Manipur women horror: How rape and sexual violence are used as a weapon in conflict
The website presents a shocking video of two women being forced to walk naked in Manipur, India, by a group of men, amid ongoing ethnic violence in the region. The video went viral on social media, prompting widespread outrage and condemnation from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The incident occurred on May 4, but arrests were only made after the video’s online circulation. According to the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF), the women, belonging to the Kuki-Zo tribe, were paraded naked by a Meitei mob to be gang-raped. The women were sexually assaulted and surrounded by a hostile crowd brandishing weapons.
Manipur has been facing ethnic unrest, with clashes between the Kuki tribe and the Meitei ethnic community, who seek special tribal status for various benefits. Since May 3, over 100 people have been killed, and many displaced.
The opposition Congress party criticized Modi’s handling of the issue, accusing the government of turning democracy and the rule of law into mobocracy. The Chief Minister of Manipur, N. Biren Singh, promised a thorough investigation and strict action against the perpetrators, including considering the possibility of capital punishment.
The Indian government ordered social media platforms not to share the video to comply with ongoing investigations.
The website report highlights the grave issue of sexual violence and the need for decisive actions to address the deep-rooted ethnic conflicts in Manipur, calling for accountability and justice for the victims.
#ManipurOutrage #StopSexualViolence #EthnicConflictIndia #JusticeForManipurWomen #EndViolenceAgainstWomen