Correspondent
KOHIMA, NOVEMBER 19
Nagaland today joined the rest of the country in flagging off the fourth edition of Badhte Kadam 2013, an annual mass national awareness campaign on the rights of people with disabilities (PWDs). This year’s campaign is being held on the theme ‘Issues of Violence & Sexual Harassment of People with Disabilities’.Minister of Education, C.M. Chang, who graced the flag-off programme at the State Academy Hall, Kohima as the chief guest, expressed consternation over the rise in sexual harassment committed against PWDs. He questioned as to how a fit person could, instead of extending help, love and understanding towards PWDs, commit such crimes against them. Of such cases, Chang opined that the perpetrator is guilty of not just the crime of rape but also of discriminatory abuse.
The minister stressed that a person’s outward appearance should not be judged as every person is a creation of God. He underscored the need for everyone to give due attention to PWDs.
While extending his support to the cause of Badhte Kadam, he urged upon the Nagaland Parents Association for the Disabled (NAPAD) to chalk out what needs to be done for the PWD community so that the government may address the matters and concerns as best as it can. On the educational front, he assured that he will look into necessary actions.
Chang also appealed to all responsible departments, officials and NGOs to judiciously utilize funds that are meant for the disabled.
State commissioner for persons with disabilities, Dr. Atha Vizol also decried the rising trend of crimes reportedly committed on the differently abled all over the country including in Nagaland. “All this criminal act germinates with hatred and this crime is called ‘hatred crime’,” he said.
Expressing dismay that perpetrators are more likely to receive leniency in sentencing if the victim is a PWD, the disability commissioner outlined the importance to eliminate systematic issues which create a climate where such crimes flourish, and to develop a system that enables appropriate responses for victims.
Dr. Atha maintained that there are many factors contributing to situations in which disabled people become the victims of hate crimes such as negative attitudes towards disability; the exclusion, isolation and poverty of disabled people and their families; lack of supports, advocacy and safeguards etc. to name a few. He asserted that a change in attitudes and mindset of the people is the need of the hour, which, he observed, must begin by acknowledging that human differences should be celebrated and not shunned.
Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) president, Abeiu Meru speaking on the theme of the occasion, expressed the association’s solidarity with the community of persons with disabilities. She also voiced serious concern on the alarming rise in violence and sexual harassment against the disabled and asserted that such act was “unacceptable”, one which is deserving of condemnation by the society.
She said the NMA is “pained” to observe the upsurge of vicious violence and sexual harassment on physically challenged persons, and questioned as to what kind of men, who themselves must be a father, an uncle, a brother or a cousin, would stoop so low in order to fulfil their lust and commit such horrific crimes. “It is with utter disgust and hurt that we witness this kind of occurrences in our society,” she said.
Pointing out that when it is the responsibility of all people to uphold and protect the rights of people with disabilities, minors and senior citizens who cannot defend themselves, Meru lamented that there are repeated occurrences of crimes against them in Naga society today. This is something that really pains and traumatizing our society, she added.
“Those that are committing such crimes must know that they are committing crimes against humanity and once they are apprehended, they should be dealt with the harshness they so deserve,” the NMA president vehemently stated.
She further urged upon the responsible authorities to take each reported case seriously and award serious penalty for the guilty to serve as an example. She also called upon the state government to take the right stand and action not only for the victim and the perpetrators but for the safety of all womankind as well.
Amongla Pongen, who bravely shared her experiences as a person with disability, narrated briefly about how her mother struggled to raise her through high school.
An inspiration for all, Amongla is a proud graduate of Japfu Christian College, Kigwema and she has also completed a masters degree in sociology from IGNOU. Like any person, Amogla said she used to have fear of criticism and scorn as some people tend to point out others’ weaknesses instead of encouraging them. However she says that today she is happy for what she is. “Let us all join hands together, support eachother, stand firmly and boldly and bloom where we are planted,” she said. Her brief speech moved the audience and she received a standing ovation.
Others who spoke at the programme include joint secretary Social Welfare Department, N. Nyuthe, NAPAD president, Marlong Longkumer and Arepla Chang.
