Shocking Manipur Incident: Two Women Paraded Naked on Camera, Allegedly Gang Raped

A distressing video circulating on social media has caused widespread condemnation and calls for immediate action after two women were paraded naked on a road in Manipur by a group of men. The incident occurred on May 4 in Kangpokpi district, located around 35 km from the state capital, Imphal. According to the Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF), the women were gang-raped in a field.

However, there seems to be some confusion about the exact location of the crime, as the police state the incident happened in a different district, despite the first information report (FIR) being filed in Kangpokpi.

In response to the heinous act, Chief Minister N Biren Singh has ordered a priority investigation into the case. Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani has also expressed concern and received assurances from the Chief Minister that swift action will be taken against the perpetrators.

The video has further amplified the horrifying ordeal endured by the women, as it shows their identity and suffering being shared on social media. The ITLF has appealed to the National Commission for Women and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes to intervene and take action.

The Manipur Police have filed a case of gang-rape and murder and have already identified the suspects. They anticipate making arrests soon. The survivors reportedly came forward to report the incident to the police approximately 15 days after the traumatic event took place, initially visiting Kangpokpi, which is not the location of the crime. Nevertheless, the police claim to have acquired leads and expect to apprehend the suspects shortly.

The incident occurred amid tensions between the Meitei and Kuki tribes in Manipur, with clashes arising from the Meiteis' demand for Scheduled Tribes (ST) status.

Politicians and citizens alike have expressed shock and outrage on social media, urging both the central and state governments to ensure justice is served to those involved in this appalling act.

Ms. Irani took to Twitter, sharing that she had a conversation with Mr. Singh, who gave her his assurance that "every possible effort will be made to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice."

The horrific video of sexual assault of 2 women emanating from Manipur is condemnable and downright inhuman. Spoke to CM @NBirenSingh ji who has informed me that investigation is currently underway & assured that no effort will be spared to bring perpetrators to justice. — Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) July 19, 2023

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also tweeted her heartache over the incident, emphasizing the urgent need to address violence against 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।

हम सभी को मणिपुर में शांति के प्रयासों को आगे बढ़ाते हुए… — Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi) July 19, 2023