Imphal, November 25: As in other parts of the world, the fortnight-long campaign to stop violence against women has begun under the aegis of Women Action for Development (WAD) in Manipur from today.

The inaugural function of the campaign which would continue till December 12 under the theme 'Lets protect the rights of women and children to safety' was held at the conference hall of CDS Imphal.

Giving the key note address, WAD secretary M Subita noted that the observance of the fortnight-long campaign is relevant in a conflict State like Manipur as the womenfolk here are more vulnerable and subjected to various forms of violence.

The main objective of the observance is to spread awareness among the people and to stop rising trend of committing violence against women and children alike.

Artistes of Song and Drama Division would be touring all the districts of Manipur to stage street plays on related themes like nature of violence committed on women in the society, how women victims can protect themselves, on their legal rights, how to lodge complaint to the police and steps to be taken up by a rape victim, etc during the observance.

Apart from this panel discussion on the issue will be held.

The discussion would be telecast on the local cable TV network along with spot interview of many people and sensitisation programmes through media have also been planned.

Subita further informed that 38 cases of violence against women have been officially reported in Manipur during January to June this years.

This include five rape cases, eight killing, six suicide, one attempted rape and molestation, six missing and seven others lodged public complaints, she said.

While pointing out that all these 38 cases are based on the reports published in the newspapers, Subita added that WAD received as man as 60 cases which have not been reported in the media during the same period.

Most of the speakers who shared their thoughts on the occasion stressed on the need for proper conduct of the post-mortem of the cases related to violent crimes against women as well as on speedy trial of the cases.

Along with a call for concerted efforts to stop crimes against women in the family, school, work place, etc, the speakers also urged the law enforcing agencies in particular to respect the provisions given in the various Acts enacted by the Government for protecting the rights of the women.

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