Imphal: In a deeply disturbing incident from Manipur, two women were subjected to an appalling act of violence. They were reportedly paraded by stripping-off clothes on a road by a group of men.

The incident has rightfully sparked massive condemnation, with calls for swift action to bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure the safety and dignity of all individuals.

However, Manipur Police said that the case of gang-rape and murder has been filed in this matter.

On social media, this horrifying video is widely shared which caught the eye of the nation on Wednesday evening.

According to a statement released by the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF), the incident happened on May 4 in Kangpokpi district, some 35 km from state capital Imphal, according a statement by the ITLF.

Read More: Seema Haider Case: Top takeaways from the ATS interrogation

Prior to the distressing on-camera incident, there were clashes between two ethnic groups in the region: the Meitei, who constitute the majority in the valley, and the Kuki tribe, who form the majority in the hills. The conflict stemmed from the Meiteis’ request to be granted Scheduled Tribes (ST) status.

In the aftermath of the incident, the ITLF, representing the Kuki tribe, issued a statement clarifying that the two women involved in the incident belong to the Kuki-Zo tribe.

“A video which went viral today shows a large Meitei mob parading two Kuki-Zo tribal women without clothes toward a paddy field to be gang-raped. The despicable scene, which happened on May 4 in Kangpokpi district, shows the men constantly molesting the helpless women, who cry and plead with their captors,” the tribal organisation said in the statement.

ITLF appealed to the National Commission for Women and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes to take action sand said, “The horrifying ordeal suffered by these innocent women is amplified by the perpetrators’ decision to share the video, which shows the identity of the victims, on social media.”

On the other hand, Manipur Police tweeted, “As regard to the viral videos of two women paraded without clothes by unknown armed miscreants on May 4, a case of abduction, gang-rape and murder was filed at Nongpok Sekmai police station (Thoubal district)… Investigation has started. The state police is making all-out efforts to arrest the culprits at the earliest.”

*All out effort to arrest culprits as regard to the viral video of 02 (two) women paraded naked :*

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

1/2

— Manipur Police (@manipur_police) July 19, 2023

The Manipur incident has elicited shock and outrage from political leaders and various individuals on social media. They are calling on both the central and state governments to take swift action against the perpetrators responsible for this heinous act. The public’s concern and demands for justice highlight the importance of addressing such incidents promptly and effectively to ensure the safety and security of all citizens.

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra tweeted in Hindi, “The amount of condemnation of this horrific incident of violence against women is less. Women and children have to bear the maximum brunt of violence in the 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

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal wrote in Hindi, “The incident in Manipur is very shameful and condemnable. This kind of heinous act cannot be tolerated in the Indian society. The situation in Manipur is becoming very worrying. I appeal to the Prime Minister to pay attention to the situation in Manipur. Please take strict action against the culprits seen in the video of this incident. There should be no place for people of such criminal nature in India.”

मणिपुर की वारदात बेहद शर्मनाक और निंदनीय है। भारतीय समाज में इस तरह की घिनौनी हरकत बर्दाश्त नहीं की जा सकती।

मणिपुर के हालात बेहद चिंताजनक बनते जा रहे हैं। मैं प्रधानमंत्री जी से अपील करता हूँ कि वे मणिपुर के हालातों पर ध्यान दें। इस वारदात की वीडियो में दिख रहे दोषियों पर कड़ी…

— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) July 19, 2023

The situation in BJP-ruled Manipur is deeply concerning, with the internet being disconnected since May 4 and sporadic violence continuing to affect the region. The demand for Chief Minister N Biren Singh’s resignation by the Kuki tribe reflects the escalating tensions and dissatisfaction among certain communities.

The ongoing ethnic violence has resulted in a devastating loss of lives, with over 120 people reported dead, and has also forced thousands of people to flee their homes, leading to internal displacement. The displaced individuals are now residing in relief camps, facing uncertain conditions and challenging circumstances.