It accused political leaders of undermining the collective spirit of Manipuri women in addressing critical national issues. Furthermore, it claimed that these leaders have manipulated women, creating divisions among them and using them to safeguard their personal interests.
TFM Desk
Acknowledging the cultural, social, economic, and political contributions of women throughout history, the CorCom has extended its greetings to the womenfolk of Manipur on the occasion of International Women’s Day.
In a press statement issued by its publicity committee, CorCom stated the theme for this year’s International Women’s Day, ‘Accelerate Action,’ emphasizes the need to expedite all measures aimed at achieving gender equality. It underscored the necessity of assessing the relevance of this theme to the status of women in Manipur.
The statement highlighted the continued suppression of women in contemporary Manipur, alleging that powerful and influential men have conspired to weaken the unity of women. It accused political leaders of undermining the collective spirit of Manipuri women in addressing critical national issues. Furthermore, it claimed that these leaders have manipulated women, creating divisions among them and using them to safeguard their personal interests.
While International Women’s Day took shape in Europe in 1908, Manipuri women had already risen against British colonial rule in 1904 during the First Nupi Lan (Women’s War), followed by the Second Nupi Lan in 1939. These historic uprisings, along with the Meira Paibi movement that began in 1980, represent women’s resistance against colonialism. Unlike women’s movements in other parts of the world that prioritize gender equality, the primary focus of Manipuri women’s movements has been the fight against external domination, CorCom stated.
The organization questioned the relevance of fundamental rights in a colonized nation, citing widespread instances of rape, killings, and the growing number of ‘half widows’—women whose husbands have disappeared—since 1980. This phenomenon, it said, has been further exacerbated by the ongoing proxy war that erupted on May 3, 2023.
CorCom described internal colonialism as a modern form of oppression, where a nation appears to be free while its people are deprived of meaningful rights. Elections, though held periodically, are not genuine, and the government, despite its portrayal as democratic, functions as a fascist regime, it alleged. It further accused the government of creating divisions among the people and suppressing women who resist these injustices.
While International Women’s Day may be a celebration in Europe and America, in Manipur, it remains an integral part of the ongoing women’s struggle against oppression, CorCom asserted. The statement criticized the practice of offering financial incentives to women for electoral participation, fostering a culture of dependency rather than self-sufficiency.
Freedom and equality, considered the cornerstones of democracy, do not exist in Indian democracy, CorCom alleged, describing colonialism as its soul and fascism as its body.
The ongoing violence and communal conflict have forced women to protest on the streets and guard peripheral areas day and night. The economic impact has been severe, with around 10,000 hectares of paddy fields left uncultivated due to the unrest. CorCom accused the Government of India of remaining silent while roads and highways remain blocked, inflicting a severe economic blow on women, particularly those from poorer families.
Reaffirming its commitment to fighting all forms of oppression and harassment against Manipuri women, CorCom pledged to continue its struggle for their rights. It called upon all sections of society to unite with firm determination in the fight for women’s freedom and justice.