A viral video circulating on social media captures a distressing incident that occurred on May 4,2023 during the ongoing clashes in Manipur. The video shows a mob parading two Kuki women undressed. The women were accompanied by several men, believed to be Meiteis, as they were dragged naked in a field. Shockingly, some of the men can be seen groping the women, and one of the victims was subjected to a gang-rape.
Giving you a brief about the Clashes between the majority Meitei community and the Kuki community have been ongoing in Manipur since May 3. The violence began after a solidarity march held by tribal groups against the demand to grant Scheduled Tribe status to the Meitei community. So far, at least 140 people have been killed, many more have been injured and nearly 50,000 displaced.
According to the victims’ complaint, while the video only depicts two women, there was also a third woman in her 50s who was forced to remove her clothes by the mob. The complaint further alleges that the younger woman suffered a brutal gang-rape in broad daylight.
As per the victims’ account, the tragic incident unfolded when around 800 to 1,000 individuals carrying sophisticated weapons like AK Rifles, SLR, INSAS, and .303 Rifles stormed their village on the afternoon of May 4. Fearing for their lives, the three women and two family members of the youngest woman fled into the forest. Later, the police came to their rescue and were escorting them to the police station. However, they were intercepted by the mob about two kilometers away from the station. The mob forcibly stripped the women naked, with tragic consequences. The youngest woman’s father was killed, and her brother lost his life while trying to defend her.
The police have taken action and arrested the primary suspect, identified as Heradas (32), from Thoubal district. His arrest was facilitated by the viral video in which he was seen wearing a distinctive green T-shirt. The incident has caused shock and outrage among the public, prompting calls for justice and greater awareness of such atrocities.
When this horrific video of mankind surfaced on social media Political leaders and others have expressed shock over the Manipur incident, and asked the centre and the state government to take action against the men involved in the horrific act.
Union Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani expressed her condemnation on Twitter she wrote “The horrifying video of the sexual assault of two women from Manipur is utterly condemnable and inhumane. I spoke to CM N Biren Singh ji, who informed me that an investigation is underway, and he assured that no effort will be spared to bring the perpetrators to justice.”
Rahul Gandhi, also tweeted, holding the PM accountable for inaction: “The PM’s silence and inaction have led Manipur into anarchy. INDIA will not remain silent while the idea of India is under attack in Manipur. We stand with the people of Manipur. Peace is the only way forward.”
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, criticized the PM for ignoring the violent incidents in Manipur: “The images of sexual violence against women from Manipur are heart-wrenching. No amount of condemnation will be enough for this horrific incident. Women and children bear the brunt of violence in society. We must all unite in condemning this violence and work towards peace in Manipur. Why is the Central government, including the Prime Minister, turning a blind eye to such disturbing incidents?”
The Aam Aadmi Party also issued a statement condemning the incident and urging the Prime Minister’s intervention: “The State and Central government’s inaction is painful for all citizens of the country. We once again request the Prime Minister’s intervention in Manipur. Ignoring the problem will not make it disappear. The Aam Aadmi Party stands ready to assist in any way the Central Government deems fit.”
NCP president Sharad Pawar has urged the Prime Minister’s Office and the Union Home Ministry to take immediate steps to restore peace in Manipur, following the emergence of shocking visuals depicting two women being paraded naked in the conflict-ridden state. In a tweet, he emphasized the need for unity, raising voices, and demanding justice for the people of Manipur. Sharad Pawar emphasized that the Home Department, in conjunction with the PMO, must act swiftly to bring back peace to Manipur.
Supriya Sule, NCP’s working president and Sharad Pawar’s daughter, also expressed her concern and demanded swift action in response to the situation in Manipur. In a tweet, she described the visuals as sickening, disgraceful, and utterly inhumane, underscoring the urgency of the matter and calling for immediate action to address the distressing situation in the state.
Now almost after 3 months the prime minister reacted. The Prime Minister spoke out against the Manipur incident ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament: “The incident of Manipur which has happened, is absolutely shameful for any civilized society. People who have committed crime, who have committed sins, stand on their side but because of them, the whole nation has to face this humiliation. Our total 140 crore citizens have to face this humiliation. I’m requesting to all the chief ministers to strengthen the law and order in their respective states, especially to ensure the safety of our sisters and daughters and take as sever actions as they can.Whether incidents happen in Rajasthan or Chhattisgarh or Manipur or in any corner of our country, under any state government, overcoming all political arguments, respecting law and order, respecting the women’s dignity, I want to assure to the citizens of India that no perpetrator will be spared.Law and order with its full force will take concrete steps and what has happened to the daughters of Manipur will never be forgiven”
Now the question is, it has been 78 days since full-scale ethnic violence erupted in Manipur, and 77 days since the horrifying incident involving two women being stripped, paraded, and allegedly raped.
What is even more inexcusable is that the Women and Child Development Minister took 76 days to speak to the CM of Manipur or issue any statement regarding the matter.
while manipur was burning our pm was on his official visit to USA, egypt, france, UAE, australia, was he now aware about his own country his own people and even if the pm was out what was the home minister amit shah doing, didn’t he have a word and was not aware from his own ruling government in the state, was the cm of manipur not informing about the situation to the centre to his own party. Even the home minister did go to Manipur but again he was informed about this. Now when one case has come to light, manipur cm on a telephonic interview with India Today was asked about how his government was unaware of the incident where women were shamelessly paraded naked by a group of men in his state.
Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh said, “Hundreds of such cases similar to the incident have taken place. Hence, we have invoked a ban on the internet in our state.
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