(a) whether the National Commission for Women has visited the State of Manipur after the recent atrocities on women;
(b) if so, the recommendation of the Commission of normalizing the situation; and
(c) the steps the Government proposes to take to prevent atrocities by the Para Military Forces against women?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI S. REGUPATHY)
(a): The National Commission for Women had visited the State of Manipur from 19th to 21st September 2004.
(b): A summary of recommendations made by the Commission in their report is annexed.
(c): Detailed `DOs` and `DON`Ts` for the Army personnel and Central Para Military Forces` personnel, while providing aid to civil authorities, have been laid down by the Army Headquarters. The Security Forces personnel are bound to follow these guidelines while dealing with insurgency in Manipur and other parts of North Eastern region. In cases where abuse of powers is established, action against the concerned Armed forces personnel is taken as per the law.
ANNEXURE
SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS MADE BY THE NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR WOMEN IN THEIR REPORT OF VISIT TO MANIPUR
(i) Justice: That is the paramount desideratum. The State stands for justice to its citizens and when large sections of them feel aggrieved by certain incidents, however isolated, the State must ensure that justice shall be delivered.
(ii) Human Rights: Whatever the decision on the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, there can be no justification for not complying with the guidelines on the exercise of these powers. Not only are many of the safeguards implicit in the provisions themselves, on the basis of the principles of natural justice and the worth and dignity of the individual, detailed DO’S and DON’TS have been laid down by the Army Headquarters. It is the failure on the part of the Army authorities to observe, and on the part of the Government to enforce, these guidelines which has brought the situation to the present sorry pass.
(iii) Consultation: The link between the governors and the governed needs to be re-informed by seeking popular representation in decision-making at all levels. This consultation is most vital because however mighty may be the State, its strength drives from the willing and spontaneous loyalty of the citizens. The present stand-off between the Central Government and the local people and their organizations needs to be resolved in such a manner that it becomes a win-win situation for both. Now may be the best time to take fresh initiatives from both sides.
(iv) Co-operation: The Governemnt should explore avenues for sharing responsibility with the people’s organizations for the security and for dealing with terrorist and insurgent elements.
(v) Development: Since development is the ultimate antidote to discontent and disaffection, the Government must press on with speedy economic development with the stress on sharing its fruits as widely as possible. It is well-known that in Manipur, as in other trouble-spots, the underground recruits its volunteers from the ranks of the unemployed youth who feel frustrated and hence alienated because the economic system does not offer them opportunities of a reasonable livelihood.