipur win it all
Calcutta Telegraph
Imphal, June 26: Manipur claimed both the men's and women's titles of the 8th East Zone Baseball Championship held at Khuman Lampak sports complex. In a rain-drenched men's final, Manipur outplayed Assam by 12-2 runs to lift the champion's title,
Manipur emerges winner at east zone Baseball championshipKanglaOnline

all 4 news articles »

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Tribal body seeks info on tribal sub-plan – KanglaOnline

Tribal body seeks info on tribal sub-planKanglaOnlineIMPHAL, June 26 (Newmai News Network): All Manipur Tribal Union (AMTU) has filed a petition before the chief secretary of the state government seeking information on tribal sub-plan in Manipur and it…

Tribal body seeks info on tribal sub-plan
KanglaOnline
IMPHAL, June 26 (Newmai News Network): All Manipur Tribal Union (AMTU) has filed a petition before the chief secretary of the state government seeking information on tribal sub-plan in Manipur and its discrepancy in execution.

and more »

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Mantak crowned with first model drug free village tag – E-Pao.net

Mantak crowned with first model drug free village tagE-Pao.netImphal, June 26 2011: The All Manipur Anti-Drug Association (AMADA) has claimed that Mantak village, Kakching has become the first model drug free village in Manipur. Significantly the decla…

Mantak crowned with first model drug free village tag
E-Pao.net
Imphal, June 26 2011: The All Manipur Anti-Drug Association (AMADA) has claimed that Mantak village, Kakching has become the first model drug free village in Manipur. Significantly the declaration has come on the International Day Against Drug Abuse
Diesel auto rally marks International day against drug abuse and illicit KanglaOnline

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AIR Imphal News -26th June 2011 7.30 Evening

Source:- AIR Imphal; Recorded by:- KO in public interest.

AIR News 7.30 p.m Source:- AIR Imphal; Recorded by:- KO in public interest.

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Southern Nagaland NSCN/GPRN backs Khaplang – MorungExpress

Calcutta TelegraphSouthern Nagaland NSCN/GPRN backs KhaplangMorungExpressDimapur, June 26 (MExN): The National Socialist Council of Nagaland Khaplang group has condemned the quit notice served against Meiteis living in the Naga inhabited districts of M…


Calcutta Telegraph

Southern Nagaland NSCN/GPRN backs Khaplang
MorungExpress
Dimapur, June 26 (MExN): The National Socialist Council of Nagaland Khaplang group has condemned the quit notice served against Meiteis living in the Naga inhabited districts of Manipur by the “Naga Crusader's group” recently.
NSCN-K reaffirms its strengthCalcutta Telegraph
NSCN (K) seeks clarification from Naga crusadersKanglaOnline

all 14 news articles »

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NSF team reaches far corner of Tamenglong – MorungExpress

NSF team reaches far corner of TamenglongMorungExpressTamenglong | June 26 : The NSF on Sunday held a consultative meeting with the Naga frontal organisations of Tamenglong district, Manipur at Mini Indoor Stadium, Tamenglong seeking their opinions of …

NSF team reaches far corner of Tamenglong
MorungExpress
Tamenglong | June 26 : The NSF on Sunday held a consultative meeting with the Naga frontal organisations of Tamenglong district, Manipur at Mini Indoor Stadium, Tamenglong seeking their opinions of education reforms, socio-economic issues and the Naga

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NSF team reaches far corner of Tamenglong – MorungExpress

NSF team reaches far corner of TamenglongMorungExpressTamenglong | June 26 : The NSF on Sunday held a consultative meeting with the Naga frontal organisations of Tamenglong district, Manipur at Mini Indoor Stadium, Tamenglong seeking their opinions of …

NSF team reaches far corner of Tamenglong
MorungExpress
Tamenglong | June 26 : The NSF on Sunday held a consultative meeting with the Naga frontal organisations of Tamenglong district, Manipur at Mini Indoor Stadium, Tamenglong seeking their opinions of education reforms, socio-economic issues and the Naga

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Editorial – Threats to social security must not be spared – KanglaOnline

Editorial – Threats to social security must not be sparedKanglaOnlineThe recent news report published by a newspaper based in Nagaland of the so called ghost “Naga Crusaders” serving a quit notice to the general community from hill districts of M…

Editorial – Threats to social security must not be spared
KanglaOnline
The recent news report published by a newspaper based in Nagaland of the so called ghost “Naga Crusaders” serving a quit notice to the general community from hill districts of Manipur is one of the most irresponsible thing that a well established and
NSF team reaches far corner of TamenglongE-Pao.net
Chandel Nagas urge NSF to step into dismal edn systemMorungExpress

all 6 news articles »

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Why is the Government of Manipur afraid of the Tripartite Talk? – KanglaOnline

Why is the Government of Manipur afraid of the Tripartite Talk?KanglaOnlineThe spokesman of the Government of Manipur(GoM), Minister N. Biren has magnanimously stated that UNC(United Naga Council) is a civil organization of the state and for which the …

Why is the Government of Manipur afraid of the Tripartite Talk?
KanglaOnline
The spokesman of the Government of Manipur(GoM), Minister N. Biren has magnanimously stated that UNC(United Naga Council) is a civil organization of the state and for which the GoM will hear and address their demands in the interest of the State.
Ibobi govt pulls out of Naga meetCalcutta Telegraph
Ibobi opposes 'alternate arrangement' for NagasAssam Tribune

all 13 news articles »

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“Nothing can justify torture under any circumstances”

By Paonam Thoibi CASE 1…Tomba (name changed) was abducted by uniformed men late one night from his house. Three days later, his dead body was found somewhere with different clothes… Read more »

By Paonam Thoibi

CASE 1…Tomba (name changed) was abducted by uniformed men late one night from his house. Three days later, his dead body was found somewhere with different clothes and along with some bullets. …

CASE 2… Chaoba (name changed) didn’t return home since he went out with a friend for some tea at the local tea-stall. He reappeared some weeks later and related his ordeal in custody where he was kept blindfolded, tormented and tortured. He continues to live in fear now, avoiding everyone, and refusing help…

CASE 3…Debola (name changed) lives with three small children. Her husband was shot dead inside their bedroom by an unidentified gunman in front of her and her son. After the incident, she says that she has changed a lot. She is now easily frightened, gets startled and edgy most of the time…

These are happenings familiar to us all today in Manipur. The common element in all the three cases is a systematic and deliberate infliction of severe pain or punishment, even unto death, on a person over whom he or she has no physical control. Torture is hence outlined by the cases.

Torture is defined in the UN Convention against Torture as “any act by which severe pain or suffering, whether physical or mental, is intentionally inflicted on a person for such purposes as obtaining from him or a third person information or a confession, punishing him for an act he or a third person has committed or is suspected of having committed, or intimidating or coercing him or a third person, or for any reason based on discrimination of any kind, when such pain or suffering is inflicted by or at the instigation of or with the consent or acquiescence of a public official or other person acting in an official capacity.” But, social health researchers have offered a wider definition of torture as the systematic and deliberate infliction of severe pain or suffering on a person over whom the actor has no physical control, in order to induce a behavioural response from that person.

Torture is prohibited under international law, and the national laws of most countries. It is considered to be a barbaric violation of human rights, and is declared to be unacceptable. Torture is a global problem. The biggest world body, the UN, has repeatedly committed itself to fight torture, but inspite of this torture is still practiced in a large number of member states. Torture is often used as a weapon against democracy. It is no surprise, therefore, that it is the States that covet democratic ideals and principles who lead the present worldwide campaign against torture.

Torture is aimed at intentionally destroying the soul, identity and personality of a human being. Severe torture often leads to death, which can be also be intentional and not a mistake. It is committed with the knowledge and approval, tacit or otherwise, of the government. Mostly, torture is performed in detention settings and also publicly. It is often targeted to political workers, union/student leaders and members of ethnic/national minorities to ensure a state of repression and fear. Even the common man, women and the children are not spared. Torture is also meted out by armed opposition groups, which possess some characteristics of government.

In most of the cases, where torture is perpetrated by the authority, persons are picked up randomly and exposed to severe custodial violence ending with release or death of the victim. Methods of torture may vary, using both physical and mental methods separately or in combination. Commonly employed methods of torture are blind-folding, beatings with blunt instruments, electric or water (submarine) torture, burning with cigarettes or electrically heated bars, being hung up, limiting movements and being packed in a small cell, with poor sanitary access and any requests to use the toilet often denied and turned into pretexts of more torture, deprivation of human contact, sleep, food and life-saving drugs, etc., mock execution, forced witnessing of torture of near ones. Many victims are threatened with having to do or say things against his or her beliefs or convictions by attacking their fundamental identity, such as self-respect and self-esteem.

Torture is not only inhuman and unbearable; it results in serious physical after-effects. But worst of all are the psychological consequences it often results in, such as depression, anxiety, nightmares, feelings of changed personality, shame, guilt, low self-esteem, isolation, a deep mistrust in other people, impaired memory and concentration, headaches, sexual problems, fatigue and a severe impairment of a person’s normal functions. Survivors may not have similar after-effects of torture. However, survivors brutally traumatized are at the risk of developing severe and long-lasting problems, often feeling powerless, helpless and paralyzed. All their reactions are typical considering that they have been exposed to something very cruel, inhuman and abnormal, constituting a serious threat to their well-being and lives.

Medical professionals working to help torture victims in the 70s made an important discovery. Experiences of torture take time to be forgotten, but it is possible to “recreate” a meaningful life by overcoming the after-effects of torture. They have developed principles and techniques to heal a victim of torture covering the whole physical, psychological, social, legal and spiritual aspects of a person.

There are many national and international non-government torture treatment and rehabilitation centers today, which aim at responding as best as possible to the needs of the people who are affected.

Torture, like violence, is recognised today by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as an international public health problem. It is a hidden crime against humanity; and, like “the silence of the lambs”, the tortured suffer meekly in solitude, silence and shame. We would not be mistaken in saying that torture happens every day. The prevention of torture can only become a reality when torture is exposed and the world becomes aware about the practice of torture, its methods, who the perpetrators are, and what the ill-effects of torture can be.

Torture does not happen in vacuum. The socio-political context and the availability of tools and techniques for inflicting pain rely on a failure of political will. If the governments of the world had the political will to stop torture they could do so.

As a legal attempt to prevent torture, the United Nations adopted a Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment on 10th December, 1984. The Convention required that states should take effective measures to prevent torture within their borders, and forbids states to return people to their home country if there is reason to believe they will be tortured. The government of India signed the UN Convention in 1997 but has not as yet ratified it till date exposing its lack of political will and hypocrisy regarding its lofty democratic claims.

Nobel Peace Prize laureates, the likes of Kofi Annan and Sandrine Salerno, Mayor of Geneva, formally signed the “Nothing can justify torture under any circumstances” Manifesto on 23 June 2010 to launch an international campaign to alert everyone to the dangers which a society that tolerates torture risks.

“…….Security, the right to a decent social and economic life, [political] and cultural freedom belong to every member of society. They not only belong to innocent people whose dignity and freedom are inviolable by the state and who must be guaranteed respect for their physical, mental and moral being, but also to offenders who should expect to be judged by independent courts where penalties are defined by law. These rights also belong to the police and judiciary, who have the duty of building a safe society by such legitimate means as are worthy of their professions. They belong to victims, who must renounce vengeance in their demands for justice and compensation. They belong to women, who in their domestic and professional lives must be confident that they will be given equal treatment with men. They belong to indigenous and ethnic minorities who also enjoy the same rights as any other members of the human family. They belong to the poor, for it is no crime to struggle for a better life. They belong to migrants and displaced people looking for the security denied them in their home countries. They belong to those who defend human rights, whose efforts deserve recognition and support; for any infringement of their rights affects the rights of the victims they defend. Finally these rights belong to society as a whole, where no progress is possible without the individual and collective belief that we can create a world in which such rights are guaranteed to everyone…….”

The UN has marked June 26th as the International Day in Support of Survivors and Victims of Torture. Each year both the government and non-governmental bodies are expected join hands to denounce torture. They must reach out to the victims and survivors of torture to help them cope with the after effects and trauma of the torture they had underwent, survived or witnessed. This year, as we pay homage to the victims who succumbed to torture, the day signifies the world’s commitment to help the survivors rebuild their broken lives.

(Author is a Client Service Professional and Clinical Psychologist at the Human to Humane Transcultural Centre for Torture and Trauma (H2H), Lamphelpat. Contact her at h2h.inform AT gmail.com)

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Editorial – Threats to social security must not be spared

Leader Writer: Leivon Jimmy The recent news report published by a newspaper based in Nagaland of the so called ghost “Naga Crusaders” serving a quit notice to the general community… Read more »

Leader Writer: Leivon Jimmy

The recent news report published by a newspaper based in Nagaland of the so called ghost “Naga Crusaders” serving a quit notice to the general community from hill districts of Manipur is one of the most irresponsible thing that a well established and reputed media house had done.

Manipur as we all know is fragile state where sense of division is prevailing under the skin with influences from many megalomaniacs, ready to sacrifice others to propagate its principle for the shake of power.

Under such circumstances committing an error that could jeopardize the tranquility of communal harmony and cost huge damage, is a disappointment for the media fraternity especially when it is very irrelevant and easily avoidable topic sent by a ‘ghost’ from the other side of the world. It is a universal fact that “to err is human” and no body is perfect. But the error here was apparently immature and moreover ignorant of the ground reality of Manipur.

Fortunately the issue has passed off peacefully for the time being thanks to the matured approached of many civil bodies who echoed message of peace and harmony.

A big round of applause should be given to the All Manipur Working Journalist Union (AMWJU). Considering the sensitivity of the situation it has swiftly acted to stone wall the further escalation of the issue by taking initiative to clear the doubt with highlighting what it has been informed as unintentional error besides bringing the so called “Naga Crusaders” to the notice of the people of its existence who currently seem to be in stealth mode.

The so called “Naga Crusader” has paved way for many opportunists. The most crucial moments has arrived for the people to be alert and aware ever than before. Taking due advantage to the unstable relation between of the two neighboring state in the wake of the prolonged and unofficial boundary issue, the time is ripe for witching hour.

Curiosity has now griped the mind of people. By now there may be hundreds odd questions wanting to be answered whether the recent act has anything to do with political implication, or instigation and what not? This curiosity is also another apprehension of intoxicating with unhealthy stress.

By and large it is the now the much required duty of the concerned authorities to regulate some extra careful measures before thing gets out of grip. At the same time, various civil bodies, social leaders must assist in the venture to prevent unwanted menace at their own capacity.

The first and foremost thing that needs to be done is to find out the perpetrator behind the unhealthy act. If required an enquiry should be executed to the matter and booked the perpetrator under the law for intimidating the security of two state and exemplary action must be taken against them and no one should be spared.

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Why is the Government of Manipur afraid of the Tripartite Talk?

The spokesman of the Government of Manipur(GoM), Minister N. Biren has magnanimously stated that UNC(United Naga Council) is a civil organization of the state and for which the GoM will… Read more »

The spokesman of the Government of Manipur(GoM), Minister N. Biren has magnanimously stated that UNC(United Naga Council) is a civil organization of the state and for which the GoM will hear and address their demands in the interest of the State. Well said. But in the very next breath he interprets the democratic process of tripartite talk of the Government of Manipur(GoM), Government of India(GoI) and the UNC on the demand for Alternative Arrangement as a bipartite talk and not a tripartite one as the GoI is only an observer.

What Minister Biren interprets now according to the convenience of the GoM cannot change the fact that the tripartite talk was initiated by the Hon’ble Union Home Minister and not because the UNC desired it. The tripartite talk, it may be noted is now in its 3rd round, with the first having taken place on 21st September, 2010 at Delhi and the second on the 3rd December, 2010 at Senapati. The invitation of the GoM to UNC for a round table talk on 3rd August, 2010 and also invitation for talk with a ministerial team of GoM on the 7th August, 2010 was rejected as the Nagas in Manipur had declared severance of political ties with the GoM. Let it be clear that there can be no bipartite talk between the GoM and the UNC.

In the talk earlier scheduled for the 30th of May, 2011 the GOM had announced a ministerial team to represent it just as it was also given out officially in respect of the 3rd December, 2010 tripartite talk held at Tahamzam(Senapati). The former was unceremoniously deferred and the latter saw the GoM represented only by the Chief Secretary and Senior bureaucrats. This time around, for the 30th June, 2011 which is yet to be officially confirmed by the GoI, the GOM Cabinet has decided that the Chief Secretary and the Home Commissioner would represent the GoM.

Therefore the moot point is why is the GoM shying away from the tripartite talk? Is it really concerned about the territorial integrity of Manipur State? If so, are the Chief Secretary and Senior bureaucrats being empowered to take political position in the tripartite talk ? Or does it mean that the GoM has nothing material to respond to the Memorandum of the UNC demand which is now in the public domain and the Chief Secretary and Senior bureaucrats being sent again, as in the tripartite talk of 3rd December, 2010 just to state that the territorial integrity of Manipur cannot be disturbed, which is an unconstitutional position.

The press statement reported in the 22nd June, 2011 edition of a Dimapur based paper, purported to have been issued by a fictitious group “Naga Crusader” asking Meities to leave the hills of Manipur is highly suspect. That there is grave potential for communal confrontation and violence in Manipur is a fact and it has been like that for quite some time. But using such dirty and dangerous tricks to derail the democratic process of dialogue speaks volume of those organizations and their paymasters, who are against the tripartite talk

The demand for an alternative arrangement outside the state of Manipur has no mysticism, veiled agenda or confusion and the Indian Constitution provides for alternative arrangements to accommodate the political aspirations of the people. It is the birthright of all people to have their rights to life, land and resources and their culture, customary practices and value system protected by law founded under democracy. And the movement for securing the Alternative Arrangement, which is totally legitimate, both morally and legally, must be supported by all right thinking persons, be they of the Imphal valley or of the tribal hills or those Nagas who till now have chosen to curry favour from the oppressive and communal GOM.

Dr. Kateipfona
Christian Colony,
Senapati District H.Q., – 795106, Manipur
e-mail : nagavoices AT rediffmail.com

Posted: 2011-06-26

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Militants continues to target innocent civilians in Manipur – DailyIndia.com

Militants continues to target innocent civilians in ManipurDailyIndia.comImphal, June 26: Insurgent outfits in Manipur are repeatedly targeting innocent people for no reason. These attacks have not only created a fear physchosis in their minds, but als…

Militants continues to target innocent civilians in Manipur
DailyIndia.com
Imphal, June 26: Insurgent outfits in Manipur are repeatedly targeting innocent people for no reason. These attacks have not only created a fear physchosis in their minds, but also hampered their development. On June 15, unidentified assailants shot

and more »

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Meeting Three Women Nobel Peace Laureates

By: Binalakshmi Nepram It is not everyday that one meets a Nobel Laureate. Imagine having to not just meet but work with not one but three, and that too for… Read more »

By: Binalakshmi Nepram
It is not everyday that one meets a Nobel Laureate. Imagine having to not just meet but work with not one but three, and that too for three consecutive days.

It was an opportunity of a lifetime and a blessing to have met three outstanding women who have won the Nobel Peace Prize. Shirin Ibadi from Iran who won 2003 Nobel Peace Prize, Jody Williams from USA who won 1997 Nobel Peace Prize and Mairead Corrigan Maguire, from Northern Ireland who won the same in 1976.

These three outstanding women were joined by 120 equally remarkable women from 33 countries in a beautiful place called Montebello, Canada for a period of three days, a place in Quebec where G 7 leaders such as George Bush and others besides NATO used to meet. They were women activists, academics, security experts, corporate leaders, and Nobel Peace Laureates who all came together to forge a new security, and a future free of sexual violence in conflict at an international conference convened by Nobel Women’s Initiative, 23 to 25 May 2011 titled, ” Women Forging a New Security: Ending Sexual Violence in Conflict”.

I was given 10 minutes to speak on Manipur at this memorable forum. I was told, I will not be given a second more. Realising the responsibility of having been given this forum, I meditated in front of the majestic Ottawa River for a full 45 minuted before I spoke. And when I got on the dais to speak on 23 May 2011, I carried the voice of hundreds of thousands of women from Manipur and other conflict areas of India who could not be there in Montebello. I spoke exactly for 10 minutes at the end of which a thunderous round of applause happened followed by a standing ovation, the impact of which could be felt in twitter world. It was then I knew I told the story of hardship of my forgotten people from my heart, in honesty and sincerity to the world who does not even know that we exist. Hundreds of women came forth and gave their support for Manipur. It was a powerful yet a touching moment.

And later under the skillful guidance of 2003 Nobel Laureate Shirin Ibadi, we drafted the Montebello Declaration calling upon Government of India, Manipur, other Northeast states and non-state armed groups to come together for peaceful resolution of ongoing conflict and to end all forms of violence against women.

Commemorating Global Week of Action Against Gun Violence

I came back from Montebello to India’s summer heat, best experienced in its capital, New Delhi. Immediately upon my return, our team started preparing for the Global Week of Action Against Gun Violence that was observed from 13 to 19th June 2011. A week where we remember the loss of lives in the continuing gun violence in our part of the world. We knew the importance of this week especially as 12 Indians are shot dead every day due to gun violence, which means 5000 Indians are killed each year due to gun violence. Back home in Manipur, 3 to 4 people are shot dead at an average every single day, making Manipur a land of conflict tombs and wailing families, a phenomena we confront everyday due to the very nature of our work. Way back in 2001, United Nations had declared that 500,000 people are killed each year around the world due to small arms and called upon countries to address the problem but even after 10 years of UN action, lives continue to be lost either in Manipur or in Guatemala. To let governments and people remember the need to work to stem this problem, we at Control Arms Foundation of India and Manipur Women Gun Survivors Network organized five events all over India namely in Nagaland, Manipur, Kerala, Jammu & Kashmir and in New Delhi. Students in Nagaland University wrote essays lamenting the emergence of gun violence in Nagaland, landmine survivors in Kashmir took out a rally, a panel discussion was held in New Delhi and hundreds of women gun violence survivors met in Imphal, Manipur during this week.

Historic Imphal Declaration on Ending Armed Violence and Providing Victim Assistance

On 16th June 2011, as a part of the Global Week of Action Against Gun Violence, I reached Imphal, Manipur’s capital in preparation of a community conference that saw a historic gathering of hundreds of women survivors of gun violence in Manipur along with noted women leaders, rights activists, media and reputed lawyers of Manipur. Like any other meeting, the crowd gathered, speakers started their presentations which threw light on the problems of Manipur and the struggle that women and children are having after five decades of conflict. What made the meeting unique and historic was the way in which broke the “official protocol” of meetings – not set, somber presentations with “power points” but the loud heart wrenching cries of several widows who were gathered there who did not make presentation but their presence and their subdued cries that filled the room were powerful enough for us to let us know the urgency of responding to a humanitarian crisis that is looming over Manipur. After a day of deliberation, we adopted the historic Imphal Declaration on 17th June 2011. The Imphal Declaration called upon all parties of the armed conflict to recognize the humanitarian crisis that has besieged Manipur in terms of massive loss of lives; to all parties of the conflict to come together for a peaceful resolution of the Manipur conflict before further lives are lost; to recognize the important and leadership role that women in Manipur are taking on making humanitarian disarmament meaningful and called upon implementing United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security and the inclusion of victim assistance as a soul to the work of the United Nations arms treaty that is currently been negotiated at the United Nations in New York.

This was in our own humble way one of the little journeys we undertook to bring Manipur to the world and the world to Manipur.

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