Imphal, March 01: The All Women's Association, Churachandpur District, which includes the Hmar Women's Association, Kuki Women's Union, Zomi Mother's Association and the Mizo People's Convention (Women's wing) have come out strongly against the alleged rape of girls at Tipaimukh sub-division by cadres of an underground outfit.

Contending that 21 tribal girls have been raped, the Association in a statement today said that Tipaimukh sub-division had been occupied by a militant group from November 2005 till February 2006. Apart from collecting taxes in cash and kind and physical torture, planting landmines and other atrocities, the militants raped women, some as young as 13 years old, claimed the Association.

The heinous crime was committed with such impunity that the victims feel guilty and develop denial syndrome, said the statement and added that fear of reprisals from the perpetrator and stigmatization discouraged the victims from pouring out their grievances.

Some victims who were in need of medical attention started approaching the NGOs, said the statement and added that even today, only a few have coughed up the courage to recount their ordeal.

Timely intervention of the NGOs and the giving whatever medicine it can give coupled with counselling have given some consolation to the victims, asserted the Association.

Strongly condemning the atrocities perpetrated on the women, the Association said that shared the grief and pain of the victimised villagers of Tipaimukh and Thanlon sub-divisions.

The Association has also appealed to all to extend their support and help to the villagers.

Twenty one young girls ranging from the age of 13 to 24 have come forward to give their names and recount their ordeal, said the statement but added that unfortunately no married women have forward at the time of issuing the statement.

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