women manipur

Imphal, July 20: In a horrifying incident that took place on May 4, a video began circulating on social media showing the appalling treatment of two Kuki women in Manipur. The video captured a mob of men, reportedly Meiteis, parading the women naked while groping and abusing them.

The incident occurred amidst the ongoing clashes between the majority Meitei community and the Kuki community in Manipur, which began on May 3. As the situation continues to escalate, it is crucial to shed light on this abhorrent act of violence and demand justice for the victims.

The Incident and its Aftermath

The incident occurred in B Phainom village, Kangpokpi district, Manipur, where the mob reportedly burned down houses and accosted a group of five people attempting to flee. Tragically, one of the men was immediately killed, and the mob forced all the women in the group to strip. One woman in her 20s was gang-raped, while the other two managed to escape. Shockingly, when the woman’s brother tried to intervene, he too was murdered by the mob.

A zero FIR was filed by the Saikul police, Kangpokpi district, and subsequently forwarded to the Nongpok Sekmai police station. The FIR charged “unknown miscreants” numbering around 800-1,000, suspected to be associated with various organizations, with rape and murder. The incident has sent shockwaves through the region and the entire nation, leading to widespread condemnation of the perpetrators’ heinous actions.

The Manipur Police in a tweet today said they have filed a case of gang-rape and murder.

Clashes and the Demand for Justice

The ongoing clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities stem from a solidarity march held by tribal groups opposing the demand to grant Scheduled Tribe status to the Meitei community. This prolonged violence has already claimed at least 140 lives, leaving many more injured and nearly 50,000 displaced. Amidst the escalating conflict, the incident involving the two Kuki women adds another layer of brutality and cruelty to the situation.

Various political parties and leaders have criticized the government’s inaction, particularly Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s silence on the matter. Opposition parties are demanding discussions on the situation in Manipur during the monsoon session of parliament. They argue that the lack of response from the state and central governments exacerbates the suffering of the affected communities.

Calls for Justice and Awareness

The Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF), an umbrella organization representing tribal groups, has strongly condemned the incident and called for the Union and state governments, along with statutory bodies like the National Commission for Women, to take immediate action and bring justice to the culprits.

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The incident has sparked outrage among citizens across the country. Journalists and activists have taken to social media to share their shock and demand justice for the victims. Many people are appalled at the level of violence and the fact that the perpetrators openly shared the video, exposing the victims’ identities.

“Disturbing videos emerging from Manipur about a woman belonging to a particular community being paraded naked by a mob. There is total breakdown in the relationships of the two communities there. Hate has won in Manipur,” Tripura’s Tipra Motha Party chief Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma tweeted.

The harrowing incident in Manipur involving the parading, groping, and alleged gang-rape of two Kuki women is a grave violation of human rights and an affront to the dignity of individuals. As the clashes between communities continue, it is imperative that the government takes immediate action to address the violence and ensure the safety and security of all citizens.

The responsible authorities must investigate the incident thoroughly and bring the perpetrators to justice, sending a clear message that such heinous acts will not be tolerated. Additionally, it is vital for the government and leaders to engage in dialogue and address the underlying issues fueling the clashes to prevent further violence and bloodshed in Manipur. The nation must stand in solidarity with the victims and their families, ensuring that their voices are heard and their rights protected. Only through collective efforts can we hope to build a society where such atrocities are never repeated.