Despite the alleged denial of permission by the Manipur state government, Swati Maliwal, the chief of the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW), has asserted her determination to travel to strife-torn Manipur. She intends to interact with survivors of sexual violence in the region. On Sunday, Ms. Maliwal shared a tweet stating that she has written to Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh, seeking an urgent meeting during her visit to Imphal, scheduled for noon. While the Manipur government recommended that she postpone her visit due to the prevailing law and order situation, she decided to proceed with her plans and requested the Chief Minister to join her in visiting the sexual assault survivors.
Swati Maliwal also shared a letter addressed to the Manipur Chief Minister, urging him to facilitate her visit without causing any trouble for the state government. In the letter, she expressed her intention to discuss the issues of human rights violations and sexual assault cases occurring in Manipur, especially concerning the welfare of Manipuri women seeking refuge in Delhi. She requested the Chief Minister’s support in visiting violence-affected relief camps where the victims of sexual assault are currently residing. She assured him of her commitment to support the Manipur Government’s efforts in safeguarding the rights and dignity of women and girls in the state.
The DCW chief expressed her deep concern over the video of inhuman atrocities against women and girls in Manipur, which has shocked the nation. She emphasized her desire to ascertain their well-being and provide the necessary support. Although Ms. Maliwal had initially received assurances from the Manipur Police and the Joint Secretary (Home) for necessary support during her visit, she later received an email requesting her to consider postponing the trip due to the prevailing law and order situation in the state.
Notably, Manipur Police has arrested five men and apprehended a juvenile in connection with the May 4 incident where two women were paraded naked in Kangpokpi district of the state.