Lamka, June 02: The champions on the alleged mass rape issue of Hmar women of Tipaimukh, Hmar Women Association have highlighted the cause of their fight to the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Thursday last. Accompanied by a memo, JL Sawmi, President of the HWA is said to have apprised the first citizen, APJ Abdul Kalam of the plight of the raped and molested women of Tipaimukh.

Kalam, according to the HWA representative, has assured of all assistance in providing justice to the rape victims.

The President also assured that he would seek an appraisal and discuss the matter with the Union Home Ministry during their course of meeting. The HWA memo accused the State Government of being biased and indifferent in dealing with the alleged mass rape issue.

Despite the institution of a commission to investigate the matter and subsequent assurances given by the Chief Minister - vide U.O.No.1/25/2007-CM - to release Rs 1 lakh each to the twenty seven rape victims who testified before the Rajkhowa Commission, no report has ever been made nor any form of action initiated to fulfil the promise till today, alleged the memo. �The perpetrators, the UNLF and the KCP as well as the State Govt are equally responsible for the gross human sufferings that also resulted in the maiming and killing of villagers by landmines, forced displacement due to terrorization, and other dire situations that still continue unabated� said the memorandum adding �The response and attitude of the Government of Manipur affirms that it is colluding with the militants in its governance.� HWA through its memo, also urged the President to ask the State Government for the immediate release of Rajkhowa Commission�s report, release of Rs 1 lakh to the 27 victims as promised, counselling and trauma camp for the rape and sexually molested victims, to provide financial assistance of Rs 5 lakhs and training facilities to the rape victims as a long-term remedial approach.

In addition, it wants the State Government to be responsible and sensitive to the plights of its citizens and safeguard the rights and dignity of girls and women.

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