WAD highlights alarming rise in gender-based in Manipur

Women Action for Development (WAD) observed that November 25 marked the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, which also begins the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence leading up to International Human Rights Day on December 10. The organisation stated that this year’s global theme, “Unite to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls,” underscored the urgency of addressing online abuse, privacy violations, cyber harassment, and exploitation faced by women and girls.
In a statement issued by WAD Secretary Sobita Mangsatabam said that Manipur had also witnessed a significant rise in digital violence, with women, young girls, and social media users increasingly exposed to online threats. It expressed concern that the prevailing conflict in the state had intensified various forms of violence against women and children, pointing out that such incidents had become alarmingly frequent.
According to WAD, many women and minors residing in relief camps were experiencing insecurity due to poor living conditions and lack of basic amenities.
The organisation mentioned that domestic violence, suicides, human trafficking, exploitation, and restricted access to reproductive health services had become major issues. It stated that inadequate sanitation facilities in relief camps further worsened the hardships faced by women and girls.
Citing local newspaper reports, WAD informed that a total of 98 cases of violence and crime against women and children were recorded between January and October 2025. These included nine cases of rape, 18 cases of molestation, 15 murders, 12 missing cases, seven suicides, eight incidents of sexual assault under POCSO, and four delivery-related deaths, along with several cases of attempted rape, trafficking, assault, medical negligence, and suspected deaths.
The organisation highlighted several recent incidents that reflected the deteriorating situation. It referred to the death of Dr. Rita of Yaiskul Chingakham Leirak on October 13, which it described as suspicious and questioned the circumstances involving police personnel. WAD also recalled the death of 35-year-old Matouleibi of Malom Makha Leikai, who was found in a local pond in March, and the death of 19-year-old Thingnam Roshni of Umathel Awang Leikai, discovered in a pond on May 2. It noted that allegations had surfaced regarding irregularities during the post-mortem process in Roshni’s case.
WAD said the increasing number of crimes, violence against women, and suicide cases indicated that such incidents were becoming normalised in society, which it described as a dangerous trend. It questioned how Manipur could achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goal 5 on gender equality by 2030 under the current circumstances.
The organisation appealed to the Governor of Manipur, concerned authorities, and civil society organisations to recognise that women’s rights were human rights. It stressed that the safety of women and children was integral to the wellbeing of the state and called for urgent intervention.