Swati Maliwal, the Chairperson of the Delhi Women’s Commission, has submitted a report about her visit to Manipur to President Draupadi Murmu. In her report, she mentioned that Manipur has been experiencing conflicts between different ethnic groups since May 2023. This has led to the loss of lives, destruction of homes and cultural sites, and the displacement of many families.
On July 23, Swati Maliwal, along with CWC member Vandana Singh, visited the districts of Churachandpur, Moirang, Kongpokpi, and Imphal which were affected by violence. They interacted with the victims and visited relief camps where they witnessed the terrible conditions the victims were living in. They also met women and girls from Manipur who had fled to Delhi due to the conflict. During their visit, they also met with Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey.
Swati Maliwal has requested President Draupadi Murmu to impose President’s Rule in Manipur and ask Chief Minister N. Biren Singh to resign. She has also asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his cabinet ministers to visit Manipur. Additionally, she has requested the establishment of three Special Investigation Teams (SITs).
The report also mentions allegations against the police forces for looting weapons, police inaction, and complicity in the violence. The Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) has urged the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to investigate cases of sexual violence outside of the state. Swati Maliwal suggests that the Manipur violence should be handled in a fast track court in Delhi.
The DCW has proposed the establishment of a hotline for reporting sexual violence, as it is frequently used as a weapon to humiliate and terrify vulnerable people in conflict zones. The report highlights the need for immediate action in establishing a helpline to encourage women to report abuse.
The DCW has provided various forms of assistance, such as counseling, nutritious food, clothing, medical aid, and sanitary napkins to support pregnant and lactating mothers and orphaned children. They have also suggested specialized care facilities for the elderly, disabled, and orphaned children in relief camps. The commission has proposed online lessons to ensure that students’ education is not affected by displacement. They have also requested admission to colleges in neighboring states for displaced students.
The committee has asked for civilian blockades of roadways in conflict-affected areas to be halted to allow for the uninterrupted flow of relief material. They have also called for free legal aid to Manipur residents who need judicial intervention urgently. Other recommendations include returning the bodies of those killed, setting up relief camps in other states for those who fled violence, lifting internet restrictions, and providing helicopter services to Aizawl, a neighboring city.
