Two women belonging to the Kuki-Zo tribal community in Manipur were allegedly gangraped and then publicly paraded naked by a group of men. The incident in Manipur has ignited a wave of outrage both within India and across the globe.
The incident took place in the Kangpokpi district in early May, but its horrifying details came to light only recently when a graphic video began circulating on social media platforms, triggering widespread condemnation and calls for swift action.
Local authorities responded by registering a case and arresting one of the key suspects involved, but others connected to the crime remain at large. The delay in reporting and the initial lack of action have heightened public frustration, urging the authorities to ensure prompt justice for the victims.
Tragically, the region has been grappling with ethnic and communal clashes, leading to numerous fatalities and the displacement of over 40,000 people since early May, further intensifying the urgency to address such acts of violence.
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government has come under sharp criticism for its perceived failure to effectively address the escalating violence in Manipur and its perceived inadequacy in implementing sufficient safety measures for women. While the government took steps to remove the distressing video clips from social media, many are demanding more tangible efforts to protect women’s safety and uphold their rights.
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In response to the widespread outrage, Manipur Chief Minister Biren Singh assured the public of a comprehensive investigation and pledged to bring all the culprits to justice. He even stated that the possibility of capital punishment would be considered for those found guilty. However, the gravity of the crime has resulted in demands for more concrete actions to prevent such atrocities from happening again.
The Indian Supreme Court expressed its deep distress upon viewing the horrifying visuals and called on the government to provide updates on the actions taken to apprehend the perpetrators and implement measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud asserted that such acts are entirely unacceptable in a democratic society.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself expressed his profound grief and anger over the incident, strongly condemning any society that tolerates such heinous acts. However, citizens and activists continue to push for tangible and sustainable solutions to address the prevalent issue of sexual violence against women.
Political leaders, including Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, have also voiced their shock and outrage, demanding swift and fair justice for the victims.