The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Apr 26: A day-long discussion was held toady at Hotel Nirmala on the proliferation of small arms in the form of guns and the subsequent violence thereof.

This consultation was organised by the Manipuri Women Gun Survivors Network (MWGSN) in collaboration with International Action Network on Small Arms (IANSA) and Control Arms Foundation of India (CAFI). During the inauguration of the consultation, MWGSN was launched.

MWGSN was formed on 24 December 2004 to evolve an effective gender-sensitive approach to the global gun crisis. The network aimed at developing policies that reflect the different ways women and men are affected by and respond to guns. It also seeks to ensure that women are fully involved in small arms policy and practice.

Speaking as the chief guest of the inaugural function, Yambem Laba, former member MHRC, said, "The formation of the Manipuri Women Gun Survivors Network is a timely initiative. Just like we never thought HIV/AIDS would come to Manipur, today we have Manipur Network of Positive People."

He said that as the prevalence of gun culture increases, in the present society only what the gun speaks is considered the truth because for the dead, the verdict given by the living is final and binding. He emphasized that compensation is just a relief measure and not an alternative.

Speaking about the easy availability of arms, Laba said, "These arms are made in US, China, etc but are available anywhere if the right price can be given." He said that this easy availability of arms is largely responsible for changing Manipur from the land of mountains to the land of deads.

Giving the keynote address, Pradip Phanjoubam, editor Imphal Free Press, said that a whole lot of infrastructure is needed for a wounded person unlike a dead person. Speaking about the legitimate violence that is meted out, he said that every group that are party to conflict need to explore the areas of an individual`s internal resistance to killing.

Making observations on the unaccounted power exercised by the gun wielders, Pradip said that penalty in Manipur is often given hastily without any trial, overlooking the need to look into the nuances of justice. Adding that every person is a stakeholder in stopping arms, he said, "If we support the economy which is supporting war, arms control will not happen."

Binalakshmi Nepram Mentschel, secretary general CAFI spoke on the armed proliferation and United Nations Resolution No 81/69 on International Armed Trade Treaty. In her speech, she highlighted that 88% of conventional arms exports in the world are from the five permanent members of UN. She said that with 1,135 companies in 98 countries manufacturing arms and ammunitions, there are 2 bullets each for every person on earth.

She said that next to drug trafficking, arms trafficking generate the highest income. She asserted that gun deaths and gun victims should not remain mere statistics. A solidarity network should be form to provide care and support.

In the consultation programme, Ramani of Nupi Samaj; Prof Ksh Bimola of Manipur University; Sitara Begum, social activist; Valley Rose, editor Aja and Akoijam Sunita of Imphal Free Press spoke on related topics. Dr. RK Lenin also gave a presentation on the day to day life experience of gunshot victims.

OXFAM`s documentary film Gunning for Controls and Avijit Nepram and Lakshmikant Sharma`s documentary Impact of Armed Violence on the Lives of Women and Children of Manipur were also screened.

 

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