| 21 July 2023
A shocking video emerged on Wednesday, capturing the horrifying ordeal of two women being paraded naked and molested in Manipur's Kangpokpi, leading to widespread outrage and calls for justice. The incident, which occurred on May 4, came to light only recently, raising serious concerns about the safety of women and the effectiveness of law enforcement in maintaining order.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, one of the victims is the wife of an ex-army man who served as a Subedar in the Assam Regiment and fought valiantly for the nation during the Kargil War and as part of the Indian Peace Keeping Force in Sri Lanka. Speaking about the distressing incident, the retired soldier expressed profound disappointment, stating, "I fought for the nation in the Kargil war and was also in Sri Lanka as part of the Indian Peace Keeping Force. I protected the nation but am dejected that after my retirement, I could not protect my home, my wife, and fellow villagers."
In an emotional interview with a Hindi news channel, he voiced his anguish and demanded swift action against the perpetrators, expressing frustration that the police present during the incident failed to intervene. "Police were present but took no action. I want all those people who burnt the houses and humiliated the women to get exemplary punishment," he implored. Recounting the horrifying events that unfolded, the ex-army man explained that during the violence, the attackers burnt down houses, causing panic among the villagers who attempted to flee to save their lives. Unfortunately, his wife and four other villagers were separated from the group and sought refuge in the nearby forest, where they were eventually discovered and assaulted.
The incident took place amidst clashes that erupted in Manipur during a Tribal Solidarity March, organized by the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. The violence that ensued has resulted in over 160 deaths and numerous injuries, exacerbating tensions in the region.
However, the fact that an FIR was filed over a month after the incident raises questions about the efficiency of the law enforcement response. The delay in registering the complaint has only intensified public outrage, leading many to question the authorities' commitment to protecting citizens, especially women, from such heinous acts.
Following the surfacing of the disturbing video, four individuals have been arrested in connection with the case on Thursday. Nevertheless, the incident has sparked a broader conversation about the need for more substantial measures to ensure women's safety and security in the region, and calls for further investigation into the role of the police in handling such incidents.
The ex-army man's heart-wrenching statement about his own homeland being more dangerous than the battlefield he once fought on highlights the urgent need for reforms and measures to safeguard civilians in the region.
As the public demands accountability and justice, it remains crucial for authorities to act promptly and effectively to ensure that those responsible for such brutal acts face the full force of the law. Moreover, this appalling incident must serve as a wake-up call for society as a whole to address the pervasive issue of violence against women and to work collectively to create a safer environment for all.
In the face of this tragedy, it is essential for the nation to stand united in condemning such acts of violence and actively striving towards building a society where every individual, regardless of gender, can feel secure and protected.
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