Seminar on gender based violence and mitigation of racial discrimination held

TURA, July 03: In possibly a first for the Garo Hills, a seminar targeting awareness about gender based violence, mitigation of racial discrimination with a focus on sexual violence in conflict areas was held in Tura on Saturday.

The seminar was led by noted social activist Binalakshmi Nepram, the secretary general of Control Arms Foundation of India (CAFI) in association with North East India Women Initiative for Peace (NIWIP) and was attended by victims from across the region. Neha Naqvi, the project coordinator for Wlthunderhilfe, India was also a part of the seminar as well one of the speakers during the seminar.

Nepram is also the founder of the Manipur Women Gun Survivor Network (MWGSN) which has been fighting cases of fake encounters as well supporting Manipuri women and children affected by the conflict.

After an introductory session, the gathering sought to listen to testimonials from victims while also offering solutions to the victims.
 “For most of us this is our first visit to the Garo Hills region and we are moved by the stories we have listened to today. We would like to work with like-minded individuals to help victims of all forms of violence and are happy with the support we have received from local activists. We are not here to cause further problems but to help those that face problems,” said Binalakhsmi at the seminar.
 “You are all survivors and not victims and should look at yourself that way,” she further added.

Detailing the motive for the seminar, the activists explained laws related to acts in the IPC to deal with violence as well as how to go about fighting for justice.

“Sexual violence is not only on women. There are boys who are sodomized as well though most cases are not reported. Understanding such acts is one step towards ensuring it can be stopped” she said.

Victims expressed problems they faced in the face of being provided compensation for their suffering as well as the judicial system and its costs.

“Cases in Garo Hills keep getting transferred to the GHADC from the Sessions Court if the parties are tribals. This sometimes dilutes the justice system. It would be extremely helpful if a bench of the High Court could also be set up in Tura as the costs involved in going to Shillong to fight cases is high and most victims despite being denied justice are not able to appeal further,” said one of the victims, a demand that the seminar participants have decided to pursue.

Cases of fake AYUSH doctors also came up with a member of the Mother’s Union Dalu raising the issue after two AYUSH doctors were terminated from the Dalu CHC after complaints were made. Similar cases were also detected earlier in East and North Garo Hills.
The seminar participants further promised to work together to help victims of conflict with a section of the participants from Garo Hills promising to work with the social activists from outside the state.

The seminar was also attended by NGOs of Tura including the AYWO, AYC as well as social activist Jaynie Sangma along with other residents of the town.