| 20 July 2023
Manipur, a state in northeastern India, has been grappling with violence and ethnic tensions in recent times. Just when the situation appeared to be gradually returning to normalcy, a disturbing video emerged on social media, sending shockwaves across the nation. The video depicted the horrifying spectacle of two women from one of the warring communities being paraded naked by a mob of men. The incident, which took place on May 4, also allegedly involved the gang rape of one of the women, while her brother tragically lost his life trying to intervene. The revelation of this incident has sparked widespread outrage, with leaders from all political spectrums condemning the brutal act. Calls for immediate action and justice have intensified as Manipur's society grapples with this heinous crime.
Protests and Arrests:
The day after the video went viral, members of the Kuki community held a protest march in Churachandpur, donning black clothes. They demanded stringent action against the culprits responsible for the deplorable act and the sexual assault on the two women. Responding to the public outcry, Manipur Police swiftly arrested one of the main accused seen prominently in the 26-second clip. The suspect was apprehended from Thoubal district, and authorities have registered a case of abduction, gang rape, and murder against unknown armed miscreants at the Nongpok Sekmai police station.
Leaders Condemn the Act:
Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh expressed deep sorrow and anger over the incident, affirming that such horrific acts have no place in society. He vowed to ensure that the perpetrators face strict punishment, including the possibility of capital punishment. The Chief Minister promptly ordered the Manipur Police to take immediate action upon viewing the video.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his first remarks following the outbreak of violence on May 3, condemned the sexual assault of women. He expressed his anguish, calling the incident shameful for any civilized society. PM Modi assured the nation that the law would act with full force, and those responsible for the gruesome act would not escape justice.
Judiciary and Women's Commission Step In:
Taking cognizance of the gravity of the situation, a Supreme Court bench, headed by Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud, directed the central government and the Manipur government to take swift action. The bench expressed deep concern over using women as instruments to perpetrate violence amid communal strife, calling it "deeply disturbing" and "unacceptable."
The Delhi Commission for Women Chief, Swati Maliwal, wrote a letter to PM Modi, urging immediate measures to curb the violence in Manipur and arrest those involved in the shameful act. She announced plans to visit Manipur to interact with the survivors, their families, and other vulnerable women and girls in the region.
The National Commission for Women (NCW) took formal action, directing Twitter India to remove the video from its platform. The commission emphasized that sharing such content compromises the victims' identities and is a punishable offense.
Political Turmoil and Demands:
The opposition parties raised the issue of Manipur violence on the first day of the Monsoon session of Parliament, demanding a discussion on the matter. Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, also the leader of the opposition in the Rajya Sabha, called for Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh's dismissal and the imposition of President's rule in the troubled state. He accused the Centre of allowing "mobocracy" to prevail and demanded accountability for the tragedy.
Background of Ethnic Tensions:
The violence in Manipur erupted on May 3 during a 'Tribal Solidarity March' in the hill districts. The march was organized to protest against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. The Meiteis constitute about 53 percent of Manipur's population and primarily reside in the Imphal Valley, while the tribals, including Nagas and Kukis, constitute 40 percent and predominantly reside in the hill districts.
The emergence of the distressing video depicting the horrifying assault on two women has once again thrown Manipur into turmoil. Leaders from all political backgrounds have united in condemning the barbaric act, calling for swift justice and stringent action against the culprits. As the investigation proceeds and public anger remains palpable, the nation watches closely to see how authorities will address this appalling crime and bring a sense of justice and closure to the victims and their families.
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