Manipur to host UN International Conference from Sep 30 – Oct 1

Newmai News Network

Imphal | September 15

 

Governor of Manipur, Dr Najma Heptulla said that Manipur will host the United Nations International Conference to discuss the issues related to drug menace, HIV/AIDS problems in the region on September 30 and October 1.

 

She made this announcement at the 13th Foundation Day Celebration of the Manipur State Commission for Women held at Hotel Imphal on September 15.

 

The Governor said that delegates from around seven countries would be participating at the International Conference. The Governor then urged the Chief Minister of Manipur to invite the Home ministers of all the North Eastern States to the Conference "so that we can have a comprehensive policy to deal with such issues in the region".

 

Meanwhile, talking about the "atrocities such as molesting, gang-rape, sexual assault", the Governor said such cases have been alarmingly increasing in Manipur in the last few years.

 

The Governor also stated that all stakeholders belonging to different cross sections of the society are fighting as one to set right the wrongs against women.

 

She then opined that women also suffer from other debilitating challenges which put them at a serious disadvantage. HIV/AIDS infected mothers, sisters, widows and orphans are soft targets for social stigma and discrimination and various forms of related human rights violations, she added.

 

Dr Heptulla then stated that many women specific and women related legislations to protect women against social discrimination, violence and atrocities etc. have been enacted. However, the full implementation of such laws is still hindered or delayed due to lack of awareness of the existence of such legislations.

 

She then urged the Commission to explore the ways and means on how to eliminate all man-made social aberrations and means to prevent all crimes against women with the help of Law Enforcing Agencies of the State.

 

The Commission may also take up the issue of non-implementation of laws enacted to provide protection and also persevere to achieve the objectives of equality and development of women, she added.

 

Speaking at the gathering, Chief Minister of Manipur, N Biren Singh said that women of the State are at the forefront in various fields including sports. Highlighting that the State government has introduced many welfare schemes for women and is focused on women empowerment in the State, he stated that the present government is committed to uplift the lives of the women and encouraging women to live with dignity in the State.

 

Several women are being given key positions in various departments including DCs and SPs in the State, he added.

 

"Under the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the State government is giving special priority for girl students in educational institutions.

 

Women markets have been constructed in the hill districts of the State," Biren said. He also stated that a Fast Track Court to deal Crimes against Women has been established to accelerate delivery of justice. "Women Police Stations have been established in various districts of the State", he added.

 

Stating that rampant drug menace and alcoholism has huge adverse impact in our society, the Chief Minister appealed the mothers and women of the State to fight united to root out such problems from the State.

 

The dignitaries released a newsletter titled "Women News Horizon- Vol-III" during the function.

 

Member of National Commission for Women Soso Shaiza, Chairperson of Manipur State Commission for Women Professor Binota Meinam, former Chairpersons and members of Manipur State Commission for Women and others attended the function.