Women Action for Development (WAD) has strongly condemned the alleged physical assault and inhuman act inflicted on a 65-year-old woman, Ningthoujam Mangolnganbi Devi, who is a resident of Tera Khuraijam Leirak, Imphal West. In view of it, WAD expressed concern over the safety of girls and women in the state.
WAD stated that on September 4 at about 8:30 pm, one Haobijam Babuchouba Singh of Tera Sapam Leirak, came drunk to the place where Mangolnganssbi was selling fish by the roadside of Tera Lukram Leirak Machin.
Babuchouba Singh, who is serving as a sub-Inspector of Telecom (Wireless) Department, government of Manipur, started abusing Mangolnganbi and physically assaulted her. The other vendors tried to stop the assault but in vain. The assault must have lasted about 15 minutes, WAD said, adding that Mangolnganbi sustained severe injuries due to the physical assault inflicted on her and was admitted at a hospital.
It is unfortunate that a man, who is serving for the state Home Department, has committed such a crime on an aged woman, who is a widow and earning for her family, by kicking on her shoulder thus leading to severe injuries on her neck, chest and a broken bone.
WAD questioned the government as to how a person, who is for the protection of the people, could commit such a horrific act on a senior citizen. Stating that even senior citizens are not spared, WAD expressed doubt over the safety and future of girls and young women in the state.
It is the need of the hour for all citizens to come together and fight against such horrific and inhuman acts committed by the police, WAD stated.
WAD informed that when their team rushed to the spot and enquired, the family of the victim informed them that the doctor advised Mangolnganbi to take rest and stop working for three months. This is very unfortunate for the family as the victim is the sole bread earner of the family, WAD added.
WAD has also called on the governor and the chief minister of Manipur to intervene in the matter.
In connection with the matter, WAD filed a complaint with the Manipur Human Rights Commission (MHRC) seeking for directing the police to register an FIR and ensure prompt, thorough and impartial investigation.
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