Opinion: Conflict and Women in Manipur
Need to go beyond addressing physical needs
Imphal, Dec 24: Manipur have seen much violence and turmoil since the 1950s. Secessionist movements and ethnic strife have kept life in Manipur unpredictable and violence-ridden.
While the entire communities suffer the consequences of armed conflict, women and girls are particularly affected because of their status in society and their sex. Health and education services and facilities are disrupted and local economies shattered.
Thiyam Gita, now 48, from Moirang Oksongbung, is still picking together the pieces that were shattered by armed violence.
One evening, back in January 2000, Gita was among the group of people gathered around a bonfire opposite Moirang Boys High School discussing the upcoming municipal election. Suddenly two jeeps filled with armed youths stopped there and asked for one man called Bokul to surrender to them.
The armed people assured that they will not attack anyone and even persuaded the women to bring along Bokul for a "talk". When the women, including Gita, were going towards the jeeps with Bokul, suddenly the group opened fire.
The first bullet hit Gita`s left elbow. She spent Rs 30,000 for treatment. Widowed with five children dependent on her, the incident left Gita physically less productive. She had to close her small kerosene shop at Moirang Market. At that time her children were too young to take her place. Now her eldest daughter is 20 years old.
Gita became a victim with nobody owning responsibility for rendering her unfit to support herself and her family economically. Her two daughters dropped out of school to do odd jobs to meet the needs of the family.
Though Gita is not physically displaced from her place, she lost access to the means which helped her run her family. The armed conflict in Manipur is leaving behind many more Gitas.
"They called themselves patriots but they did not have the courtesy and humanity to at least ask me how I am doing after their bullet hit me accidentally. Tell me why I should come out for any of their issues," said an angry Gita.
In the customary law, which is supreme in tribal societies, women are not allowed to enjoy equal economic rights with men. According to the UN Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement (1998), lack of economic opportunities and economic dependency on others lead to a host of complications.
It stated that economically dependent women and girls faced difficulties in leaving or avoiding risky relationships. Rampant poverty exposes women and girls to all types of exploitation, including trafficking.
The UN Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement stated that women and girls have fewer opportunities, lower status and less power and influence than men and boys-- all of which may be compounded by conflict. Women and girls generally have less control over income and assets and are more often subject to violence and intimidation.
Everyday is not a war in Manipur, yet many dependent people, especially women and children, are living like refugees. In conflict situations, the most visible displacement is the physical displacement of people from their habitat.
This is an issue which has been continuously highlighted and addressed to some extent. However in a low-intensity conflict situation like the one prevailing in Manipur, physical displacement might be not as significant as seen elsewhere. The vulnerability of civilians increases in such situations.
The question that arises is the need to go beyond addressing the visible physical displacement. Manipur at present is under a spell of invisible displacement where women and children are continuously forced to relocate themselves mentally and physically.
This might not show immediate results, but if this continues unchecked the coming generations will have to pay a heavy price.
Posted On: www.kanglaonline.com
Imphal, Dec 24: Manipur have seen much violence and turmoil since the 1950s. Secessionist movements and ethnic strife have kept life in Manipur unpredictable and violence-ridden.
While the entire communities suffer the consequences of armed conflict, women and girls are particularly affected because of their status in society and their sex. Health and education services and facilities are disrupted and local economies shattered.
Thiyam Gita, now 48, from Moirang Oksongbung, is still picking together the pieces that were shattered by armed violence.
One evening, back in January 2000, Gita was among the group of people gathered around a bonfire opposite Moirang Boys High School discussing the upcoming municipal election. Suddenly two jeeps filled with armed youths stopped there and asked for one man called Bokul to surrender to them.
The armed people assured that they will not attack anyone and even persuaded the women to bring along Bokul for a "talk". When the women, including Gita, were going towards the jeeps with Bokul, suddenly the group opened fire.
The first bullet hit Gita`s left elbow. She spent Rs 30,000 for treatment. Widowed with five children dependent on her, the incident left Gita physically less productive. She had to close her small kerosene shop at Moirang Market. At that time her children were too young to take her place. Now her eldest daughter is 20 years old.
Gita became a victim with nobody owning responsibility for rendering her unfit to support herself and her family economically. Her two daughters dropped out of school to do odd jobs to meet the needs of the family.
Though Gita is not physically displaced from her place, she lost access to the means which helped her run her family. The armed conflict in Manipur is leaving behind many more Gitas.
"They called themselves patriots but they did not have the courtesy and humanity to at least ask me how I am doing after their bullet hit me accidentally. Tell me why I should come out for any of their issues," said an angry Gita.
In the customary law, which is supreme in tribal societies, women are not allowed to enjoy equal economic rights with men. According to the UN Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement (1998), lack of economic opportunities and economic dependency on others lead to a host of complications.
It stated that economically dependent women and girls faced difficulties in leaving or avoiding risky relationships. Rampant poverty exposes women and girls to all types of exploitation, including trafficking.
The UN Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement stated that women and girls have fewer opportunities, lower status and less power and influence than men and boys-- all of which may be compounded by conflict. Women and girls generally have less control over income and assets and are more often subject to violence and intimidation.
Everyday is not a war in Manipur, yet many dependent people, especially women and children, are living like refugees. In conflict situations, the most visible displacement is the physical displacement of people from their habitat.
This is an issue which has been continuously highlighted and addressed to some extent. However in a low-intensity conflict situation like the one prevailing in Manipur, physical displacement might be not as significant as seen elsewhere. The vulnerability of civilians increases in such situations.
The question that arises is the need to go beyond addressing the visible physical displacement. Manipur at present is under a spell of invisible displacement where women and children are continuously forced to relocate themselves mentally and physically.
This might not show immediate results, but if this continues unchecked the coming generations will have to pay a heavy price.
Posted On: www.kanglaonline.com