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 ...