“I want to assure my compatriots that no guilty party will be forgiven. What has happened to these daughters of Manipur can never be forgiven.” PM mode he said in his remarks before the Monsoon Session of Parliament.
The gruesome video of two women parading naked in Manipur surfaced online on Wednesday and has since sparked outrage and condemnation. The Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF) claimed that the incident occurred in Kangpokpi district on May 4, a day after violence broke out between Kukis and Meiteis in Manipur.
Here are the latest developments:
N.C.W. takes notice suo motu, demands immediate action
The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken note of the incident of naked women parading in Manipur and asked the state police chief to take immediate action on it.
“NCW condemns the Manipur incident. Upon learning suo motu, DGP Manipur has been requested to take appropriate action immediately,” NCW tweeted.
Considering Capital Punishment For The Guilty: CM N Biren Singh
Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh said on Thursday that a thorough investigation is underway and strict action will be taken against all perpetrators.
“My heart goes out to the two women who were subjected to a deeply disrespectful and inhumane act, as shown in the harrowing video that surfaced yesterday,” she posted on Twitter.
The prime minister said that there is absolutely no place for such heinous acts in society. “A thorough investigation is currently underway and we will ensure that strict action is taken against all perpetrators, including consideration of the possibility of capital punishment. As far as is known, there is absolutely no place for such heinous acts in our society,” he added.
Amit Shah talks to Manipur CM in viral video
Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Manipur CM N Biren Singh on Thursday about the video which went viral on social media.
According to the sources, Shah ordered the police to take strict action against the culprits. Biren Singh has ordered the police to investigate this case on priority.
Police said Wednesday that they were doing everything possible to arrest the culprits as soon as possible.
Manipur police make first arrest
Manipur police on Thursday arrested one of the main defendants who was seen in a May 4 video of two tribal women parading naked and harassed by a mob in a village in Senapati district.
Authorities said multiple police teams formed immediately after video of the incident surfaced.
One of the people, allegedly the mastermind, was arrested in the Thoubal district, they added.
The defendant was seen prominently in the 26-second clip.
Simply unacceptable, deeply disturbing: CJI
The Supreme Court said Thursday it is “deeply disturbed” by video of two women in Manipur parading naked.
Calling the incident ‘simply unacceptable’, CJI DY Chandrachud said: “Using women as instruments in an area of communal conflict is unacceptable. It is the most serious constitutional abuse. We are deeply disturbed by the videos that have surfaced.”
A bank CJI Chandrachud and Judges PS Narasimha and Manoj Misra called on the Center and the state government (Manipur) to take action against the perpetrators.
“What is portrayed in the media about the images that appeared shows a serious constitutional violation and an infringement of human life using women as instruments of violence perpetrated against constitutional democracy. That the Center and the state inform the court about the steps taken,” said the SC.
If the government does not act, we will, the high court added.
Heart full of pain and anger: PM Modi
PM Modi said on Thursday that the Manipur Video incident has filled his heart with immense pain and anger. The incident has insulted the entire country and Rs 140 crore is ashamed, she said.
“Today, when I stand next to this temple of democracy, my heart is full of pain and anger,” he said in his remarks at the Parliament complex before the start of the Monsoon session.
The Prime Minister assured the nation that no guilty party will be pardoned. “The law will act with all its power and firmness… What has happened to these daughters of Manipur can never be forgiven,” he added.
PM Modi also called on all chief ministers to further strengthen the law and order mechanism in their respective states and take strict measures, especially in cases of crimes against women.
delete video from women paraded naked: Government to social networks
On Thursday, the government ordered Twitter, as well as other social media platforms, to remove video of two women parading naked in Manipur.
“It is imperative that social media platforms adhere to Indian laws as the matter is currently under investigation,” government sources said.
The video, which surfaced online Wednesday, shows two women from one of the warring communities being paraded naked by some men from the other side.
Manipur has witnessed violence since May 3, following protests by the Kuki and Naga communities against the high court order asking the state government to consider listing the Meitei community under the Scheduled Tribes (ST) category. Only STs can buy land in mountainous areas.
The majority community of Meitei, which occupies the Imphal Valley and nearby areas, sought ST status in light of their growing population and increased need for land, so that they could purchase land in the hilly areas.
A video of the incident went viral sparking strong reactions from various political parties and provoking outrage.
– With agency inputs