Manipur – A shocking video depicting the distressing sight of two women being paraded naked on a road by a group of men in Manipur has gone viral on social media, eliciting widespread condemnation and urgent calls for immediate action. The Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) has alleged that the two women were gang-raped in a field prior to the incident.
A horrific video of two women being paraded naked on a road by a group of men in Manipur… pic.twitter.com/ZDAWEhOt0w
— Daily Times India (@dti_news) July 19, 2023
According to the ITLF’s statement, the horrifying event took place on May 4 in Kangpokpi district, situated approximately 35 km from the state capital, Imphal. The video showcases the men relentlessly molesting the helpless women, who can be heard crying and pleading with their captors.
“The abhorrent scene, which unfolded on May 4 in Kangpokpi district, exhibits the men subjecting the victims to constant molestation, while the women cry and implore their captors,” stated the ITLF. The organization has urged the National Commission for Women and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes to take immediate action, highlighting the perpetrators’ decision to share the video on social media, which exposed the victims’ identities.
In response to the incident, the Manipur Police tweeted today that they have filed a case of gang-rape and murder in relation to the viral videos. The police further assured that an investigation is underway, and the state police are making concerted efforts to apprehend the culprits at the earliest. However, internet services in Manipur have been suspended since May 4, and the state continues to witness sporadic episodes of violence.
*All out effort to arrest culprits as regard to the viral video of 02 (two) women paraded naked :*
— Manipur Police (@manipur_police) July 19, 2023
As regard to the viral video of 02 (two) women paraded naked by unknown armed miscreants on 4th May, 2023, a case of abduction, gangrape and murder etc
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The disturbing incident has provoked outrage from political leaders and individuals alike, who have taken to social media to express their shock and demand swift action against the men involved. Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra tweeted in Hindi, expressing her deep anguish at the distressing images of sexual violence against women emerging from Manipur. She stressed the urgent need for stronger condemnation of such horrific acts and highlighted the disproportionate impact of violence on women and children in society.
मणिपुर से आ रही महिलाओं के खिलाफ यौन हिंसा की तस्वीरें दिल दहला देने वाली हैं। महिलाओं के साथ घटी इस भयावह हिंसा की घटना की जितनी निंदा की जाए कम है। समाज में हिंसा का सबसे ज्यादा दंश महिलाओं और बच्चों को झेलना पड़ता है।
— Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi) July 19, 2023
हम सभी को मणिपुर में शांति के प्रयासों को आगे बढ़ाते हुए…
Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma, the chief of Tripura’s Tipra Motha Party, tweeted about the incident, describing it as a manifestation of the breakdown in relationships between two communities in Manipur. Journalist Hoihnu Hauzel, a resident of Manipur, also expressed her shock on Twitter, stating that the incident shattered the very essence of humanity.
As tensions rise, the Kuki tribe has called for the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh. Ethnic violence in the region has already claimed the lives of over 120 individuals, leading to the internal displacement of thousands who now reside in relief camps.
The horrifying incident in Manipur serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need for society and authorities to address issues related to gender-based violence, protect vulnerable communities, and ensure justice for the victims.