A disturbing video showing two women being paraded nude by a violent crowd in Manipur, India, has sparked nationwide outrage. Following the arrest of one man, the police have opened a case of gang rape and are pursuing other suspects.
The incident prompted legislators to demand a discussion during the monsoon session of parliament, causing disruptions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi broke his silence on the ongoing violence in Manipur, promising that “no guilty will be spared” and assuring the nation that justice would prevail.
Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud expressed deep concern over the “unacceptable” attack and the video, ordering the government to inform the court of actions taken against the accused and warning that action would be taken if they failed to act promptly.
The video, which went viral on social media, drew attention to the attack that allegedly occurred on May 4. The federal government has requested the removal of the video from all social media platforms.
Manipur has been plagued by ethnic hostilities between the Meitei and Kuki groups, resulting in at least 130 deaths and 60,000 people displaced since May. The Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) stated that the victims were women from the Kuki-Zo tribal community, subjected to heinous crimes in the Kangpokpi area, including gang rapes.