A shocking video from May 4 has surfaced online, showing two women from one community being paraded naked by men from another community in Manipur. This distressing incident has sparked outrage across the nation, and the entire country is demanding justice for the victims and their community. The video has triggered escalating tensions in the already volatile state, leading to protests and calls for swift action against the culprits. In response to the video, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his anguish and pledged that no guilty will be spared. This article delves deeper into the incident, the ongoing violence in Manipur, and the government’s response.

The May 4 Video: A Horrifying Act of Violence

Two Women Become Victims of Violence and Brutality

The video that has sent shockwaves across India depicts a heart-wrenching act of violence perpetrated against two women from the Kuki-Zomi community. The video, which is said to be two months old, shows the victims being first gang-raped by men and later stripped and forced to be paraded naked in public. This barbaric act took place amid the ongoing ethnic clashes between the Meiteis and Kukis in Manipur, where violence and unrest have become all too common.

The Aftermath of the Incident

Following the surfacing of the video on the Internet, the key accused, Heradas (32), was arrested by the police from Thoubal district on July 20. A case of abduction, gangrape, and murder has been registered at Nongpok Sekmai police station in Thoubal district against ‘unknown armed miscreants’. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing his concern and anger, assured the nation that no guilty will be spared, and the law will take its course with full force. The Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud, also expressed his disapproval, calling the incident “simply unacceptable” and demanding immediate action from the government.

Escalating Tensions in Manipur

Ethnic Clashes: Meiteis vs. Kukis

The ongoing violence in Manipur stems from the long-standing ethnic clashes between the Meiteis, the majority community in the state, and the Kukis, a tribal group representing about 40% of the population. The tensions have been exacerbated by demands for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status by the Meiteis, leading to protests and unrest in the hill districts of Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, and Senapati.

The Tribal Solidarity March and Its Consequences

The situation took a turn for the worse when a Tribal Solidarity March was held in the hill districts on May 3 to protest against the Meiteis’ demand for ST status. This march sparked a series of violent events, including the incident captured in the viral video, resulting in the deaths of over 160 people and the displacement of thousands.

The Intensity of Violence in Manipur’s Hill Districts

The violence has taken a severe toll on the affected communities, with houses being burnt down, people killed, and reports of widespread looting and arson. The Indian government has deployed thousands of security forces in an attempt to restore order, but the violence has persisted, leading to the imposition of curfews and internet service suspensions in some areas.

Government’s Response and Investigations

Manipur CM’s Condemnation

In the wake of the disturbing video, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh condemned the act as a “crime against humanity.” The state government launched an investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice swiftly.

Union Minister Smriti Irani’s Reaction

Union Minister Smriti Irani also expressed her condemnation of the incident on social media. She stated that she had spoken to Chief Minister Biren Singh, who assured her that no effort would be spared to bring the culprits to justice.

Demands for Justice and Accountability

The video has elicited widespread outrage from opposition parties, civil society, and prominent leaders across the country. Leaders like Rahul Gandhi, Arvind Kejriwal, and Priyanka Gandhi have criticized the Prime Minister’s silence and called for immediate action to address the escalating violence and injustice in Manipur.

Calls for Action: Protests and Outrage Across the Nation

Rahul Gandhi’s Criticism of PM Modi

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed his concerns about the situation in Manipur and accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of inaction, urging the government to prioritize peace and justice.

The Aam Aadmi Party’s Plea for Non-Sharing of Distressing Visuals

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) appealed to citizens not to share the distressing visuals from the incident while demanding action against the perpetrators.

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and Priyanka Gandhi’s Demands for Action

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi also called on the Central government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to break their silence and take immediate action to address the escalating violence in Manipur.

The Safety of Women in India: A Lingering Concern

The incident has raised serious questions about the safety and security of women in India. Protests have been planned across the country, with demands for justice and swift investigations into this heinous act.

Conclusion

The video of the shocking incident in Manipur has left the nation furious and demanding justice for the victims and their community. The ongoing ethnic clashes in the state have escalated tensions, leading to widespread violence and unrest. The government’s response and investigations are being closely monitored, and the safety of women in India remains a significant concern. It is crucial for the authorities to act swiftly and decisively to restore peace and justice in Manipur.