Imphal, December 07: It is universally known, from available records and public opinion, that instances of crimes against women like rape, molestation and killing after violating their feminine chastity are relatively higher in armed conflict zones.

It seems crimes against women are getting a kind of social sanction in armed conflict region.

The tiny State of Manipur in the eastern most corner of India is one such hot spots of the world where many women victims of the armed conflict induced crimes have been either killed or condemned to live with a permanent scar that would not be able to erase for the rest of their lives.

To control the armed conflict, the Government of India has imposed such black laws like the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958, thus giving unrestrained powers to the uniformed personnel in committing atrocities of various kinds on the people of the State.

Women are the worst sufferers and instances of rape, molestation and killing of women after violating their chastity have been on the rise with no hope for justice.

The incident of 1978 at Khullen in Ukhrul, the incident of 1986 at Ngaingu Village at Ukhrul; the incident of 1995 at Chandel, the incident of 1996 at Takyel Khongban, the incidents of 1998 at Keirenphabi as well as at Kakching, the incident of 2000 at Lamdan village, the incident of 2001 at Luwangshangbam Matai Village, the incident of 2003 at Uchathel in Jiribam, the incident of 2004 at Bamon Kampu and the incident of 2006 at Khangabok are just some of the events that would come to the mind of the people when we talk and discuss instances of crimes committed against women by the security personnel in the State.

On the other hand, under the cloak of freedom struggle, a handful of armed persons who could not treat women in the same way as one should treat one's mothers, sisters or mothers-in-law, are letting loose their criminal intention on the womenfolk of the State.

The incident of Nongmaikhong in 2004 and the incident of Sekmaijin and Andro in 2006 are just some instances of crimes committed against women by unidentified armed persons by taking advantage of the prevailing armed conflict.

In order to prevent crimes against women, laws have been enacted by the Government.

Under Section 376 of the Indian Penal Code, provisions have been included to punish a rapist.

Yet, in a conflict situation State like Manipur, apart from some instances of pulling up their own accused cadres and meting out punishment by the underground organisations which have been declared outlawed by the State, none of the security personnel responsible for committing crimes against women have been ever punished in accordance with the law of the land.

None of the inquiry commissions instituted to probe into cases of crimes on women by security personnel have never seen its logical conclusion.

Keeping aside the question of whether the perpetrators of the crimes against women have been given befitting punishment or not, the pertinent point that can be raised is about the plight of the victims who have been condemned to live a life of ignominy in a stigmatised society.

From the findings of an independent study conducted by The Sangai Express, one common refrain that came out from the mouth of such unfortunate women is 'after the loss of their self esteem and respect, they have been leading a life of seclusion from the prying eyes of the society waiting for their last moments'.

The women victims wished that no other woman should undergo the experience that they are going through.

They expressed desire for strengthening the NGOs and other social organisations working for the rehabilitation and welfare of victims of crimes against women so as to make the International Fortnight Observation Protesting Crimes Against Women more meaningful.

While drawing the attention of the authorities concerned of the security forces as well as of the armed underground organisations to ensure proper training of their respective cadres to respect human rights, the women victims also pleaded not to look down upon them with discriminatory attitude.

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