Manipur sexual violence - India feels ashamed and horrified

After the horrendous case of two women being paraded naked in Manipur came to light, the Manipur police arrested one of the several accused. The police are on a major search hunt to nab the many suspects seen in the video that got viral.  Chief Minister N Biren Singh is overlooking the search operations and raids are being carried out. The situation in Manipur seems tense and many are highly agitated. N Biren Singh said his government condemns the viral video of two women being paraded naked on a road by a group of men. The prime accused Huirem Herodas Meitei was arrested for his involvement in the case and his house was set ablaze by the women of Petchi village.

The state government has requested people to not believe any rumours. A 'rumour free' helpline number has been distributed for people to confirm circulation of 'unfounded' videos. It has appealed to the public to not resort to any violence and return any arms, ammunition, and explosives to the police or nearest security forces.

The entire country is in a state of outrage when the video of two women of Manipur from the minority Kuki tribe forcibly stripped naked by a mob who belonged to a majority of the Meitei tribal group. In the video, you can hear the men saying, “If you don’t take off your clothes, we’ll kill you.” The two women were publicly groped and dragged to a field, and gang-raped by the Meitei group men.

Singh said, "We are condemning it state-wide, both in valley and hills. The people of the state regard women as mothers. Some miscreants tarnished our image by doing this." He called the incident a 'crime against humanity' and promised that the state will make every effort to catch the culprits. The public demands rigorous punishment for the accused.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma feels sceptical about the timing of the video release. Assam CM declared that crime and rape incidents are much higher in some opposition-ruled states like Rajasthan, West Bengal and Chhattisgarh than in BJP-ruled Manipur or other north-eastern regions. He added, “The case was registered long back, video was available. It was leaked a day before the commencement of the Parliament session. So, some kind of political things are involved.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi finally spoke on the Manipur violence. He said, his heart was filled with anguish and anger over the horrific video. Modi commented about the conflict between the Meitei and the Kuki tribes and stated that “the entire country has been shamed” by the attack on the women.

PM Modi said, “I want to assure the nation, no guilty [people] will be spared. Action will be taken according to the law. What happened to the daughters of Manipur can never be forgiven. As I stand next to this temple of democracy, my heart is filled with pain and anger.” The PM added, “I appeal to all Chief Ministers to strengthen law and order in their state.”