A graphic and disturbing video has surfaced, capturing a deeply unsettling incident that took place in the northeastern Indian state of Manipur. In the video, two women are seen being forcibly made to walk naked through a crowd of clothed men, while surrounded by a baying mob. This distressing display of violence and sexual assault has caused widespread outrage after circulating on social media.

According to the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF), the incident occurred on May 4, but it was only after the video gained traction online that arrests were made by the police. The authorities have taken four individuals into custody, and more than three dozen men are being questioned in connection with the apparent sexual assault.

The viral video has shed light on the ongoing sectarian conflict in Manipur, adding to the region’s already tense ethnic violence. The footage depicts the victims being subjected to horrifying acts of groping and sexual assault, while surrounded by a mob of men brandishing weapons, including long canes and sticks.

In response to the disturbing incident, India’s leader, Narendra Modi, finally addressed the situation on Thursday, expressing his grief and anger. He referred to the incident as a shameful act for any civil society and emphasized that the perpetrators would face the full force of the law.

The situation in Manipur remains a matter of grave concern, and authorities continue their efforts to bring justice to the victims and maintain peace in the state.

The Upper House of Parliament was forced to adjourn only minutes after reconvening due to an outcry from opposition MPs. The cause of the outrage was the refusal to address the issue of Manipur.

On Wednesday, the ITLF released a statement condemning a disturbing incident that came to light through a viral video. The video showed a large Meitei mob parading two Kuki-Zo tribal women naked towards a paddy field, where they were subjected to gang-rape.

This appalling incident took place in B. Phainom village, located in Kangpokpi district. The video depicted the perpetrators constantly molesting the helpless women, who were in tears and pleading with their captors.

Manipur has been grappling with violence in recent months, with clashes erupting in the state capital, Imphal, on May 3. The clashes were triggered by a rally attended by thousands of students, primarily from the Kuki tribe, protesting against the Meitei ethnic community’s push for special tribal status. The Meitei community’s demand for tribal status aims to gain land ownership rights and increased opportunities for government jobs.

Since the May 3 incident, the violence has escalated, resulting in over 100 fatalities and tens of thousands of people being displaced.

The incident on May 4 occurred shortly after the women’s village was burnt down, and two men were fatally beaten, as reported by the ITLF.

The Congress party, India’s main opposition, has been fiercely critical of Prime Minister Modi’s handling of the issue in Manipur. Mallikarjun Kharge, the party’s president, tweeted on Thursday before the opening of Parliament, condemning the situation and accusing the government and BJP of transforming democracy and the rule of law into mobocracy. He stated that the delicate social fabric of the state has been destroyed.

Kharge directly addressed Modi in his tweet, expressing that India will not forgive his silence. He urged the government to speak about the situation in Manipur during the parliamentary session and take responsibility for their perceived incompetence both at the national and state levels.

Following these developments, Manipur’s Chief Minister, N. Biren Singh, announced on Twitter that an arrest had been made in connection with the incident. He mentioned that the Manipur Police acted promptly by taking Suo-moto cognisance of the incident after the video surfaced. This procedure allows the court to take action without a formal complaint being filed.

The Chief Minister assured that a thorough investigation is underway, and strict action will be taken against all the culprits involved, including considering the possibility of capital punishment. He made it clear that such heinous acts have no place in their society.

Subsequently, the Manipur police made three more arrests of individuals accused of abduction and gang rape.

Furthermore, the Indian government issued an order to Twitter and other social media platforms, instructing them not to share the viral video related to the incident. A source familiar with the matter told CNN on Thursday that it is crucial for social media platforms to comply with Indian laws since the case is currently under investigation.

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