In Focus by The Hindu Crimes against women during conflict in Manipur: What the numbers don't say
Oct 28, 2025
Siam Thangsing is an independent researcher focused on gender and health during the Manipur conflict, while Greeshma Kuthar is a reporter and lawyer with deep insights from conflict zones. They delve into the stark decline in reported crimes against women amidst widespread violence, questioning traditional narratives around safety and justice. The duo discusses barriers to reporting, the impact of customary laws, and the media's failure to highlight women's experiences early on. Their conversation sheds light on the complex realities faced by women in conflict-torn Manipur.
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Numbers Can Conceal Real Harm
- Crime statistics rose sharply in categories like arson and rioting while registered crimes against women fell by 30% in 2023.
- The drop likely reflects reporting and systemic barriers, not reduced violence toward women.
Customary Law Masks Gendered Crimes
- Customary and communal lenses often obscure violence against women and divert cases from statutory justice.
- Tribal and community pressures frequently prioritize reconciliation over prosecution, limiting justice.
Early Targeting Of Women In May Violence
- Siam recounts early targeted uses of women’s bodies in the conflict from May 3 onwards as weapons of revenge.
- She contrasts two killings that received very different levels of official response and follow-up.