National Desk, 23rd July: Chief of the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW), Swati Maliwal, has made accusations against the Manipur government, saying that they have refused to give her permission to travel there and speak with victims of sexual assault. Maliwal, who was supposed to travel to Manipur on July 23, expressed regret over the choice, highlighting her sincere desire to stand by and help those who are being victimised by the continuing ethnic conflict in the state.
In a communication to the Manipur government on July 21, Maliwal conveyed her desire to visit the strife-torn state following the emergence of a distressing video. The video showed two women being paraded naked by members of a rival community, evoking widespread condemnation and concern.
“I wrote to the Manipur Govt that I want to visit the state and meet the survivors of sexual assault. I have received a letter from the Manipur Govt where they have suggested me to postpone my visit as the law and order situation in the state is not good. I only want to visit Manipur to help the victims. I am appealing to the State Govt to allow me to visit Manipur and arrange my visit to the relief camps where these victims are staying,” Maliwal stated.
Maliwal had already urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a letter dated July 20 to act quickly on the issue. Her goal was to evaluate the situation in Manipur and put together a thorough fact-finding report to help the victims and bring attention to their suffering.
Expressing her dismay, Maliwal took to Twitter to share her frustration, stating, “After telling me I can come to Manipur, Government has taken a U-turn and suddenly denied permission to me. This is shocking and absurd. Why canโt I meet survivors of sexual violence? I have already booked my tickets after discussing with them. Why try and stop me?” Her tweet was directed to Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh and the state police.
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